AN historic local landmark hotel near Cardigan is for sale.

Owners Chris and Nicky Mason-Watts are passing on the torch after deciding to sell Castell Malgwyn Hotel at Llechryd.

Chris said, “We bought Castell Malgwyn two years ago with the intention of spending that amount of time enjoying the challenge of rebuilding its reputation and reconnecting it with the Teifi Valley community in which we have lived for over 25 years.”

They extensively improved the fabric and put in place a local team that they both say is second to none.

The kitchen, under head chef Cornel Uys, has a reputation for its imaginative use of ingredients and flavours and has been awarded coveted two-rosette status by the AA.

Chris added: “We have tried to reintroduce old values of hotel keeping” and refers to a much earlier visitor, Richard Warner who, in 1797 wrote: “I was very politely introduced us to Sir Benjamin who, with a hospitality we can never forget, invited us to partake of an excellent dinner, to which his family were just going to sit down.

“We attended Sir Benjamin Hammett to his house, Castle Malgwyn, a commodious mansion; where we found munificence, liberality and good humour; the charms of beauty and the attractions of female accomplishment.”

Chris added: “That is exactly what we have embraced as our mission statement, although perhaps not the last, rather unPC comment.

“However, the time has come to pass the torch on. My wife has persuaded me that I am not Peter Pan and that finally, after 33 very hectic and active years together, as parents of four children and extremely busy lawyers, we should have a quieter life - and far be it from me to disagree.

“The venture has been enormous fun - but we really lack what we see as the necessary energy to keep going indefinitely. That said, we do already rather envy the next owners who can take the hotel to the next level”.

Castell Malgwyn is for sale through Cardigan agents Houses For Sale in Wales at offers based on £950,000.