A historic Isle of Wight hotel at the centre of a "significant and high value" drugs operation — which led to three men being jailed — has been listed for sale.
Holliers Hotel, Church Road, Shanklin, is on the market through Elliot Lincoln, with a guide price of £750,000.
The building, in the heart of Shanklin's Old Village, has been closed after a pre-Christmas drugs bust by police discovered a cannabis farm inside.
Officers executed a warrant on December 23 last year — finding 242 cannabis plants, spread across the whole of the building’s second floor.
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The set-up was described as a "high value production", with lamps, hydroponic growing systems, fans, and electrical points installed throughout the floor.
Co-owner Wayne Newton was one of three men jailed for their role in the cannabis production offences.
The court heard the operation represented a "significant investment" and had been installed with the cooperation of Newton, who also admitted permitting the production of cannabis from his premises.
It was argued on behalf of Artan Ulndreaj and Kevin Brako that they were effectively 'gardeners'.
At a court hearing last month (May), Judge David Melville said Newton was "in it for the money", jailing him for two years and eight months.
Ulndreaj, who also admitted knowingly overstaying in the UK, was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment, while Kevin Brako received a six-month jail term.
Described as a 'rare and exciting' opportunity, the Holliers is now for sale with vacant possession.
The listing states there is 'considerable scope' for a purchaser to reimagine its future use.
"For those seeking to reinstate hospitality use, the building provides an established former hotel layout, while developers and investors may wish to explore alternative possibilities, including residential conversion, subject to planning permission and any other necessary approvals," it reads.
The building, dating back to circa 1824, has 30 ensuite rooms, bars, a restaurant, kitchen, and guest areas.
Outside, the property benefits from garden areas and a generous amount of parking.
The listing adds: "While the building requires investment and improvement, the combination of scale, position, former use, and potential makes this a compelling opportunity for developers, hospitality operators, investors, or those seeking a substantial character property with future possibilities."
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