Borders hotel goes up for sale as owners make plans to retire

New owners are being sought for Carfraemill, near Lauder, which has been under the ownership of Jim and Jo Sutherland more than two decades.

Former teacher Jo and Jim, a sheep farmer at nearby Hillhouse Farm, bought and refurbished the hotel in 1996.

Jo said: “After 23 wonderful years, it’s time for us to retire from Carfraemill. Jim and I are both much nearer to 70 than 60 and it’s time to live our lives as most of our friends now do - in retirement.

“We had always planned to retire later this year, though there is no doubt that Covid-19 has made it more complicated than it might have been.” 

The hotel, and the adjoining marquee erected seasonally, serve dozens of weddings and funerals each year.

In 1997 the couple controversially served up beef on the bone in defiance of government regulations at that time. Jim became the first person in the UK to be charged with the offence before his case was later thrown out at the High Court in Edinburgh.

The couple now hope a new owner will secure the future of the four-star rated hotel for the sake ofits 30-odd staff and the local economy.

“The dedication and enthusiasm of a new owner is exactly what’s needed at this time,” Jo added. “We have a fantastic and experienced team of staff here and a future owner would be incredibly lucky to have them on board.

“Carfraemill is a beautiful building with a rich history and it has played an important role in the big moments of so many people’s lives. It’s a business which has long been important, also, to the local economy.

“We are sure there is a bright future ahead and know Carfraemill will always be a place for creating memories.”

Currently closed due to the coronavirus lockdown, the Sutherlands are planning its reopening in line with government guidance next month.