Apex Hotels buys Meldrum House amid rural expansion drive

Family-owned Apex hotels has acquired its second rural property, Meldrum House Country Hotel and Golf Course in Aberdeenshire, for an undisclosed sum.

The group is planning to expand its rural presence, following its acquisition of Pine Trees hotel in Pitlochry in July last year.

Meldrum House is a 51-bedroom, 13th century manor house set within 250 acres of countryside, which has been privately owned by Aberdeenshire businessmen Bob Edwards and Terry and David Buchan for over 30 years.

It won the Best Marketing Campaign Award at the 2022 Cateys.

The country house hotel will be the 10th property for Apex, which secured a £60m refinancing package last August to expand into rural locations.

Jordan Charles will continue to lead the day-to-day operation of the Meldrum House as managing director following the sale.

Angela Vickers, chief executive officer of Apex Hotels, said: "The acquisition of Meldrum House Country Hotel represents an opportunity to continue to diversify the Apex Hotels portfolio, giving our guests even more choice of a city or more relaxed rural option.

"This is an exciting time for Apex, and after getting to know the team at Meldrum House, it was clear they share the same vision and ambitions we have at Apex Hotels.

"Meldrum House will be one of our flagship hotels and we are delighted to be the next custodians of this historic property."

Bob Edwards added: "After 31 years of owning Meldrum House with David and Terry Buchan, it is the perfect time to hand over the reins for a new chapter, where the hotel and estate will become part of Apex Hotel's expanding portfolio."

Apex Hotels was founded by Scottish entrepreneur Norman Springford, who opened his first property, Apex Grassmarket hotel in Edinburgh, in 1996.