York agency talks of sale of North Yorkshire hotel made famous by hit show

The Goathland Hotel as the Aidensfield Arms in TV's Heartbeat. (Image: Pic supplied)

A well-known York estate agency has spoken on how it oversaw a deal which has seen the iconic Goathland Hotel – known to many as the Aidensfield Arms on the long-running television show Heartbeat – come under new ownership.

Barry Crux & Co say the well-established family-run hotel which was owned by the Richardson family for 40 years. It had been on the market for three years.

The new owners, two locally-based businessmen, also confirmed that actress Tricia Penrose, who played barmaid Gina Ward in the ITV show for 18 years, is part of their team.

The agents say they now intend to invest to take the business to the next level and take full advantage of the pub’s rich heritage and popularity given its prominent role in the 1960’s period series, which saw Goathland depict the fictional village of Aidensfield and ran from 1992 to 2010, attracting millions of viewers.

• TV actress Tricia Penrose buys The Goathland Hotel of Heartbeat fame

• Heartbeat fans' memories as TV star takes on Goathland Hotel

• Heartbeat's Aidensfield Arms is for sale - look inside

• Barry Crux & Co markets the 26-bed B&B York for £2.5million

  The Goathland Hotel

(Image: Pic supplied)

The village is a popular destination for both day trippers and international visitors, with the nearby Yorkshire Moors Railway Station, featuring 19th-century steam trains, having also appeared as Hogsmeade Station in the Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone movie.

The hotel interior

(Image: Pic supplied)

Andrew Spencer, agency director at Barry Crux & Company, said: “We’re delighted to have completed this deal as the Goathland Hotel is iconic given its history and role in Heartbeat, and we feel it will benefit from new owners and new investment.”

“The previous owners had dedicated 40 years into running the hotel, including the periods when it was taken over by television crews for the series, and are now looking to enjoy a well-deserved retirement.

“The new owners were really keen to get their hands on this business as it is a true honeypot location. They are local to the area and they not only see this as a business opportunity, but a chance to really breathe new life into an important landmark hotel. Having Tricia on board is obviously a huge boost to them too.

The hotel interior

(Image: Pic supplied)

“The bar has traded under limited hours for some time to suit the previous owners’ lifestyle, so these hours could be extended to take full advantage of the tourist trade, with potential also to expand the rooms lettings, which had been limited to three day weekends.”

“I’m sure we’ll see significant investment into the hotel, whilst of course retaining the look and feel that television viewers will recognise.”

“I’m sure it will prove a huge success for the new owners.”

Tricia Penrose initially broke the news of the sale on her social media accounts.

Tricia Penrose as she appeared on ITV's Calendar

(Image: Barry Crux & Co)

She said: “I have some exciting news to announce. I am now the proud owner along with two local businessmen of The Goathland Hotel, well known as The Aidensfield Arms where I played Gina Ward for 18 years. Gina’s going home.”

The deal attracted widespread media attention, and speaking from behind the bar, she told ITV Calendar: “It feels great, it’s absolutely fantastic to be back. I keep having to pinch myself as it’s all a bit surreal to be honest and I can’t believe how many people have come to give us this amazing welcome.”

The Goathland Hotel has a public bar, lounge, family room lounge, an ice cream parlour/shop with seating and nine letting rooms, eight of which are en-suite and. Outside it has a grassed beer garden and a private garden.