Three-Year £5.5m Investment Bids to Transform Cumbria Hotel into ‘Must-Visit Retreat’

Date: May 2018

Location: Cumbria, UK

Name: Gilsland Hotel

No. of Keys: 91

Seller: The Co-Op, which owned the building for more than 100 years, in August 2017, handled by Savills.

Buyer: Northern Powerhouse Developments (NPD Hotels), who are now planning to invest £5.5m into refurbishing the hotel, which will see the addition of a spa and self-catering cottages.

The rolling refurbishment is set to start towards the end of the year with a new building due to be constructed within the grounds to accommodate the new spa and swimming pool.

The hotel will remain open throughout the construction work and it is hoped the refreshed look will help breathe new life into the property and turn it into a real destination.

The hotel is set in 140 acres and when the project is complete, will comprise a lounge, conference facilities, a fine dining restaurant, gym and a cocktail bar.

The cottages within the grounds will be used as self-catering facilities for groups and families.

Gilsland Hall Hotel is one of 12 properties owned by hospitality and leisure company, Northern Powerhouse Developments, which is spearheaded by Peter Moore, chairman of NPD Leisure and CEO Richard Lewis.

THPT Comment: This is the company that has just appointed Industry guru, Russell Kett as NED. By 2020 NPD aims to have in excess of 40 hotels within the UK, operating in either its Manor House, Premier, Boutique or Classic collection.

First Seen: Boutique Hotelier