Glorious house with acres of grounds for sale in Lanarkshire – with or without a thriving dog hotel business!
The Dogchester Hotel hit the headlines when it first opened seven years ago – offering pampered pooches the most luxurious bespoke accommodation.
Owners Margaret and Brian Straub, have built up a thriving business but are now ready to hang up the dog leads and retire.
Their fabulous four-bedroom family bungalow is on the market and buyers have the option to purchase the business too, or just the property, opening up the opportunity to convert the dog hotel rooms into another business or leisure space.
Business opportunity
When Margaret had the chance to leave her career in HR and take redundancy she had a vision for setting up her own business, taking dog boarding to the next level.
Margaret StraubWe’ve always had dogs but I never felt happy about leaving them in kennels,” she said. “I couldn’t relax on the beach knowing they were behind bars! Here it’s a home from home with every comfort.
And so she and Brian set about making a dog hotel they’d be happy to put their own dogs in. The Dogchester Hotel was designed and built by Margaret and Brian, in the grounds of the house they have now lived in for 11 years.
It includes 10 beautiful rooms (each large enough to be a double bedroom), each with patio doors and a TV, and with a huge, enclosed field to run around in, dog-loving staff to offer cuddles, walks, ball games and treats, dog-owners who love to spoil their four-legged friends can leave them in luxury, with complete peace of mind, when they go away.
Margaret StraubWe’ve worked hard to build up the business, which last year had a turnover of £83,000. It’s a great, successful business and we have dogs stay here all year round. But we’re ready to retire now and enjoy our lives elsewhere.
She says it will be a wrench to leave the house and garden they have lovingly cared for for 11 years – not to mention the many dogs and customers who have become regulars and friends.
“We’ve never had anyone come to look at the Dogchester who hasn’t wanted to book with us. And often, when they pick them up they will say ‘I wish our accommodation had been as nice as this’,” says Margaret. But at 64 and 67 respectively she and Brian are ready to take life at a more leisurely pace.
The business is licenced for 40 dogs and is available to buy separately from the house, with a price tag of around £100k. In the past there has been planning permission for stables at the property so, Margaret says, it would be an ideal place for horses, an equestrian business, or for workshops or offices.
“Rather than sell the business, with a house attached, we are selling the property, buildings and grounds, but the opportunity is there to buy the business as well,” she said.
Stunning home
Set in 13-acres of land this large bungalow, Blackwoodyett, is in the heart of the Lesmahagow countryside, yet within three minutes’ drive of the M74. It is on the market with Gebbie & Wilson for offers over £745,000, and can be sold just as a property, or with the business in a separate sale agreement.
Decorated and designed with contemporary features and luxury fittings throughout, this is more than just a ‘turnkey’ property. Boasting a large extension it has a breathtaking open-plan kitchen, living and dining room that opens onto the terrace and garden making the most of the stunning rural views. There is a studio/garden room and separate large workshop.
Logburners and contemporary fires make the reception rooms truly cosy and welcoming, whilst the open-plan design is ideal for entertaining and family life.
There’s a handy utility room, separate office room (with shower and WC, which could covert back to a bedroom) and cosy enclosed sitting room for relaxing and some peace and quiet. And, of course, it makes the home ideal for running a business alongside the house – be that keeping the dog hotel, or converting to another business use.
The master bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and there are two more spacious double bedrooms.
The double garage and large driveway provide ample parking for family, friends and potential customers and offer extra storage space if needed.
Blackwoodyett also features a second, larger outbuilding that has a WC and kitchen, which is currently used as the dog hotel.
Visit the website here to read more about the property.