BUDDING hoteliers are jumping at the chance to run a seaside hotel after the lease was put on the market for less than £80,000.

The Cobham Hotel in Westcliff has hit the market with its current managers moving onto pastures new, and the marketing agent says the interest has been “great” already.

Commercial estate agent Gerard Biagioni, from Dedman Gray estate agents which is marketing the site, says the interest in the hotel proves the market is “very buoyant” and is confident that the Cobham will remain a hotel for years to come.

The leasehold for the hotel is currently up for £79,500.

Echo: Prime location - the Cobham Hotel in WestcliffPrime location - the Cobham Hotel in Westcliff (Image: Dedman Gray)

The leasehold for the hotel is currently up for £79,500.

“I wish I had more of them for sale,” Mr Biagioni admits.

“Because of where we are and the seasonal trade there is always the need for hotels.

“I think we might have reached the optimum number because there’s not been many new hotel developments in Southend so you might assume there are enough rooms to satisfy the demand.

“The amount of interest in this opportunity shows there is enough demand to buy one too.”

The 14-bed hotel is “lovely and charming and in a really nice Victorian building which was converted many, many years ago”, Mr Biagioni added.

Echo: Pretty - the hotel's gardenPretty - the hotel's garden (Image: Dedman Gray)

Echo: Watering hole - the hotel's barWatering hole - the hotel's bar (Image: Dedman Gray)

He said: “It’s not like one of those modern, boxed hotels because it’s got a lot of character to it and all the rooms are unique.”

It boasts beautiful gardens at the front and back, two dining rooms, a function room, a bar, fitted kitchens, and extra event space in its basements.

Mr Biagioni hopes the site will stay as a hotel for years to come.

He added: “We’ve had about ten people view it and about four offers so far. There’s been great interest in it and the market appears to be very buoyant.

RELATED: Fears Westcliff will become 'a slum town' amid plans for bedsits at former hotel

Echo: Quaint - the hotel is beautifully decoratedQuaint - the hotel is beautifully decorated (Image: Dedman Gray)

Echo: Welcoming - inside the hotelWelcoming - inside the hotel (Image: Dedman Gray)

“It’s about 200 yards away from the beach but is off the main pitch, which means it’s close enough to everything while being in a quiet and secluded location.

“The people who have viewed it so far and everyone who has made offers all want to continue its existing use as a hotel.”

If you’d like to find out more about buying the popular hotel, contact Gerard at Dedman Gray on 01702 311037.