A SLICE of Hampshire history is on the market for at least £5m.
Southampton's Dolphin Hotel, where author Jane Austen famously celebrated her 18th birthday, is to be sold by owners Bob Musker and John Steven.
Since its founding in 1423, the High Street hotel has survived Nazi bombers and architectural scars of modern development to be one of the city centre's most cherished landmarks.
The pair bought the hotel for an undisclosed amount four years ago and have since spent more than £1.5m refurbishing it.
The 48th owners in nearly six hundred years, they have refurbished the three star hotel's 65 bedrooms, created a high street bar, a restaurant operation and even a lane of eight shops and offices, called Dolphin Lane.
The final part of the four-year project was to develop land to the rear of the listed building into hotel style apartments, where owners have access to hotel services. Just two weeks ago a deal was struck with local firm Bayview, who specialise in developing sensitive sites such as the Dolphin.
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Now John and Bob aim to sell up to a national brand but are currently refusing to disclose what their next move will be.
Bob Musker, formerly a regional manager for the Posthouse chain where he controlled six county hotels, said: "I have got my eye on something else to do now. I can't say if it's local, but it's time to move on.
Whoever buys the Dolphin will be very fortunate in inheriting a tremendous team of employees as well as Southampton's oldest hotel."
It is for sale with agents Knight Frank in their Ocean Village office.
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