They may be new to the hospitality sector but the owners of a Weymouth guest house say they couldn’t be more excited at the challenges that lie ahead.

Well-known West Dorset businesswoman Louise Matthews, and partner Steve Costello, jumped at the chance when they discovered The Gresham was on the market.

Louise, who is from a marketing background, and Steve, a flight simulator centre engineer and motorcycle trainer, immediately fell in love with the 1827 property which occupies a prominent seafront position on The Esplanade.

The couple could also see the massive potential in the former gentleman’s residence which is Grade II listed.

Both now have a vision to turn The Gresham into the perfect staycation getaway, believing many UK residents will be keen to holiday at locations such as the Jurassic Coast.

They plan to stamp their creative flair from the top to the bottom of the 194-year-old building and create a relaxing, but stylish, seaside hotel that people will find warm, welcoming, and somewhere to unwind.

Louise said: “This new direction excites us as we both have many years’ experience running our businesses, albeit in completely different fields.

“It’s a challenge we are already enjoying.

“We have a strong business plan with a lot of new marketing initiatives, plus other exciting ideas to make The Gresham a leading Weymouth guest house.”

The couple received the keys to the 12-bedroom property last month.

If the lockdown roadmap goes to plan they expect to open the doors to their first guests in May when the transformation will be well underway.