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An opportunity of a lifetime:
Well … maybe!
The Buccleuch is “SOFTLY” and “GENTLY” up for sale
After 22 years of having the best time building and running the hotel and meeting so many amazing people, I do need to consider retirement at some point. Kind of – prepare for it and not have it thrust upon us.
So … What do “softly” and “gently” mean?
The paramount thinking and rationale behind this sale is rooted in a deep desire to do everything—truly everything—possible to ensure that the heart and style of the Hotel remain intact. This place carries a spirit that can’t simply be transferred on paper; it needs to be understood, protected, and cherished. We are searching for an empathetic buyer, someone who not only recognises the value of the property, but who also feels the meaning behind it. Someone who understands what sincere service looks like in every small interaction, and who is committed to nurturing guest satisfaction at every level. More than anything, we want the soul of the Hotel to continue to live, breathe, and warm the people who walk through its doors. Someone who will get as much pleasure from running a successful hotel as we have.
After more than two decades of driven commitment, the rest of the family is beginning to look toward new horizons. It’s a natural and heartfelt shift—an openness to what the future may hold—while still feeling a deep responsibility for the legacy we have all built together. As we consider our options, our guiding intention is simple: to ensure that the Hotel continues to operate with the same seamless grace, unwavering service, sharp attention to quality, and the genuine, renowned care our guests have come to expect and trust. For this to happen, Dave and family are in total agreement – We must find the right buyer—someone who can carry this torch with sincerity and respect. And in that thoughtful search, some truly interesting opportunities begin to emerge…
“This is an incredibly rare opportunity to buy a thriving hotel that could transform your hobby – be it motorcycling, walking, cycling, stargazing or other outdoor pursuits – into a successful, proven and secure business.
Yip … even in this climate.”
What’s on offer here is truly remarkable. As Dave prepares for retirement, the family is leaving the business in great shape: the hotel can boast numbers of advance bookings that would make any hotel owner green with envy. Even more impressively, over 76% of the bookings are from returning visitors, speaking volumes of the hotel’s ability to retain customers.
The Buccleuch has long been recognised for its exceptional hospitality, award-winning service, and truly memorable (if not somewhat quirky) dining. Every guest is greeted with genuine warmth — the kind that turns a visit into a lasting relationship. Over the years, the hotel has built its reputation on consistently going above and beyond, creating experiences guests cherish and return to time and again.
The hotel’s systems are strong, well entrenched, and designed to support seamless operations on every occasion. As the family prepares for the next chapter, they are committed to ensuring that the hotel’s standards remain unwavering, while also creating space for new opportunities and thoughtful growth. This careful approach means the legacy of the Buccleuch will continue to thrive in the hands of its next custodians.
One of the hotel’s greatest strengths is the care that has gone into designing its systems and style — everything is intuitive, thoughtfully structured, and ready for a smooth transition. This means a new owner can step in with confidence, knowing the foundations are already solid and easy to build upon.
And because the Smith family is deeply committed to preserving the heart and legacy of the Buccleuch, each of us is willing to remain involved for at least a year, offering guidance, support, and hands-on training wherever needed. We want the next chapter to be as successful and fulfilling as the last, and we’re here to ensure that happens.
If you’ve made it this far, we sincerely thank you for your interest in our hotel! Here’s a little reality to share: yes, Dave is mulling over retirement, but no need to start the countdown clock just yet! The family, including Dave, isn’t in a hurry. Our priority is to find the right person, that perfect match—someone who shares our love for this gem of an establishment. If the right person doesn’t come knocking immediately, that’s perfectly fine; we’re all about taking our time, ensuring a smooth transition, and cheering on the new captain of this ship! What a fantastic opportunity for the right individual – we’ll be right behind them, providing our support.
In the meantime, we’re bubbling with excitement to share that everything is running seamlessly! We’ve recently rolled out some incredible additions that we’re sure will impress you. So go ahead and book with confidence—your stay is secure and guaranteed!
Bikers’ paradise
The Buccleuch Arms attracts guests from across the board, but it’s most famous among touring motorcyclists, who value the warm biker-friendly welcome, comprehensive motorcycling services and thoughtful touches that make the Buccleuch the UK’s — if not Europe’s — premier biker-friendly hotel.
Tucked away between Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders, in the motorcycling mecca of Moffat, the Buccleuch Arms benefits from tranquil surroundings that make you feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of big cities, but in reality it’s only a few minutes from the M74 motorway, 55 miles from both Edinburgh and Glasgow, 21 miles to Dumfries and only 40 miles from Carlisle and the border with England. It’s just a short hop from the Lake District or North Yorkshire, and only three hours from Manchester and Liverpool.
Moffat is surrounded by rolling hills, valleys, lochs and wide-open spaces with magnificent scenery. Combine that with endless good tarmac roads with extremely low volumes of traffic, plentiful outdoor activities to explore, and ultra-limited light pollution, you can see why this beautiful, quiet, unexplored region is a dream destination for motorcyclists, cyclists, walkers, stargazers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
There’s more to it than biking
Although the Buccleuch Arms is best known as a biker destination, it also serves various other audiences too. It’s strategically positioned to provide easy access to several walking and cycling routes, and the reintroduction of Golden Eagles to Southern Scotland has put Moffat at the very heart of eagle tourism.
Moffat is also officially recognised as one of the UK’s very first Dark Skies towns, making it a dream destination for stargazers and astronomers.
A hotel that runs like clockwork
The Smith family has been running the hotel for over two decades, and years of improvement and refinement mean everything at the hotel just works — from the booking systems to the guest services. The hotel has slick processes, modern equipment, and staff who know how to make it a success. Success is cultural and built into the hotel’s DNA through all the systems over the years. It has been organically marketed over the years and now sells itself.
Comfort and modern convenience
Every guestroom at the Buccleuch Arms is thoughtfully appointed with en-suite facilities, flat-screen televisions, tea and coffee-making facilities, and USB charging ports. Some of the rooms offer stunning views of the picturesque town and the surrounding valleys, providing a tranquil backdrop. Guests can unwind in the bar or the hotel lounge, which features a welcoming Georgian fireplace — a perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring.
Exceptional dining and hospitality
The hotel’s reputation for quality food is well-deserved. Is it fine dining – absolutely not. The dining offerings are a blend of comfort and quirkiness, crafted with the Buccleuch’s very own distinctive style. From hearty, locally sourced breakfasts to inventive evening menus, the staff take great pride in the culinary standards and offer all dietary options. The bar boasts an impressive selection of whiskies, gins and carefully curated wines, complemented by a range of local and international beers, and a few of our own brands, including fine real cask ales.
The Buccleuch Arms in a nutshell
The Buccleuch Arms Hotel sale includes the following (and so much more):
- Full Freehold buildings and grounds with no ties.
- 17 guest rooms with room to increase the number
- Restaurant with full kitchen and food storage, including a double Rational Combi Oven
- Full bar with bar-side lounge and fireside lounge
- Spacious offices and staff living quarters
- Ample storage spaces/rooms
- Cellar with cold and regular storage
- TV lounge/map room
- Courtyard with laundry room
- Rear garden set up with a beer garden and motorcycle parking with garages and maintenance facilities
- Included in the sale are also several key web domains that can be used to drive business.
- … and so much more!
Further information
Anyone interested in this incredible opportunity and wishing to learn more about the details of the hotel, what’s included in the sale, and how to make this happen, is encouraged to talk to the agents in January and February.
After the 5th of January – PHONE: 01683 263791 – where you could get more info and directions.
If you’re reading this through our website before the 5th of January 2026, it means you’re not just a guest; you are a valued member of the Buccleuch community—whether you’re a loyal visitor, a” Bucc Club “member, or someone who has cherished moments at our hotel.
It is intended for our very many friends before it goes public through various media in January. We wanted our friends to hear this news from us first, as a show of appreciation and respect built up over many years.
We are confident of finding the right person – we are in no rush and under no pressure.
