Novastar Acquires 77-Room Langham Hotel in Eastbourne

Hybrid hospitality platform Novastar Hotel Group, also identified in reports as StudioStays, has acquired the 77-bedroom Langham Hotel in Eastbourne for an undisclosed sum [1]. The 113-year-old property on Royal Parade Promenade was sold by retiring owners Neil and Wendy Kirby after 21 years, off a freehold guide price reported between £3.7 million and £3.75 million [2].

Who bought the Langham Hotel in Eastbourne?

The Sussex property was acquired by a hybrid hospitality platform, though the exact trading name of the buyer varies across industry reports. Boutique Hotel News reported the buyer as Novastar Hotel Group, noting that the company rebranded from Studio Stays Hotel Group in July 2026 [1]. Meanwhile, Hotel Owner identified the acquiring company simply as StudioStays [2]. The Eastbourne site represents the group's first hotel acquisition [1]. The purchasing company plans to follow this initial transaction with a second property located in the North of England, according to the group's website [1]. The acquisition marks the beginning of the hybrid hospitality platform's physical hotel portfolio, transitioning from its previous corporate identity to establish a presence on the South Coast of England [1].

How much did the 77-room property cost?

The final purchase price for the Eastbourne hotel remains an undisclosed sum [1]. Property adviser Christie & Co managed the sale of the freehold asset on behalf of the sellers [1]. Reports differ slightly on the exact guide price used during the marketing phase of the transaction. Boutique Hotel News stated the property was marketed off a freehold guide price of £3,750,000 [1]. According to Hotel Owner, the freehold guide price was listed at £3.7 million [2]. Ed Bellfield, regional director of hotels at Christie & Co, managed the formal sale process for the seaside property [1]. The transaction involved the transfer of the freehold interest in the 113-year-old promenade hotel [2].

What facilities does the 113-year-old property include?

The 113-year-old promenade hotel is located directly on the Royal Parade Promenade in Eastbourne, Sussex [2]. The physical real estate comprises 77 bedrooms, many of which provide guests with balconies that offer direct sea views [1]. The food and beverage operations within the hotel are extensive, featuring a dedicated restaurant capable of catering for up to 120 guests at a time [2]. Alongside the main dining room, the property houses an extensive bar area for guests and visitors [2]. The exterior of the property includes multiple outdoor spaces, featuring a 55-cover external sun terrace and an additional terrace that provides seating for 60 covers [2]. For corporate events and meetings, the hotel includes several boardroom-style breakout suites [2].

Why are Neil and Wendy Kirby selling the hotel?

Neil and Wendy Kirby decided to sell the property in order to retire from the hotel business [1]. The couple independently owned and operated the Eastbourne hotel for a continuous period of 21 years [1]. Hotel Owner reported that the Kirbys enjoyed working in the seaside location and benefited from repeat patronage from both private and group business throughout their tenure [2]. The sellers stated they want to hand the successful business over to a new owner to take it to the next level [1]. The Kirbys expressed deep gratitude to their past and present dedicated staff for their unwavering support throughout the years of operation [2]. Ed Bellfield noted that the business has an outstanding reputation, which he attributed directly to the continued re-investment and stewardship demonstrated by the owners over recent decades [1]. Bellfield added that the hotel business benefits from repeat patronage, wishing the couple well on their retirement [1].

What is the buyer planning for future expansion?

The Eastbourne acquisition serves as the inaugural hotel property for the purchasing group [1]. Following the completion of the Langham Hotel transaction, the company intends to expand its portfolio further. According to the company website, a second property will follow in the North of England [1]. This strategy indicates a geographical expansion from the South Coast of Sussex to the northern regions of the country, establishing a multi-property footprint for the hybrid hospitality platform under its new corporate structure [1].