Heartwood Collection Acquires The Lord Bute in Highcliffe to Expand The Oaks with 19 New Bedrooms

The Heartwood Collection has completed the acquisition of The Lord Bute, a well-known hotel and restaurant in the coastal village of Highcliffe, Dorset, marking another step in the group’s continued expansion across the South of England.

Located directly next door to Heartwood’s existing pub, The Oaks, the newly acquired property will undergo a significant refurbishment and redevelopment. Once completed, the site will reopen as an extension of The Oaks, adding 19 new bedrooms and enhancing the overall guest offering.

Ed Little, Property Director for Highcliffe, said the opportunity to purchase the neighbouring property was too good to miss.

“Last Friday saw the completion of The Lord Bute in Highcliffe. We could not pass up on the opportunity to purchase this site due to the fact it's next door to our existing pub, The Oaks,” he said. “We will begin the process of converting and upgrading the current site to form 19 new bedrooms to sit alongside The Oaks. We will invest significantly in both properties, with them trading under The Oaks name in late summer.”

The Heartwood Collection described the acquisition as a key milestone in the continued development of its premium “pub with rooms” portfolio.

“We're delighted to share that we have proudly acquired The Lord Bute, a much-loved hotel and restaurant in picturesque Highcliffe, Dorset,” a spokesperson for the company said. “The property sits adjacent to our existing pub, The Oaks, and will undergo a significant refurbishment before reopening as an extension of the existing pub.”

The company added that the project reflects its broader growth strategy across southern England.

“This acquisition marks another important milestone in the expansion of our premium ‘pub with rooms’ portfolio. It strengthens our presence across the South of England and represents our third site in Dorset. Exciting times ahead – and we can't wait to share more of the transformation process.”

Following refurbishment works, the combined site is expected to reopen under The Oaks name in late summer, offering expanded accommodation alongside the pub’s existing food and drink offering.