Iconic Windermere hotel on the market through Christie & Co

Built in 1891 by John Rigg, Applegarth Villa stands as testament to the Rigg family, who were instrumental in the development of the railway into the south of the Lake District and the early days of tourism in Cumbria.

Plans to take the railway line all the way to Keswick faced public opposition, including Poet Laureate and famous Lake District resident William Wordsworth who wrote: “Is then no nook of English ground secure from rash assault?” and the railway made it no further than Windermere. Eager to capitalise on the influx of visitors that the railway brought to the area, the Rigg family built the imposing “Riggs Hotel” (now the Windermere Hotel) adjacent to the station and also operated the coaching service carrying the Royal Mail and visitors further into the Lake District.

At their peak, the family operated five hotels in the area and ran a stable with over 200 horses. The success of the family business is reflected in the opulence of the Applegarth, which is one of the finest Victorian villas of its kind in the UK.

Currently owned and operated by the Mumford family, Applegarth Villa is a boutique five-star hotel with 22 luxury suites, some with private hot tubs and balconies, complimented by a welcoming bar and high-quality restaurant. The family have sought to retain the building’s grandeur and ensured that all refurbishment projects undertaken have protected the aesthetics of the building. This includes fine oak panelling, feature fireplaces, intricate coving and ceiling roses, bespoke stained-glass windows and an imposing central staircase.

Suzanne Mumford commented: “It has been a true privilege to own Applegarth Villa and we have worked tirelessly to develop a very successful luxury hotel in the heart of Windermere. It has been our privilege to work to preserve and maintain the Applegarth as one of the most important properties of its kind, reflecting the wealth and success of one of the very first families that brought tourism to the Lake District over 175 years ago.”

Acting in respect of the sale of Applegarth Villa Hotel, local agent Graham Wilkinson from specialist business property adviser Christie & Co commented: “I am delighted to be working with Suzanne and the family to find new owners for the Applegarth. As such a well-known landmark in Windermere as well as a superb business opportunity, it is now a pleasure to look to secure the sale of the business so it can be passed to the next generation of owners who are looking for a superb, luxury hospitality business in the heart of the Lake District.”

The hotel is on the market with an asking price of £4,250,000 with offers invited.

For more information visit: https://www.christie.com/6445189/

For further information on this press release, contact:
Jasmine Davis, Corporate Communications Manager
P: 07561 115179
E: jasmine.davis@christie.com

Contact the agent:
Graham Wilkinson, Hotel Agent – Christie & Co
P: 07561 114 986
E: graham.wilkinson@christie.com

David Lee, Regional Director – Hotels
P: 07764 241 337
E: david.lee@christie.com

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