A historic hotel in the Lake District has received a ‘new lease of life’ after a renovation project.
The Borrowdale Hotel, which first opened its doors in 1866, closed at the beginning of 2023 for two months to modernise its reception, restaurant, and two lounges.
Kit and Charles Graces, and their daughter Dani Hope, who own and run hotel group Lake District Hotels Ltd., said they envisioned bringing back the hotel’s décor into the 21st century with a more contemporary design scheme.
They added they were careful to do it in a way that would be respectful to the historical features.
Dani said: “Making big changes to the Borrowdale Hotel was always going to be a risk because there are so many returning customers who enjoy the hotel’s historic features.
“It was important for us to give them a space that retains the hotel’s heritage feel, but in a more distinctly modern fashion that has moved with the times.
”We are confident that we have produced a product that ticks both boxes.”
The directors said the designs were inspired by the outdoor landscape surrounding the hotel, such as through to the use of earth tones and natural materials.
They said the most notable transformation is the hotel restaurant, which has been converted into a ‘light-flooded’ space, with flauti tiles that have been incorporated into a new breakfast bar and a newly plastered ceiling with intricate beading.
Another area that has changed is the hotel entrance, where guests are now greeted by bespoke open shelving allowing glimpses through to the fireplace and entrance lounge.
Additionally, a contemporary reception desk has been installed which is coated in mosaic tiles.
Also donning a fresh appearance is the resident’s lounge, the focal point of which is the refurbished fireplace.
Other historic elements of the hotel which remain intact are the butler’s bells located in the reception corridor, the grandfather clock in the entrance lounge and the hotel’s wine cellar in the restaurant that can hold over 1000 bottles.
Kit said: “The new design allows guests to truly appreciate and understand the legacy of the hotel throughout the years, but in a luxurious environment that feels welcoming to those of any age.”
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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