A Cumbrian wedding venue has been sold for an undisclosed sum – and its new owners plan to turn it back into a hotel.
Cartmel Old Grammar Country House was sold by specialist business property adviser Christie & Co to Lauren and Greg Foggo.
The Grade II-listed house dates back to 1790 and was used as the school room and dormitory of the former grammar school.
Over the years, the building has had many uses, including as a private residence, an adventure centre for Cartmel Boys Scouts, and as The Grammar Hotel.
An extensive renovation by the previous owners saw it restored to its former glory and modernised into a hotel and wedding venue.
It has 12 en suite bedrooms as well as an entrance hall, bar, ceremony room seating 60 people, and dining hall/function space for 100 people.
The house has traditional period features including feature fireplaces and bay windows, with views over the gardens.
The house is situated just moments from the centre of Cartmel.
Recently, the property has been run as an exclusive wedding venue, however the new owners will reopen the hotel operation, as well as its wedding venue function.
They plan to add two further ground floor bedrooms.
Newly-weds Lauren and Greg are established restaurateurs, moving to Cartmel from Yorkshire.
Lauren said: “We were so excited when we visited Cartmel Old Grammar – it was everything we were looking for, a beautiful property in a wonderful location.
“We are looking forward to offering a bespoke and personal service for weddings and operating as a luxury hotel in this superb setting, with excellent food and accommodation.”
Greg added: “We love working in the hospitality sector and we pride ourselves in creating special experiences for all our guests. We are looking forward to receiving our first guests at Cartmel Old Grammar in the New Year and have already received a number of enquiries for both accommodation and weddings.”
Cartmel Old Grammar Country House has been sold on behalf of Professor Eunice Taylor, who is now looking to retire.
Professor Taylor said: “We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the Old Grammar School hosting so many memorable weddings and welcoming countless guests. We will be sad to leave however we are confident that Lauren and Greg will feel at home very quickly and will soon be welcoming guests of their own.”
Graham Wilkinson, business agent at Christie & Co, added: “Cartmel Old Grammar Country House is a delightfully refurbished property in a prime position.
“Our clients, now looking to enjoy a well-earned retirement, have invested significantly to bring it to its current standard, and we are pleased to see it will be taken over by Lauren and Greg who have the experience and the enthusiasm to develop the business further.”
