The founder of Harrogate Lifestyle Apartments has sold the business to SJM Properties — the company which owns the building.

Harrogate Lifestyle Apartments provides 18 one-bedroom and two-bedroom serviced apartments on King’s Road, close to the town centre.

Andrew Armstrong has stepped down after 17 years of offering hotel alternatives in Harrogate to the public.

Jessica Lister, who was Mr Armstrong’s general manager, has been promoted to director under the new owners.

Mr Armstrong, who lives in Ilkey, said he felt it was time to spend more time with his wife Claire and his three children.

He and Ms Lister had worked together since 2011, when she became booking coordinator for 10 Harrogate holiday lets Mr Armstrong ran near Hales Bar.

Andrew Armstrong

Over time her role developed into sales, then marketing, followed by office manager and general manager.

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The two of them opened 18 luxury serviced apartments now known as Harrogate Lifestyle Apartments on King’s Road in 2017.

Ms Lister said:

“Starting up a new business and of course getting through a worldwide pandemic has been no means an easy ride.

“Like many business and households we’re sadly sure to be facing harder times ahead. Following two years of sustained recovery across the hotel sector, with the cost of living crisis, energy prices, staff shortages and other inflationary costs and a recession on the horizon we facing another challenging period ahead.

“But I am pleased to say we are a business who will always be committed to our wonderful guests that still need a place to stay in Harrogate North Yorkshire for work, for leisure and often somewhere to live between renting or buying a home in Harrogate.

“Our team remains optimistic and dedicated to making every visitors time in Harrogate a special one.”