The iconic Briars Resort in Jackson’s Point will have a new owner by the end of the month after almost 200 years under the Sibbald family stewardship.

“Our family is delighted that we found a purchaser that ticked all the right boxes on value, interest and a passion for continuing The Briars legacy to the land, our staff, The Briars Golf Club and the people in the Lake Simcoe area,” Briars vice-president Hugh Sibbald said, adding the family’s excitement about the possibility for renewed investment at one of Canada’s oldest and largest heritage resorts employing close to 100 people.

The year-long global search that fielded interest from more than 40 potential investors and subsequent sale to Chinese businessman R. Lu was handled by Colliers International Hotels and involves roughly 147 acres of property located between Hedge, Dalton and Black River roads, including the 100-unit historic inn, lodges and cottages, private 18-hole golf course and former Red Barn property.

Sibbald said it is “business as usual” at the Briars moving forward, with the transition of ownership scheduled for the end of April and third-generation hotelier, Tom Tittel, assuming the role of general manager of the newly formed Briars Management Limited.

“From the many proposals we assessed, the offer by prospective buyer Mr. Lu was by far the best as far as plans to develop the resort, protect the environment and to support jobs and the community,” Sibbald said.

“With Mr. Lu’s involvement, The Briars returns to its Chinese roots,” he added, since it was Sibbald’s great uncle, Dr. Frank Sibbald, who used the proceeds of successful investments in China to purchase The Briars and lay the foundation for the modern-day resort and golf club as it is known today.

“Just like the Sibbald family interest in The Briars, we expect the Lu family to play a formative role in shaping a very positive future for The Briars," Sibbald said, adding potential redevelopment of the former Red Barn property into an entertainment venue and additional guest rooms for the inn may be first up in the queue in terms of changes.