A TRIP down memory lane has revealed how the Eden Arms once had a reputation of global proportions as The Beatles were among the names checking in.
The once popular, and beloved, hotel in Rushyford, near Newton Aycliffe, is facing demolition after developers applied to the council to see whether it could be razed.
Read more: Eden Arms at Rushyford in County Durham faces demolition
This week, The Northern Echo has been hearing from all sides, with many believing it should be saved and others suggesting it is "difficult" to see a future for the venue.
But we've looked through the archives to see how the hotel has left its mark on the region - and some big names - over the years.
Read more: 7 pictures showing the sad state of landmark County Durham hotel facing demolition
From past to almost present day, we've picked out some of the best pictures from its heyday to bring you a bit of colour on what guests used to expect.
Let's take a look
Originally a coaching inn in the 17th century and known as the 'Wheatsheaf,' the Eden Arms became an even more revered destination after welcoming the Fab Four.
From the archives: The history of the Eden Arms Hotel in full
After The Beatles delighted a buzzing crowd at the Stockton Globe in the year of 1963, the hotel became their home on the night of November 22.
Remaining distinctive, little has changed to its exterior over the years with the Eden Arms gaining relatively subtle changes, and a fresh lick of paint, ever now and then.
The iconic red lettering, seen by so many passing through the village, remained on the side of its fresh off white exterior for many years, until being refreshed in recent years.
Again no stranger to the stars, the hotel saw names including former TV presenter and long-standing environmental campaigner, David Bellamy.
Pictures from the archive show this rather surreal picture of Bellamy taking a plunge as the hotel launched its new spa in 1986.
Along with a barrage of names, the Eden Arms also saw it run under a whole host of different leaders as Nigel Dibb, manager in 1997, was pictured with an AA award.
The hotel had its very own indoor heated pool and sauna and boased a fully-equipped gym and leisure club.
Visiting from abroad, the hotel also provided a haven for a group known as the 'Chernobyl children,' with Natasha and Katya Moiseyeva pictured with manager, James Wilson in 1998.
The hotel included 44 rooms and was popular with guests travelling between the A689 and A167, and just two miles from Junction 60 of the A1(M).
The Northern Echo took aerial pictures of the site back in 2000, showing how the village of Rushyford had expanded with more recent homes.
Picture: CHRISTIE & CO/RIGHTMOVE
Picture: CHRISTIE & CO/RIGHTMOVE
In most recent reviews available, the hotel had achieved a "very good" rating with an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor.
Based on a review left by around 600 people, some described it as needing "TLC" but that it was "worth a visit."
Picture: CHRISTIE & CO/RIGHTMOVE
In more recent years, the hotel was put on the market - with a listing back in 2020 showing it for sale at £1m and was closed to the public.
Described as an investment opportunity, the site was listed as having the potential to be redeveloped into 30 residential units.
However, it this week emerged that a developer had applied to the planning authority at Durham County Council for a determination on whether prior approval would be needed to raze the building to the ground.
That prompted widespread discussions from residents as some called for an alternative to be considered, saying they would be "sad" to see it go.
Meanwhile, the area's MP Paul Howell said he was "disappointed" to see it under threat, but admitted it had been difficult to see a future given the work needed.
On social media, one Facebook user wrote: “It's a part of history surely another hotel chain could take it on.”
Whilst others said it “will be sad to see it go”, “no way, this is an historical building” and “it’s our heritage”.
But another stated: “It’s not getting used, probably won’t reopen.
“It will just end up being broken into and vandalised. Knock it down and build a load of affordable housing.”
Subject to the outcome of that consultation, developer Galaxy has pencilled in a date for demolition work to start on November 29.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here