A 12-bedroom Eden hotel is on the market for £2.25 million.
Augill Castle Hotel and Restaurant in Kirkby Stephen has been run by Simon and Wendy Bennett for 25 years.
They bought it in 1997 as a family home, and developed the property from a three-bedroom guest house into a 12-bedroom boutique hotel, and separate five-bed owners’ cottage.
It was originally built in 1841 as a Victorian gentleman’s country residence.
The castle includes 12 acres of private grounds and sits at the centre of a small working estate where the owners raise cattle, sheep, and pigs.
Simon said: “It has been a joy and honour to have shared our magical home and the simple joys of country life with our guests over the years. We couldn’t have asked for a more fulfilling life but after a quarter of a century it’s time for something new.”
The hotel contains period features such as a grand oak staircase, painted stained glass gothic windows, and Jacobean oak panelled walls and flooring which dates to the mid-17th century.
Augill Castle has a recently opened restaurant called The Music Room for 46 covers, conservatory bar, and drawing rooms perfect for afternoon teas and events.
Augill Castle has won an array of awards over the years including, finalist in Cumbria Tourism’s Taste Awards, winning Visit England’s Guest Accommodation of the Year and a coveted César Award from The Good Hotel Guide.
It is being sold by Colliers.
Neil Thomson, associate director in the hotels agency team at Colliers, said: “This castle is truly one of a kind, not only is it full of history, its prime location in the heart of the northern countryside, offers a special and rural setting, attracting visitors from around the world.
“This is a very exciting opportunity for an investor looking to take on a fully established business and I’m sure will attracted a good amount of interest.”
