A PRESTIGIOUS hotel in the heart of the New Forest has been sold, after being marketed for £1.7m.

The three AA-star Cloud Hotel in Brockenhurst has been bought by experienced hotel operators Chris Legg and Stewart Wills, who have been looking to relocate to the New Forest National Park.

Christie & Co, which handled the sale, said the hotel was sold “off an asking price of £1.7m” but declined to say what it actually sold for.

The venue comprises 17 bedrooms, a bar, 50-cover restaurant, conservatory, 30-cover function room and one bedroom owner’s accommodation.

Previously, the hotel had been owned and operated for more than four decades by Avril Owton MBE.

Avril said: “Having owned the Cloud Hotel for more than 42 years, I am delighted to be handing over the reins to seasoned hoteliers Chris Legg and Stewart Willis who I am sure will continue to take the business from strength to strength.”

Ed Bellfield, regional director at Christie & Co’s Winchester office, who handled the sale, said: “I am delighted to have facilitated this sale on behalf of Avril and wish her all the best as she looks forward to a very well earned retirement.

“The New Forest is a highly sought after location for hotel operators and due to the shortfall of hotel businesses coming to market, we are experiencing significant demand.”