PHOTOS: Sidmouth hotel owners on crucial three months ahead
By Hannah Corfield
3rd Aug 2020 | Local News
As a regency town with a rich royal heritage, Sidmouth could be regarded as a hidden jewel embedded within the Jurassic crown.
To accommodate the many visitors who cherish this charming seaside retreat, Sidmouth boasts a number of boutique hotels.
Among them is The Mount Pleasant Hotel; built in 1795 and acquired in September 2018 by a young couple looking to escape the big city rat race.
Sidmouth Nub News caught up with Beverley Hackett, Jonty Reaney and their 11-month-old son, Freddie, as they prepare to reopen on August 1.
"We've managed to secure around 60% occupancy, as there have been quite a few bookings over the past couple of days, which is a relief as we were getting a bit worried," Beverley explained.
Jonty added: "I think people are slowly becoming more confident about going away, particularly here in the South West where the risk of coronavirus appears lower so far - touch wood!
"We really need a good three months of business to see us through the winter."
Speaking on the recent events, which have entirely disrupted the tourism industry, Jonty remarked: "It's been a very strange year.
"We are lucky we have lots of returning guests and many of them have phoned up checking on us.
"We are also taking bookings for families who want to hire the whole hotel over the Christmas and New Year period, which we're hoping will prove popular.
"We had all of our family to stay over Christmas last year and it was absolutely magical, which was what gave us the idea."
The couple moved down from London where they both held high-powered jobs; Jonty in head hunting and Beverley in marketing. The brave decision to up sticks, ditch careers and embark on an entirely new lifestyle was born from a desire to enjoy more quality time together, and to raise a family.
Speaking about how they came to settle in Sidmouth, Jonty said: "We looked at quite a few hotels along the south coast, but as soon as we came up the driveway we both instantly fell in love with the place.
"I already knew Sidmouth, having lived near here when my parents moved down from Sheffield. I even played rugby for the Sidmouth Colts back in the day."
When asked what has been the hardest thing, Beverley said: "The constant juggling act. We have so many responsibilities across the board, whereas before we stuck to one role.
"But it's ours and we've made it together. As well as doing that we've had a baby, which is quite an achievement."
Jonty added: "It has been tough at times, but to be honest we couldn't be happier."
Click here for The Mount Pleasant Hotel website and Facebook page.
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