A WYE Valley hotel which dates back 420 years has been sold after being put on the market in 2016 for £850,000.

The Royal George Hotel, which overlooks Tintern Abbey, was originally built as an ironmaster’s cottage for the nearby mine in 1598 before converting to a coaching inn in the 1600s.

Previous owners James and Sammie McMorrough had run the Best Western hotel beside the A466 since 2007 and decided to retire, but were keen that the new owners would invest in the business and grow its various income streams.

They said: “This is only the second time the Royal George has swapped hands in 30 years and we wish Richard Secular and Harriet Babbage all the best for the future.”

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, successfully completed the sale of the hotel, which boasts 16 ensuite guest bedrooms, of which 14 are purpose built garden rooms, which were later additions to the property as part of two detached annexes built on the grounds.

Its function room seats 100, and its garden sits alongside the Angiddy Brook, flowing into the River Wye.

The new owners say there is plenty of scope for growth, particularly by increasing wedding bookings and other events trade, and possibly adding further guest rooms. Richard and Harriet are looking forward to adding their own style to the business by transforming the bar area into a thriving bar/restaurant and providing a welcoming and dog-friendly space.

Corrina Jones, business agent based in Christie & Co’s Cardiff office comments: “James and Sammie have cemented the Royal George’s position as an established AA Three Star hotel and within the top 20 in the UK in the Best Western Quality Awards.

“This hotel attracted a lot of interest and we are looking forward to seeing Richard Secular and Harriet Babbage taking the hotel forward as the hotel has always attracted a broad mix of local, commercial and leisure guests.”

Meanwhile, Tintern Community Council has been told that the derelict Tintern Abbey Hotel building has been put on the market by the owners.

Plans to convert the former hotel, opposite the entrance to the Abbey, into 11 homes were approved by Monmouthshire County Council in November 2013, but the property is still boarded up.