The owners of a luxury Lake District venue have been recognised in the Boutique Hotelier Power List Hall of Fame 2026, celebrating the most influential figures in UK hospitality.
Barney and Zoë Cunliffe, owners of Gilpin Hotel & Lake House near Windermere were one of only 10 hoteliers shortlisted in the special, one-off category to mark a decade of the list.
The Hall of Fame 2026 honours the founders of pioneering British-born boutique brands, which have had a major impact on the luxury and lifestyle hotel sector in the UK.
The Cunliffe family’s have built the Gilpin Hotel & Lake House into one of the UK’s most distinctive and desirable luxury hotel brands, renowned for its private spa trails.
Barney said: “We’re genuinely delighted to be included in the Boutique Hotelier Power List Hall of Fame.
“Gilpin has always been about doing things properly (if sometimes a little unconventionally!), with our guests and our team always at the forefront of our plans.
“This recognition really belongs to the people who bring that to life every day and make Gilpin what it is – our wonderful team and our lovely guests – so all our thanks and love go to them.”
Zoë added: “We’re so proud to be continuing the family vision for Gilpin. It’s a privilege to do what we do – to keep shaping Gilpin while staying true to what makes it special: that sense of warmth, privacy, attention to detail and relaxed luxury; we want our guests to feel totally at ease, and to make very special memories whilst they’re with us.
“I loved the quote from Boutique Hotelier saying that at Gilpin ‘excellence is expected and kindness is non-negotiable’ – that truly is how we try to run our business.”
