The historic Seaview hotel could soon have new owners as it is once again up for sale - with a cool R14-million price tag.

Hotel general manager Daan van Greunen says the new owners are likely to be from Pretoria, as the owner, Hollander Bob de Ronde, is in negotiations with them.

Van Greunen says quite a few people are interested and negotiations with a potential buyer had started in December.

There is no specific reason for the hotel being sold, he said. De Ronde has owned the hotel for two years.

"He sold all his properties in South Africa and he has always said if he gets a good price for the hotel he will sell it."

It is not known how much De Ronde paid for the hotel when he bought it.

The Seaview Hotel has a fascinating history, dating back to 1938 when it was built.

It served as a Royal Navy base during the Second World War and was unique in being the only officer training base outside Britain during the war.

It was initially called the Seaview Hotel and then the name changed to the White Elephant. In the 1960s it was the Minnetti and the name was changed back to Seaview Hotel in 1994.

Last year, the hotel's kitchen caught fire, causing an estimated R100,000 damage to equipment and the building.

Eastern Province Herald