This article appeared in The Press on Friday, 2 November, 2007.

Landmark York Hotel Sold - After 22 Years In Family Hands

Sue Reid & Russell Turner Directors at Garbutt & Elliot with Graham and Beverley Blythe outside the Beechwood Close Hotel

A landmark York hotel, which has been owned by the same family for 22 years, has been sold.

Graham and Beverley Blythe have sold the Beechwood Close Hotel in Shipton Road for an undisclosed sum to Mr Abdu Naeb and partners.

The Blythes have had a hand in running the hotel since 1974 and bought the hotel with Beverley's parents, Tony and Barbara Spink, in 1985, who then retired in 1995. They have run it as a family business ever since.

Beverley Blythe told the Press: “We have had the most wonderful time running Beechwood Close and made so many good friends over the years. We now feel that the time is right to sell up and devote more time to our family, friends and hobbies.

She added: “We would like to make special mention to our very loyal team of staff, without whom we would not have achieved what we have today, they helped us through a long and happy part of our lives and we would like to acknowledge all they have done for us over the years.

We would also like to say a huge thank-you to our loyal customers, who have made our time at Beechwood Close very special, and wish the new owners of Beechwood Close every success”.

Graham, a keen sportsman and lifelong fan of York City Football Club, and Beverley, a needlework enthusiast, plan to retire in York.

The sale of the hotel was handled by leading Yorkshire chartered accountants Garbutt & Elliott. Sue Reid of Garbutt & Elliott has worked with four generations of the Blythe/Spink family and corporate finance director Russell Turner was brought on board to help with the sale.

Beverley Blythe said: “We would like to pay tribute to the hard work and friendship shown by Sue Reid over the years. She has been a tremendous friend, as well as our accountant, and we are extremely grateful.”

Russell Turner of Garbutt & Elliott said: “In view of the long-standing relationship between us and the Blythes/Spinks, we were delighted to be able to assist in the successful sale of their family business, Beechwood Close. We wish the Blythes a long and happy retirement – they certainly deserve it.”

Peter Bean from Colliers Robert Barry was the property agent for the vendors.