RYE — The retro Rye Motor Inn & Swim Shop has been put up for sale at $6.5 million. The news comes three years after the local hotelier behind the business transformed the property into a mid-20th century-themed, beach and surf-centric motel.
Doug Palardy, founder and owner of Seacoast Apart-Hotels, has owned the 741 Ocean Blvd. property since April 2020. At that time, Palardy purchased the former Pebble Cove Motel on-site from former owners Stephen and Beth McCann for $1.64 million, setting out to renovate the lodgings and transform it into the Rye Motor Inn & Swim Shop.
Palardy’s motel was listed on July 30 .
“After 18 years of bringing boutique hotel concepts to the Seacoast, I am looking forward to downsizing in 2025 to take more time to spend with friends and family,” Palardy said in a Monday statement.
Spread amongst two buildings, Rye Motor Inn includes 12 studio and one-bedroom, apartment-style units and a heated, seasonal outdoor pool while the adjacent Swim Shop offers retail products, swimwear, jewelry and motel merchandise right across from the ocean.
The entire hospitality business sits on a 1.52-acre parcel and has been approved for an additional two-bedroom apartment above the retail store.
Palardy additionally owns The Inn Downtown in Portsmouth , a boutique apart-hotel, and the Great Island Inn in neighboring New Castle. He founded the Islander Cafe in New Castle in 2022, which has since been sold to the owners of Lil’s Cafe in Kittery, Maine, in the former Henry’s Market Cafe space on Main Street.
“Rye Motor Inn continues to grow year over year and is poised for substantial growth with a buyer looking to add small events, a food and beverage program, and the addition of the approved (two-bedroom) apartment above The Swim Shop,” Palardy added. “We have had a lot of activity since the listing went live this past week as there is a nationwide trend occurring with roadside motels and motor lodges who have leaned into their mid-century roots under recent renovations.”
Each unit at Rye Motor Inn includes full kitchens with refrigerators, en suite bathrooms, work spaces, air conditioning and amenities for long-term guests, and it offers concierge services, according to Palardy. Check-in and check-out at Rye Motor Inn is contactless.
The four-season Ocean Boulevard property was last assessed by the town at $1,857,200, according to Rye property records.
“The oversized, heated pool with spacious deck and bold views to the Isles of Shoals is an ideal setting for small events,” the listing for the property states. “The large, flat yard can accommodate tents, a perfect setting for popular micro-weddings of 30 or less guests. The poolside cabana with bathroom has been designed to accommodate a commercial caterer's kitchen/bar for event purposes.”
“Completely modernized for today's traveler while reintroducing the on-trend, retro-themed decor, this unique property is poised for continued growth,” the listing adds.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Rye Motor Inn & Swim Shop for sale at $6.5 million: Take a look inside
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