THE Falcon Hotel in Bude has recently been handed over to ancestors of the original owners to continue its legacy.

On Saturday, April 9 previous owners Tim and Dorothy Browning handed over the key to the front door of the Falcon Hotel to the ancestors of the family that first owned it, Rupert, Christine and Sophia Brendon.

The Brendons, being the fifth generation descendants of the original owners, are delighted that the hotel is now back in the family again, having not had anything to do with the Falcon Hotel since the 1980s, when it was sold on to new owners.

However, the Brendons have always remained in Bude, having managed the pub, The Falcon Inn, which was later renamed The Brendon Arms.

The Brendons’ connections to the hotel stretch back as far as the 1840s, and since buying the business back from the Browning’s, Mr Brendon has noticed a significant difference.

He told the Post: “I am quite overwhelmed with the size of the operation. Tim and Dorothy have made so many changes to the hotel, and have expanded it over the years quite dramatically.”

Known for its vast rooms and incredible views of Bude Canal, Mr Brendon has been advised not to make any changes to the Falcon Hotel, with its character and essence being a great attraction.

Mr Brendon said the main clientele are repeat customers, who often recommend the hotel and its facilities to other people, so he doesn’t think the new ownership will necessarily bring a new market of customers to the hotel.

Mr Brendon added: “There’s staff that have been working at the Falcon Hotel for over 20 years, and they know many of our customers very well, as they keep coming back.”

Rupert and Christine Brendon, along with the rest of their family, are looking forward to continuing the legacy, and hope the success continues.

A gathering recently allowed them to celebrate the hotel being returned to the family.