A Lake District hotel has become the fourth in Cumbria to be sold to a rapidly expanding North East hospitality firm this year.
The Wordsworth Hotel in Grasmere has been acquired by the Inn Collection Group for an undisclosed sum.
In the heart of the village, the 38-room hotel originally opened as the Rothay Hotel in 1874. The building was originally constructed as a hunting lodge for the Earl of Cadogan and has welcomed VIP guests throughout its years, including former US President Woodrow Wilson.
In its 2.5 acres grounds in the shadow of St Oswald’s church, The Wordsworth Hotel becomes the second property in ICG’s portfolio with a link to its literary namesake, with Helmsley’s The Black Swan having hosted the poet, his wife Mary and sister Dorothy in the early 1800s.
It is also the group’s latest investment into the Grasmere area, joining existing property The Swan on Keswick Road and new staff accommodation facilities under construction for the group’s growing workforce.
The Inn Collection Group managing director Sean Donkin said: “We are delighted to bring The Wordsworth into The Inn Collection Group. It is a prime site, and we are really excited to add it to our estate.
“Grasmere is a beautiful village that enjoys a rich history through its connections with Wordsworth and the Heaton Cooper family and this acquisition lets us put down further roots in the community.
“We appreciate the history and esteem The Wordsworth is held in and we’re looking forward to welcoming guests in such a honeypot location.”
The Wordsworth Hotel is the 34th property to come under The Inn Collection Group banner.
It joins fellow Cumbrian sites The Glenridding Hotel, The Regent Hotel and Ambleside Lake House. The firm has also bought North Wales venues The Bull Inn at Beaumaris and The St Kilda Hotel in Llandudno and Harrogate’s St George Hotel in being added to the group’s portfolio in 2022.
Edinburgh-based commercial law firm Burness Paull provided legal advice on the transaction, while Neil Hart at Newcastle-upon-Tyne based Bradley Hall advised on pre-acquisition diligence.
