ONE of the best-known hotels in Hampshire is being sold by the owner after nearly 20 years.

The Potters Heron, in Ampfield, is being bought by undisclosed owners for an unspecified sum. The current owner says it is due to reopen in 2026.

Pebble Hotels, a private group which has owned it since 2007, steered it through the global financial crisis, a devastating fire in 2018 and Covid-19.

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(Image: The Potters Heron) Ted Kennedy, the chairman of the company, which owns another location in Arundel, West Sussex, said he would miss "the people, the area and the property".

"You always miss the people, don't you? I love the area, it's a fantastic location."

Mr Kennedy has been involved with the hotel since 1983 and started his company when he purchased it in 2007. He said: "I reckon I could be the longest associated person in its history."

According to the veteran hotelier, the sale will complete in "early July" and after a closure for refurbishment, it should reopen sometime in 2026.

Explaining his decision to sell, the 65-year-old said: "We've owned it for nearly 20 years, so we've put in a shift in with it [...] 20 years is a long time by anybody's measures.

"It's been quite emotional [...] for everybody. It's been a big part of my life. The world changes and I'm certain the new owners will do a fantastic job with the place.

"They're investing very heavily and it will have a fantastic future. It's a great hotel."

Also behind the sale was what Mr Kennedy dubbed "government taxation policies", as well as a "combination of factors."

"The current environment is not the most positive for hospitality," he said. The management is now in the process of informing customers of its closure.

The hotel burned down in March 2018 in one of the biggest fires in Hampshire in decades. At its height 125 firefighters fought the blaze. The hotel was also razed by fire in 1966.

Rumours had been circulating about the hotel's sale over the past few weeks, with many people and businesses showing their shock online. Mr Kennedy said: "We really get on with the other hotels."

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The Village Hotel Club (Southampton, Eastleigh) said on Facebook: "We were saddened to hear the news about the forthcoming closure of one of our neighbouring hotels, The Potters Heron - our thoughts are with the team and all those affected."

It also said: "If you’ve had plans for events, Christmas parties, or meetings that now need a new home, please know that Village Hotel Southampton Eastleigh is here to help."

White Horse Romsey wrote: "We're So Sorry to Hear This News. We were deeply saddened to hear that The Potters Heron Hotel has closed its doors.

"We know how heartbreaking and stressful this must be for the couples who had planned to celebrate their special day there.

"If your wedding plans have been affected and you're now without a venue, please know that you're not alone and we're here to help."