HE’S been king of the castle for quarter of a century – but now Anton Phillips is preparing to hand over his crown.

The 59-year-old has played an instrumental role since joining Langley Castle Hotel as general manager 25 years ago.

He has overseen expansions of the castle and its grounds, guided the hotel to four-star status, and seen it receive multiple awards.

But now Anton is preparing for a new life of retirement in Spain with his wife Lynda.

He said: “I have absolutely loved it here. I have worked with many wonderful people, and coming along the driveway approaching the imposing castle still makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck.

“There is not a day goes by that I don’t eat, drink and sleep Langley Castle. The decision to leave has not been an easy one. I will miss everyone, but the time is right.”

Although last Friday was officially Anton’s last day, he will briefly remain in post to work alongside his successor, Dutchman Eric Kortenbach, whose CV includes seven years as general manager of Jesmond Dene House in Newcastle.

Anton said: “Eric’s pedigree is impeccable. We have found the right man to lead the castle into a new chapter, and I wish him every success.”

Langley Castle was in its infancy as a hotel when owner Dr Stuart Madnick appointed Anton in 1991.

He recalled: “I was a foreigner. I’m from Folkestone in Kent, although I’d worked in the North, in Cumbria and Washington.

“My job was to bring a professional element to the castle. I didn’t know if I’d be here for the long haul, but it became a project I loved and it has been an evolution.”

The castle’s coach house and stables were converted to provide eight additional accommodation rooms in 1994.

This was followed by further investment in the site’s lodge, the creation of a new room at the top of the castle, and the opening of a glass-walled dining room.

Under Anton’s leadership, Langley Castle won the North-East Tourism Awards’ best small hotel category five times. It has also twice won silver honours in the Enjoy England Awards, in 2007 and 2011.