ONE of the Lake District’s most historic hotels has undergone a major makeover.

FWP Ltd has led a refurbishment of the Borrowdale Hotel for the family-run Lake District Hotels group.

The project began in 2020, with an interruption during the Covid pandemic. It is one of several upgrades FWP has carried out for the hospitality business, which is owned by the Graves family.

The refurbishment of The Borrowdale Hotel, near Keswick, which first opened its doors in 1866, has royal links and played a prominent role in opening up the Lake District to visitors, has seen the ground floor get a new look.

It includes the creation of a new entrance area, reception and office, a reception lounge, restaurant and breakfast bar area, along with a fireside lounge and corridor area. A number of its bedrooms have also been restyled and refreshed.

Kate Simmons, associate at FWP, said: “The Borrowdale Hotel is a very traditional English Lakes hotel which is extremely popular with walkers.

News and Star: Inside the hotel Inside the hotel (Image: Supplied)

“The brief we were given was to give the hotel an upmarket look, in keeping with the group’s distinct and stylish brand, while not losing the close connection with its current customer base and retaining the historic character it has become so well known for.

“We didn’t want to create something too contemporary that guests wouldn’t find comfortable, so we centred the design around a welcoming, relaxed, charming feel, with that touch of luxury and elegance guests want when they visit a Lake District hotel.

“The inspiration for the refurbishment was the outdoor environment surrounding the hotel, bringing the earthy tones of bracken, gorse timber and slate together with reflections and colours of Derwentwater, forming a palate of natural materials and a tastefully neutral earthy colour palate.”

David Simmons, senior associate at FWP, added: “Lake District Hotels are all about quality and individuality and our designs are created to enhance the offering and experience for their guests.

“The Graves family pay great attention to detail at all their properties, which is why they have an excellent reputation in the industry. We work hard to deliver designs for contemporary bedrooms and public spaces that make a favourable first impression on visitors and make their stay comfortable and enjoyable.”