The 25 Boutique B&B is a five-star bed & breakfast in Torquay that earned an “absolutely fabulous” reputation from overnight visitor Dame Joanna Lumley and now the prestigious venue is now up for sale. The 25 twice won “World’s Best B&B” from the travel website TripAdvisor and is currently Visit England’s “B&B of the Year”.
Based in Devon on the English Riviera, famed for its temperate climate and of course as the location for classic sitcom Fawlty Towers, the luxurious six bedroom B&B was completely renovated in 2015, when owners Andy and Julian Banner-Price embarked on creating their unique décor to stand out as truly “boutique” accommodation, the first in the area. A continuous programme of improvements has ensured The 25 has remained at the top of its game, offering high tech rooms combined with thoughtful touches to make any stay perfect.
The experienced couple had downsized from a country house hotel and wedding venue in North Wales where they learnt the trade, also running a restaurant and self-catering cottages, and even catering for royalty.
Having built up a profitable business in Torquay, with an enviable reputation and loyal repeat customer base, it may be surprising that they have chosen now to sell up. Andy explained their reasoning: “Last August I was diagnosed with throat cancer. Still in my forties, it was a huge shock and made us re-evaluate our lives. I’m pleased to say that the treatment is complete and despite the brutality of it, I am now on the mend, feeling much more myself, and cancer free. We reopened to guests at the end of March following an extended winter break. We feel the time is right to hand over the reins, leaving us free to do lots more travelling. I also plan to go into training and consulting within the industry to help others reach the top.”
Andy’s husband Julian added “A new couple could come in and easily run things exactly the way we have as it’s an off the shelf business. Everything is set up and all the processes are in place, but we would offer a full handover if required. Despite our healthy trading figures, and a good lifestyle, there’s still plenty of scope to develop the business further. We normally choose to close for winter from November to Valentines, had thirty days off during the season in 2022, and only advertise five of our six rooms in the summer to keep our workload down.”
Andy’s cancer was caught early and therefore very treatable. He said: “If you find any kind of new lump (mine was on my neck), particularly if it doesn’t hurt, then get it checked out as soon as possible by your GP. It may be nothing, which is great, but it’s best to check – it could just save your life. I want to spread the message far and wide. I’ve never smoked in my life, so getting throat cancer was the last thing I’d have expected to get. I thought I was being a bit paranoid going to the doctor about what looked like a swollen gland, but they said if I’d left it then the cancer would have spread and in less than two years it could have been too late. If by telling everyone about my cancer I can save just one life, then it will have been worth it.”
The 25 Boutique B&B is offered for sale as a going concern at £850,000 via estate agents Charles Darrow based in Newton Abbot.
For further information or further photos, please contact Andy at stay@the25.uk or 01803 297517.
