Following its shock closure late last year, Kellie said it was great to see someone local, with a passion for the area taking it over.
She added: “When the Portaferry Hotel closed its doors last year a lot of local people were left devastated at the loss of a central part of our community.
“With the couple opening the hotel already business owners in the area, they have the drive and passion to promote Portaferry and help it develop further as a welcoming tourism destination.
“2016 is set to be big year for Portaferry, with the Portaferry Sails and Sounds event, Gala Week, World Skiff Championships and so much more – hopefully including the reopening of Exploris.
“When the hotel announced its closure last year I didn’t think it would be vacant for long, with this news today a much needed economic boost for the area.”