A Cumbrian hotel has completed a major renovation to coincide with the owners’ 10th anniversary at the helm.
Independently-run Edenhall Country House Hotel & Restaurant has overhauled all its rooms including the spectacular Penthouse Suite which is now open to guests for the first time.
Paula and Wayne Williams took over the running of the largely neglected hotel in the picture-perfect village of Edenhall, near Penrith, at the start of 2008, and have spent a decade bringing this mid-17th century guest house up to the 21st century.
This latest phase of the renovation gives all 24 rooms en-suite facilities while the decor and furnishings have also been modernised.
“People have certain expectations of hotels these days, and we have worked hard to make sure that we meet them,” says Mrs Williams. “When we first came to Edenhall it was quite run-down, but I think people can see the hard work we’ve put in over the last 10 years to get where we are now, and that shows in the feedback we have from our guests.
“Anyone who came to stay with us eight or 10 years ago would not recognise the rooms, but we’ve been careful to keep a country hotel feel while modernising them to keep up with people’s expectations.”
Popular with visitors from afar, attracted by its proximity to both the heart of the Lake District and the North Pennines – a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – Edenhall also has a loyal local following, especially for its Sunday dinners and now-famous Fish and Chip Fridays. The restaurant serves home-cooked food using the best local produce, and the bar serves quality real ales and offers a wide selection of whiskies.
Although Christmas Day in the restaurant is always fully-booked well in advance, a festive menu will be available throughout the Christmas period for everyone to enjoy.
The hotel prides itself on being a “hidden gem” which is perfectly placed to welcome riders on the C2C (Coast to Coast) Cycle Route and tourists using the A66.
“We’re close enough to the A66 for it to be a handy place to stop off en-route, but also far enough from the main road for it to be peaceful and tranquil. We are also really popular with golfers too, with the golf club just a few miles away, and people who don’t want the hustle and bustle of being in the middle of the Lake District also find Edenhall to be a great place to base themselves for a few days away,” says Mrs Williams.
The ambitious couple have big plans to establish Edenhall among Cumbria’s most popular wedding venues, and the hotel is now licensed to hold Civil Marriage Ceremonies. As part of the wedding package, the redeveloped Penthouse Suite – with stunning views of the Pennines – is complimentary for the bride and groom to make their big day even more special.
