A prominent Lake District hotel has reopened following a major revamp which took a year to complete.
The Langdale Chase, on the shore of Windermere, closed its doors in September last year for an overhaul by owners Daniel Thwaites.
It was billed as the most extensive refurbishment of the Grade II-listed building since it opened as a hotel in 1937.
A spokesman for the hotels group said: “Daniel Thwaites has worked closely with local planning authorities and heritage groups to ensure that the original features of the Victorian buildings, which date back to 1895, will be preserved and restored to their former glory, with a contemporary feel.
“The historical features, including the original wooden wall panelling found in the main hall and the Thomas Mawson landscaped gardens form a centrepiece of the development.”
The design and interiors have been created by Jane Goff, director at Goff Associates Ltd, and are inspired by the 1920s and 1930s – known as the heyday of the Lake District.
Its reopening was celebrated at a reception this week, attended by the firm’s executive chairman Rick Bailey. Samantha Scott, High Sheriff of Cumbria, officially reopened the hotel.
Mr Bailey said: When I first saw Langdale Chase I was absolutely mesmerised by the view. It must be one of the best in the Lakes, and possibly the country. I saw a jewel in the making – an uncut diamond that just needed some TLC, to be invested in and be brought back to life.
“We just couldn’t miss this opportunity to have the honour of restoring the original splendour of this amazing building, in this incredible location. Edna Howarth, who built this house in 1891, took five years to build it.
“She lavished an enormous amount of care and money on it, and it’s taken us just a year to restore it and do justice to her original vision.”
Mrs Scott added: “Langdale Chase can only enhance Cumbria’s global reputation as a fantastic place to visit. It’s really special to see this wonderful restoration of such an important landmark.
“It holds such a special position on the lake and it’s really a very lovely place to be. I love the new modern luxury interiors and how the restoration fits seamlessly in with all the original features of such a historically important building.
“It gives me great pleasure to formally open the hotel and usher it into a new era. I have no doubt about the important contribution that Langdale Chase will make to the ongoing prosperity of Cumbria, welcoming visitors from near and far for many years to come.”
