Stunning Grade II listed hotel and venue in Cumbria sold through Christie & Co

The Grade II listed house dates back to 1790 and was used as the school room and dormitory of the former Grammar School. Over the years, the building has had many uses, including as a private residence, an adventure centre for Cartmel Boys Scouts, and as The Grammar Hotel. An extensive renovation by the previous owners saw it restored to its former glory and tastefully modernised into a spectacular hotel and wedding venue, set within idyllic grounds.

The house comprises 12 exceptional individually-styled ensuite bedrooms as well as an entrance hall, cosy bar, ceremony room seating 60 people, and dining hall/function space for 100 people. The house boasts traditional period features such as feature fireplaces and bay windows, with views over the gardens.

The house is situated just moments from the centre of Cartmel, a village famous for its racecourse, sticky toffee pudding, 1000-year old Priory and Michelin-starred restaurants including L’Enclume. The village attracts many visitors throughout the year.

Recently, the property has been run as an exclusive wedding venue, however the new owners will reopen the hotel operation to offer high quality, boutique accommodation in addition to a wedding venue, and plan to add two further ground floor bedrooms to create accommodation for guests with accessibility needs or those wishing to bring pets.

The new owners, newly-wed Lauren and Greg Foggo, are established restaurateurs, moving to Cartmel from Yorkshire. They look forward to being part of the local community and offering a first class, personal service to their guests.

Talking about their plans for the future, Lauren said: “We were so excited when we visited Cartmel Old Grammar – it was everything we were looking for, a beautiful property in a wonderful location. We are looking forward to offering a bespoke and personal service for weddings and operating as a luxury hotel in this superb setting, with excellent food and accommodation”.  Greg added: “We love working in the hospitality sector and we pride ourselves in creating special experiences for all our guests. We are looking forward to receiving our first guests at Cartmel Old Grammar in the New Year and have already received a number of enquiries for both accommodation and weddings.”

Cartmel Old Grammar Country House has been sold on behalf of Professor Eunice Taylor, who is now looking to retire. Professor Taylor said: “We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the Old Grammar School hosting so many memorable weddings and welcoming countless guests. We will be sad to leave however we are confident that Lauren and Greg will feel at home very quickly and will soon be welcoming guests of their own.”

Graham Wilkinson, Business Agent at Christie & Co, commented: “Cartmel Old Grammar Country House is a delightfully refurbished property in a prime position. Our clients, now looking to enjoy a well-earned retirement, have invested significantly to bring it to its current standard, and we are pleased to see it will be taken over by Lauren and Greg who have the experience and the enthusiasm to develop the business further.”

The property was sold at an undisclosed price.

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, Business Agent – Hotels
P: +44 7561 114 986
E: graham.wilkinson@christie.com

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