THE cherished local landmark that is Bude’s Falcon Hotel has been sold — to the fifth generation descendants of its original owners.

Tim and Dorothy Browning, who have owned the 29-bedroom hotel for 35 years, recently sold the property, via agents Christie and Co, to Rupert and Christine Brendon — and other members of the Brendon family — for an undisclosed sum.

Mr Browning will stay on at the hotel as a consultant to the Brendon family to help ease the transition for the management team.

He said: “We have worked hard to make the Falcon Hotel the best in Bude — investing in our people and infrastructure, and maintaining high standards of hospitality and service.

“We couldn’t have found more fitting owners to pass the reins on to, and are very happy that the hotel is going back to the Brendon family.”

The Brendons’ ancestral connections to the property stretch back to the 1840s.

George Brendon first leased the hotel in the 1840s and later bought the freehold in 1872. The family retained possession of the Falcon Hotel until the 1980s, when it was sold on.

The Brendon family did remain in Bude, however, as they kept the attached pub, the Falcon Inn, which they later renamed the Brendon Arms — this remains under their ownership to this day.

Mr Brendon said he is looking forward to following in his family’s footsteps: “The Falcon Hotel is an elegant and iconic building, which now has much improved facilities and an outstanding team of staff, thanks to Tim and Dorothy.

“We are extremely pleased that Tim has agreed to stay on as a consultant, helping make the management transition smooth and seamless.

“Rupert, Christine and Sophia Brendon will all play key roles at the hotel, which occupies a prime position on Breakwater Road and overlooks Bude’s Inner Harbour and ancient waterway.”

The hotel is known for its spacious bedrooms that enjoy great views whether out over the water of Bude Canal or over the beautifully maintained, walled gardens at the rear and side of the property.

The Brendons will be taking on a hotel that includes a fine-dining restaurant, a traditional bar with attached terrace, and a very large function room with facilities for conferences, events and weddings.

Rupert and Christine Brendon will be living in Bude all year round in order to oversee the ongoing development of the business.