THE new owners of The Blue Mantle Hotel in Mantle Street, Wellington, are trying to find out more about its history.

Andrew and Louise Avery purchased the property at auction last year and moved in in the middle of last month.

Louise said: “I have found stories about ghost sightings online and the names Peter and Bernadette July 1989 are scrawled in the attic, but we haven’t been able to find out much information.”

The couple are particularly interested in people’s personal memories of the iconic blue-painted hotel but they would also like to know more about the listed building itself. It has three extensions at the back, which are probably quite old, but they cannot find out much about when they were added.

Andrew and Louise are from Tiverton – Andrew managed Lloyds Bank’s branches there and in Cullompton until he was made redundant in October.

Louise also worked for Lloyds, working in the bank’s Wellington branch before having the couple’s three children, now aged five, three and one.

Andrew and Louise have been working hard to renovate the accommodation with five of the eight bedrooms already completed, two a work in progress and one as yet untouched. They are also considering re-opening a bar at some point and room hire.

Louise said: “We have stayed in Airbnb accommodation and hotels on city breaks and holidays, and used these as inspiration. We are aiming to bring the hotel back to its former glory and create a homely feel.

“I like cooking and Andrew likes talking with the visitors – and now we’ll both be able to spend more time with our children.”

The couple’s new venture has started well with plenty of guests even while work has been going on, including nurses working at Musgrove Park Hospital, business people and family visitors over Christmas.

Anyone who has any information about The Blue Mantle is asked to call into the premises in Mantle Street, Wellington, or write to Andrew and Louise at the hotel.