THE former long-term owners of an Isle of Wight hotel are celebrating the end of an era after retiring.
The Leconfield Hotel in Bonchurch officially passed into new ownership on October 30.
Paul and Cheryl Judge bowed out in style, celebrating with regular guests, John and Edna Calton, who were also their very first guests in March, 2004.
The Caltons were delighted to be there to wish the couple a long and happy retirement at the end of their 18th season.
During their time, the Judges raised the Leconfield to a AA, 5-star gold-awarded guest accommodation, which was nominated and came runner-up in the annual AA friendliest B&B 2019/20 awards.
Leconfield Hotel owners Paul and Cheryl Judge at the AA B&B awards in 2020.
Paul and Cheryl said: “We are delighted to have had the support from our many guests, locals, wonderful team and our suppliers over the years.
"We are also honoured to have been a part of Island life, and we will miss it, as we move to the larger 'North' island to be closer to family.
"We would like to thank the local trade and suppliers — Woods, Lake Cleaning, Caterwight, Island Tea and Coffee, Ventnor traders, as well as the County Press, Visit Isle of Wight, Red Funnel and Wightlink.
"We would also like to thank Bonchurch Inn, La Tour du Monde, The Bistro, Smoking Lobster and The Buddle Inn, plus many others who sent our guests back home, well fed and with a lasting Island memory."
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