Tintern's Royal George Hotel has new owners who are already looking at ways of growing the business.

The hotel, which is right in the heart of the Wye Valley village close to Tintern Abbey and the River Wye was sold through specialist business property adviser Christie & Co.

This attractive Grade II listed building has a rich history, originally built in the 16th century as the ironmaster’s cottage for the nearby mine and later converted into a coaching inn during the 1600s.

The thriving hotel and events venue comprises a reception area, lounge bar with capacity for 42 covers, restaurant for 30 covers, and a function room, which can accommodate up to 100 guests with French doors opening to the gardens, making it ideal for wedding parties. There are also 16 en suite guest bedrooms, of which 14 are purpose built garden rooms, which were later additions to the property as part of two detached annexes built on the grounds.

The Royal George boasts a well-kept trade garden which sits alongside the Angiddy Brook, which in turn flows into the River Wye. There is also car parking for up to 50 vehicles.

Sitting on a generous plot fronting the main A466 road, the premises is highly accessible to the popular tourist destinations nearby, including the Wye Valley, Forest of Dean, and Chepstow Racecourse.

The new owners are Richard Secular and Harriet Babbage who are looking to increase wedding bookings and other events trade, and possibly adding further guest rooms.

Richard and Harriet are looking forward to adding their own style to the business by transforming the bar area into a thriving bar/restaurant and providing a welcoming and dog-friendly space.

The previous owners, James and Sammie McMorrough, had run the hotel since 2007 and decided to retire, but were keen that the new owners would invest in the business and further grow its various income streams.

They said: “This is only the second time the Royal George has swapped hands in 30 years and we wish Richard and Harriet all the best for the future.”

Corrina Jones, business agent based in Christie & Co’s Cardiff office, said: “James and Sammie have cemented the Royal George’s position as an established AA 3 Star hotel and within the top 20 in the UK in the Best Western Quality Awards. This hotel attracted a lot of interest and we are looking forward to seeing Richard Secular and Harriet Babbage taking the hotel forward as it has always attracted a broad mix of local, commercial and leisure guests.”

Royal George Hotel was sold off a guide price of £850,000.