THE owner of the Seckford Hall hotel is celebrating 60 years at the historic property in Woodbridge.

Michael Bunn was still a boy when his father purchased the hall in 1951 and has lived there ever since.

“The building has a fascinating history, dating right back to Tudor times,” said Mr Bunn.

“Ralph Harwood purchased the hall which was in a terrible state in 1939 and he began restoration work, with the aim of turning the building into a hotel.

“But in 1940 the hall was claimed by the MoD and commandeered for troops. It was not until 1949 that Seckford Hall actually became a hotel.

“In February 1951 my father purchased the hotel from Sir Ralph, and here I am today, still running the family hotel.”

The 32-bedroom hotel, which employs a staff of around 100, has seen many changes over the years while retaining its historic character.

Mr Bunn and his wife, Christine, say that, like their predecessors stretching back over five centuries, they treat the building as a living entity.

Their aim is to maintain its grand and stately character in the best traditions of a Tudor mansion, together with the details which make it such a fascinating hotel.

A programme of refurbishment over the past year has paid dividends with the hotel achieving four-star status with both the AA and Visit Britain.

“Seckford Hall is in a unique position in that it is a family business with very strong local ties and a proven track record of commitment to the community,” added Mr Bunn.

“But the business is also central to the bigger tourism picture, providing Suffolk with a quality hotel which attracts both the business and leisure traveller.”