A historic hotel in Llanelli is under new ownership following a six-figure deal.
The 200-year-old Ashburnham Hotel in Pembrey, which has an annual turnover of £650,000, has been bought by new owners, Nickesha Graham-Burrell and Balfour Burrell.
The pair received a £420,000 funding package from bank to purchase the site following the retirement of its previous owners.
The deal, which was completed last month, sees the new owners secure the freehold of the hotel and all existing furniture and fittings.
Staff will also be retained as part of the ownership change, though the new owners said they hope to create further jobs in the local area as the business expands.
The couple plan to invest in refurbishing both the interior and exterior of the seven-acre site, as well as add guest lodges to the grounds and install electric car charging points on site.
Mr Burrell, a former construction project manager, will take over as general manager of the site.
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Ms Graham-Burrell said: “is an extremely important business in the local area and sits in idyllic surroundings close to Pembrey Country Park and Ashburnham golf course. It is rich in history and still plays a huge part in the local community offering everything from weddings to business meetings and dining opportunities.”
She added: “The hotel has seen many changes over the years and will undergo internal and external refurbishment to create a sophisticated and luxurious feel. We’re excited about the future of the business and are committed to ensuring it remains authentic as the operation expands.”
The transaction was supported by commercial finance broker at B2B Finance, Jo McCarthy, alongside NatWest’s business development manager, Andrew Styles, and relationship manager for Carmarthenshire, Paul Dunne.
Mr Dunne said: “Working with Nickesha and the team to secure this funding package has been a pleasure. I am confident the funds provided by NatWest will help to inject refreshed life back into the much-loved hotel and encourage additional employment opportunities in the area.”
He added: “The hospitality sector has faced a particularly challenging time on a national scale, however, SMEs such as The Ashburnham Hotel will play a huge role in our economic recovery and Natwest is delighted to support this venture.”
Built in the early 1800s to provide accommodation for business people in the area, the hotel inherits its name from the Earl of Ashburnham.
The hotel is most well-known for accommodating American aviator Amelia Earhart overnight during her transatlantic flight in 1928, becoming the first woman to cross the Atlantic Ocean in an aircraft.