A developer says he has helped “gentrify” an unloved part of a town ahead of the grand opening of his new hotel.

Margate House will be a nine-bedroom “guest house by the sea” in Dalby Square, Cliftonville, and is expected to fling open its doors for business in July.

Speaking before the launch, its owner said the two-year restoration project in Margate has helped “gentrify an area in need of restoration”.

Will Jenkins, 37, formerly of London, has spent the last two years “bringing back to life” the former Dalby Rooms.

“Since I got the place three years ago, we have really helped gentrify the square to a really nice place to be,” he said.

“I’ve come across so many problems along the way – the building was falling apart.”

Mr Jenkins said he has always dreamed of opening a hotel, and decided on Margate as a destination because it is “one of those places everyone was talking about”.

“I like to follow trends and everyone kept saying Margate is the place to be,” he explained, adding he has “spent the last two years gutting it and making it beautiful”.

“My sole ambition is to make the place beautiful again,” he continued.

“I hope I’ve preserved the building for the next 100 years.”

Gearing up towards the big opening on July 1 - which will see rooms priced from £115 a night for bed and breakfast - Mr Jenkins is “super nervous”.

But once complete, the interior will resemble what he describes as a “bohemian bolthole”.

“I’ve put all my savings and two years of my life into this,” he said.

“I moved my whole life from London down to Margate for it.

“It was a risk - but I’m optimistic that the place will do really well.

“I think we are unique.

“I hope the fact that I built it and am running it rather than it being a corporation will be in my favour.”

He describes the tone of the place as “like you're going to your mum's house”.

“I want it to feel like home,” he said.

The rooms will have bay windows, scalloped lampshades, vintage rugs, and finds from local antique dealers.

All rooms will be ensuite with “rainfall” showers and toiletries from Haeckels in Margate.

And Mr Jenkins said he believes renowned artist Tracey Emin is expected to be one of his first guests.

There are further plans to convert the basement and open a pop-up restaurant later in the year.