It began as a boarding house in 1930, but a well-known York guest house will close next month after a year with little trade due to the pandemic.
The York Priory, on Fulford Road, will shut its doors for good on 5 September.
It is run by Liz Jackson, whose grandma Lily opened it as the Priory Hotel 91 years ago.
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The Jacksons are only the second family to own the property, built in 1876 and originally called The Manor House.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Liz explained her reasons for moving on.
“It is not due to the pandemic, but it has certainly speeded up the process,” she wrote.
“There are many reasons but the main reason is that it just feels like the right time to bow out.
The pandemic closures brought a new reality to me and at Christmas, when we had had no trade from late November to the 17th of May, the decision was made for us.
“We opened the doors again in spring, and, with heavy hearts and looked around the building to see the amount of the deterioration that had occurred.
“It felt like I had to climb a mountain that just keeps going up and up and up. A mountain that at my age is too big to climb.”
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Liz adapted the Priory during pandemic restrictions, introducing an outdoor heated and covered area when outside dining was allowed again.
And the business had many rave reviews on TripAdvisor. One post from June said: “Even though working within Covid guidelines and extremely warm weather Lizzie and her team have been a joy to stay with – even looking after our dog while we could sightsee around the city.”
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What next for the building? Liz wrote: “Both houses 126 and 128, hopefully they will be returned to what it was meant for. Two very grand houses, for families to enjoy the beauty and grandeur of them.
“It will not be turned into flats or AirB&B or rented accommodation. My family is only the second owners of this building since 1876. It’s time for this old lady to have a new adventure, just like me.”
Her decision to go was greeted with both dismay and understanding from regular guests.
One said: “I’m absolutely gutted, for my own selfish reasons but I’m so glad we got to stay with you again this year. I wish you the very best and thank you for letting us stay. Sad times.”