91Èȱ¬

It's been a long road for Andy and Anna Chamberlain, but after years of wanting to run a business, they've finally become the proud owners of a guesthouse in Bournemouth - and have changed their lives completely.

Andy gave up his job as a nurse and Anna, who trained as a product designer,Ìýis helping out in the guest house while looking after their one-year-old daughter Elizabeth.

Anna & Andy Chamberlain with Elizabeth

Five years ago they began pursuing the idea of opening a coffee shop or bar in Bournemouth together.

Roller-coaster ride

Then followed a bit of a roller-coaster ride trying to acquire different properties but they were unlucky with all of them. Ìý

Then Anna fell pregnant and they decided to leave the idea of a café/bar and concentrate on family life.

After the birth of Elizabeth last March, they decided that a guesthouse would better suit their family lifestyle.

91Èȱ¬ Radio Solent's Julian Clegg & Andy

They moved out of their old home in Kinson and lived with Andy's parents in Broadstone in Poole.ÌýThey exchanged contracts at the beginning of June – and got the keys to their guest house on 18 June.

The guest house was called 'Thanet Hotel' but Andy and Anna are changing it toÌý 'Thanet House'.

It was built in 1884, and, just five minutes from the beach, has been a guesthouse for over 50 years.

Continuing the legacy

Anna and Andy take over from Geoff and Judy, who have been running the guesthouse for 19 years.

They are retiring, and are pleased that Andy and Anna will be carrying on the legacy -Ìý as many similar properties in the area have been developed into flats.

The house has had guests for 19 years

Boutique-style guest house

Andy says they are feeling a little daunted by the prospect of taking over the guesthouse - Andy's dad is going to be working with them for four days a week.

The guesthouse does bed and breakfast but also serves an evening meal at 6.30pm - a very busy time of day! But Geoff and Judy will be helping out with the evening meal until October.

Says Andy: "There's a big difference between cooking breakfast for a number of people and just cooking it at home.Ìý

"It's very challenging, a steep learning curve, but the guests are still smiling!Ìý

"Everything has to be done at the right time and to a really high standard.

"But it's the dream we've been wanting, so we have to remember to enjoy it, because it can be stressful. But you've just got to remember: we are living the dream."Ìý