A former Perthshire bed and breakfast business looks set to get a luxury
makeover, it has been revealed.
Easterton Farm, near Blackford, is in line to be transformed into a model of the Soho Farm House in Oxfordshire, which boasts 40 luxury cabins, a four-bedroom cottage and a seven-bedroom farmhouse, as well as a private cinema, riding stables and spa.
It is understood the farm has now been bought by Ennismore, the owner of the Hoxton Hotel in London and Amsterdam.
This follows Ennismore’s recent purchase of the Gleneagles Hotel for around £150 million.
Soho House provides the catering for some of the Ennismore group’s hotels. Its founder and chief executive is Nick Jones, who is married to the broadcaster Kirsty Young.
Documents filed with Companies House and Registers of Scotland show that the Perthshire farm, which used to charge £35 a night B&B, was bought in October by GH Easterton Farm Ltd – a company set up by entrepreneurs who are behind the acquisition of the five-star Gleneagles Hotel.
These entrepreneurs include Sharan Pasricha and Charles Oakshett.
In addition, Bernard Murphy, general manager of Gleneagles, is also listed on Companies House as managing director of GH Easterton Farm Ltd.
Easterton Farm, which includes 257 acres of land, was put up for sale last summer for offers over £1.45m and was marketed by estate agent CKD Galbraith.
Councillor Tom Gray, who is one of the representatives for the Strathallan ward, said: “Gleneagles is a prime spot and I couldn’t imagine the hotel doing anything that is not in keeping with what they are already doing on the main estate.
“I am a farmer myself and anything which casts farming in a positive light can only be a good thing.”
An industry source said: “Gleneagles will probably establish the kind of
place where you can stay and eat and have the whole farm living experience – but without any muck or late subsidy payments.”
