A historic Lake District hotel has reopened it doors after a £650,000 ground floor revamp scheme.
The Borrowdale Hotel in the Borrowdale Valley has been given a new lease of life by owners Lake District Hotels.
The traditional hotel, which first opened its doors in 1866, closed at the beginning of this year for months to modernise its reception, restaurant and two lounges.
Kit and Charles Graves and their daughter Dani Hope, who own and run Lake District Hotels, said they wanted to bring the hotel’s décor into the 21st century with a more contemporary design scheme, but be respectful to the traditional interiors and historic features that had already captured the hearts of many repeat guests.
Dani said: “Making big changes to the Borrowdale Hotel was always going to be a risk because there are so many returning customers who enjoy the hotel’s historic features. It was important for us to give them a space that retains the hotel’s heritage feel, but in a more distinctly modern fashion that has moved with the times.
“We are confident that we have produced a product that ticks both boxes.”
The owners say the restaurant has had the most notable transformation, which has been converted into a graceful, light-flooded space with an abundance of elegant touches; from flauti tiles that have been incorporated into a new breakfast bar and a newly plastered ceiling with intricate beading, to lavish green marble tables and bespoke banquette seating.
Historic elements of the hotel which remain intact are the butler’s bells in the reception corridor, the grandfather clock in the entrance lounge and the hotel’s iconic wine cellar in the restaurant that can hold over 1,000 bottles of wine.
Kit added: “The new design allows guests to truly appreciate and understand the legacy of the hotel throughout the years, but in a luxurious environment that feels welcoming to those of any age.
