Bath’s five-star Villa Magdala bed & breakfast has been acquired by Ian and Christa Taylor, who own the Abbey Hotel on North Parade.
Bath law firm Mogers Drewett pulled out all the stops to enable a takeover by the award-winning couple in just one month to minimise disruption and make the most of the busy summer tourist season. 
The 20-bedroom Victorian villa, pictured, on Henrietta Road enjoys an excellent reputation as a well-established business with a loyal customer base of repeat guests. The Taylors are excited at the opportunity to develop the business further, supported by a strong existing team at the Villa.
Ian Taylor said: “We are delighted to have acquired a second site in the city and we see great synergies between the two properties.
“With a strong business base in place for the summer months we will continue to operate without making any immediate changes. However, we look forward to developing the business and introducing new ideas and concepts that will enhance the offering. Something that will be very important to us from day one is to deliver the same great customer service and warm hospitality that has become synonymous with the Abbey Hotel, as this makes a real difference to the guest experience.”
Timing of the purchase was critical and Ian and Christa were keen for the deal to be completed as soon as possible to ensure minimal business disruption in the run-up to the busy summer tourist season.
Mogers Drewett company commercial partner Tom Webb said: “With speed of turnaround the main challenge with the purchase of Villa Magdala, it was vital that the company commercial team responded to the client’s obvious need to get the purchase completed quickly and efficiently, and we are delighted to have satisfied the client with the purchase taking just one month from start to finish.
“It has been a pleasure to work with Ian and his team and we are sure they will build on the proven success of the Villa Magdala business and visitors and tourists to Bath will reap the benefits of their experience and commitment to the highest levels of hospitality.”
Mogers Drewett, which carries out a lot of work in the hotel and leisure sector, has been involved in several key sale and purchase mandates in recent months, including the sale of luxury hotel spa and brasserie Lanes near Yeovil and the sale of another large city centre hotel in Bath.
