Guesthouse Could Be Converted Into Family Home Amid 'High Cost Of Living And Utility Prices'

An Isle of Wight bed and breakfast could be converted into a ‘large family home’ as its owners look to call time on the business.

Following unsuccessful attempts to sell, Martin Bradford has made a change of use application to turn the Knight’s Rest guesthouse on Queens Road, Shanklin, into a private home.

The bed and breakfast’s website describes it as a ‘lovely old building’ dating back to the early 19th century – ‘when the Isle of Wight was emerging as a favoured location for those seeking a seaside holiday or holiday home’.

Now, however, Mr Bradford says the tourism trade has ‘dropped year-on-year’ and is only seasonal.

His application form states:

“Annual takings have dropped year on year, balanced against the high cost of living and utility prices, and many competing hotels have made our business not commercially attractive to buyers.

“Low profits were the main reason given by some viewers who showed genuine interest but were put off by this factor.

“Our guest house would appeal to those seeking a large family home, with an annex for elderly relatives.

"Alternatively, our guest house would appeal to a developer who could convert the property into three small flats, without any significant structural changes, thereby providing affordable housing in the area.”

A public consultation on the proposal is scheduled to end on June 2, with a decision expected on June 23.