Harrison Drury advises on acquisition of iconic Belsfield Hotel
One of the best recognised hotels in the Lake District is under new local ownership beginning a fresh chapter in its long history.
The heritage Belsfield Hotel, which overlooks the lake at the heart of Bowness-on Windermere, has been acquired by Cumbrian entrepreneur Richard Berry, who lives in the village.
The hotel was acquired by Mr Berry’s company GGE from London-based real estate investor Millemont, bringing it back into private, local ownership.
Harrison Drury’s corporate team advised Richard Berry on the purchase with the team led by partner Mark Traynor and associate solicitor Kerry Southworth, supported by Jenny Potts, legal director in the commercial property team.
Mr Berry also owns the Lakes Hotel & Spa in Bowness and Beech Hill Hotel & Spa a few miles to the south on the eastern lake shore, which is currently undergoing a £4.5m renovation.
A £20m programme of upgrades at The Belsfield Hotel has begun with a fresh look for the iconic building’s exterior, while improvements are continuing inside the grade II listed property as the bedrooms and suites start to be upgraded.
Mr Berry said: “I’m delighted to have added The Belsfield to our collection of stunning Lakeland properties and to have brought it back into local ownership. It is a truly iconic hotel in the Lake District; everyone knows it and many people have visited over the years for its grand style and elegance and, of course, its unbeatable location overlooking Windermere and at the heart of the action in Bowness.
“Our aim is to restore The Belsfield to being the jewel in the crown of places to stay in the national park, and, along with our Lakes Hotel & Spa, to put Bowness on the map as a high-quality choice for visitors to the Lake District.”
Kerry Southworth, associate solicitor at Harrison Drury, said: “Richard is known for his expertise in breathing new life into stunning heritage properties set in beautiful locations, taking already successful hotels to the next level of luxury and comfort with outstanding service. Building a strong and experienced management team and looking after staff is another hallmark of Richard’s philosophy.
“His achievements with The Lakes Hotel and Spa and the ongoing transformation of The Beech Hotel give us an idea of what’s in store for The Belsfield. We’re thrilled to have supported Richard with this latest transaction and look forward to seeing his plans for the hotel take shape.”
Among plans for the hotel are the reinstatement and upgrade of the swimming pool, which closed around eight years ago, and the creation of a luxury spa experience with lake views. Mr Berry will also be applying for planning permission to develop The Belsfield into the biggest hotel in the Lake District.
The hotel was built in 1846 as a private summer residence for Baroness Catherine de Sternberg who engaged architect George Webster to design a home for her on land, Belle’s field, she had purchased two years earlier.
The property was later bought by the industrialist and politician Henry William Schneider, who played a leading role in the development of Barrow-in-Furness, where he stood as MP and later served as mayor.
The Belsfield became a hotel after being sold to Lieutenant A. D. Macleod in 1892. His tenure was marked by the presentation by his colleagues of a rifle, which is still displayed in the hotel today.
Photos courtesy of Belsfield Hotel