An American couple who purchased the Broomhill Estate art hotel in Muddiford near Barnstaple in November 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic, have made the tough decision to sell the establishment due to escalating expenses.
Despite their departure, Alex and Michele Kleiner have remained optimistic a new owner will continue the legacy they started, recognising the hotel’s vast potential.
The property is currently on the market with estate agent Savills at £1.3 million
Broomhill stands out not only as a hospitality venue but also as an art exhibition space and its grounds full of weird and wonderful sculptures by many different artists have always proved a draw for visitors.
The Kleiners took over from the previous owners to continue its transformation into an art-centric boutique hotel, featuring an eclectic array of attractions such as a collection of authentic Hollywood movie props, music memorabilia, taxidermy and various artworks adorning the walls, including more than 200 sculptures in the gardens.
For many years the gardens were home to the prestigious National Sculpture Prize, which saw artists from across the UK bid to win the £15,000 top prize.
Having previously worked in technology and music, the Kleiners’ shift to the hospitality industry was driven by their passion for the arts. They aimed to create a unique experience for guests, with each of the seven rooms curated differently and boasting its own bespoke scent.
The hotel’s restaurant offered a refined dining experience, with a menu that changed in sync with the rotating art installations, ensuring patrons always encountered something new and thought-provoking.
But despite their best efforts, the Kleiners faced mounting challenges, including the financial strain caused by the pandemic.
Alex Kleiner revealed that his inability to obtain government financial support during the crisis due to not holding a UK passport exacerbated the situation.
He said: “This was a really, really sad thing for me.”
“I tried everything. It was an absolute nightmare. They would only take a UK passport as a document and nothing else. It was just brutal”
Additionally, they grappled with tripled electric rates, increased supplier prices and a general downturn in the hospitality sector, making it unsustainable to continue operating the hotel.
With its unique blend of art, culture and hospitality, they believe the hotel holds immense potential in the hands of a new owner who shares their vision and passion for creativity.
Alex emphasised its potential to become a vibrant hub for arts and music in North Devon.
Alex envisioned the establishment evolving to include commercial ventures such as weddings, literary festivals and small gigs, while also highlighting plans for developing the surrounding land into a community-friendly trail extension.
Looking ahead at future plans, the couple said they are still ‘figuring it out’ with a wish to have a ‘smooth handover’ to the next owner.
The couple would love to see the next owner carry on what they have accomplished as they said “there are not many places in North Devon like this.”
Some sculptures will be removed in the near future as they were only on loan, whilst some have remained at the hotel for a long period of time and are part of a permanent collection.
With potential buyers expressing interest, the Kleiners have considered auctioning the property to expedite the process. They have urged prospective owners to recognise Broomhill Hotel’s significance and the impact it has had on the community.
Alex has also explained that it is very important to him to maintain the jobs of his staff. Even during the pandemic, the couple didn’t furlough anyone but instead gave them retention bonuses and raises. He said he is really proud of the team of staff they had.
As they prepare to part ways with the hotel, the Kleiners are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for staff, suppliers, and artists involved. They hope that the next owner will not only preserve the hotel’s unique charm but also take it to new heights, cementing its place as a cultural gem in North Devon.
