The Christmas Farm Inn & Spa is an icon in the hospitality business in Jackson, NH. Some of the buildings date back to 1778 and have served as part jail, part church, and part farm. In the late 1880’s the farm began taking in visitors to supplement their farm income and became specialized in lodging by the mid 1940’s. The inn has been operated and improved by a succession of committed owners, including Congressman Bill Zeliff and his wife Synda for 24 years. Most recently the inn was owned by the Tolley family who own other successful hospitality businesses in New England. Under their ownership they commissioned the construction of The Carriage House & Spa, with indoor pool & fitness center. This investment elevated the inn to new heights within the hospitality market. The Plourdes have operated the inn since 2010 under a Joint Venture Agreement with the Tolleys.
Gary & Sandra Plourde are seasoned hotel and tourism professionals having worked globally for major hotel chains such as Forte, LeMeridien, Marriott & Starwood hotels. These experiences included hotels in Europe and South Africa. Gary, a native of Maine, returned to the US with Sandra and their two children, Sofia & Quintin, to apply their experience toward a family owned and operated resort property. Broker Earle Wason, from Wason Associates, introduced them to the Christmas Farm Inn and under his representation of the Tolley’s secured a Joint Venture Agreement in 2010 for the Plourdes to operate the inn. The Plourdes applied their combined expertise into launching an impressive business and service improvement process at the inn to reach new heights of hospitality and business performance.
The Plourdes took over as full owners in late May and are continuing their “march to service excellence” at the Christmas Farm Inn & Spa. The inn offers 41 varied rooms & suites, indoor & outdoor pools, full service spa, and full service dining. The inn can be viewed at www.chrismasfarminn.com (800-443-5837).
This acquisition was financed by Northway Bank in New Hampshire.
Michael F. Coyle Principal of CenterPoint Business Advisors, Inc. in Franconia, NH provided transaction advisory services to the Plourdes. This included deal structure and negotiation, assembling a professional transaction team, assistance in securing financing, and support in transitional services. These services are part of CenterPoints’ Strategic Acquisition Services focused on assisting executive-level buyers and companies acquire businesses.
Coyle has been designated a Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) by the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) and is named as an “Industry Expert” in the hospitality industry by Business Brokerage Press. He has transferred the ownership of more than 30 privately-branded hospitality businesses throughout New England. CenterPoint specializes in exit planning, valuation & brokerage throughout NH, MA, and VT. For more information contact Michael F Coyle. at 603-823-5999, www.cpointadvisors.com.