Residents of the seaside village of Hope Cove in Devon are voicing strong opposition to the sale of the historic Cottage Hotel to a Dubai-linked firm, Beach Barefoot Hospitality. The locals fear the acquisition will transform the family-run establishment into a high-end waterfront venue, potentially altering the village's character and pricing it out of reach for many.
The Cottage Hotel, a landmark that has been operated by the same family for over 50 years and has served as a community hub, was sold off-market in a multi-million-pound deal. The new owner, Beach Barefoot Hospitality, is reportedly an international hotelier with ties to Dubai. Mehdi Rheljari, the company's acting director, is identified as a French/Moroccan entrepreneur residing in the United Arab Emirates, with a portfolio of luxury hospitality projects.
The sale price for the 45-bedroom property, situated on a three-acre site with direct beach access, has not been publicly disclosed, though it was advertised with a guide price of £8 million. Concerns among villagers center on the potential for the hotel to become an exclusive playground for the wealthy, drawing parallels to nearby Salcombe, which some have described as 'Chelsea-on-Sea' due to rising costs and an influx of second-home owners.
Villagers have expressed their apprehension about the hotel's future, emphasizing its current role as a place that has historically welcomed families and maintained a traditional coastal feel. "The big concern of residents locally and of regular visitors is that it goes upmarket too much and becomes prohibitive," stated Dave Clarke, a resident who has witnessed changes in neighboring Salcombe.
Sean Hassell, the harbour master, noted that the community was "nervous" about the hotel's new ownership. He acknowledged that the new owners might have the financial means for improvements but stressed that Hope Cove should not be compared to Salcombe. "We're not Salcombe, we are Hope Cove. I think we're a lot nicer than Salcombe, but they can't push those prices to Salcombe prices," Hassell said.
Other residents echoed these sentiments. Zofia Wisniewska, a shop owner, highlighted the village's desire to preserve its existing charm and protect it from large-scale developments. Vernon Moss, who has been visiting the hotel with his family since the 1950s, expressed concern that changes could disrupt the family-friendly environment and negatively impact the village during off-peak seasons if the property were converted into holiday flats.
Beach Barefoot Hospitality has stated its intention to reposition the hotel as a "waterfront luxury venue delivering exceptional service to guests seeking a unique, resort-style environment." The sale represents a second-generation retirement sale for the Ireland family, who have owned and operated The Cottage Hotel since 1973.
