Two of the Lake District’s best-known hotels are unveiling a luxurious new look. The Cragwood and Merewood Country House Hotels are undergoing a stylish refurbishment under the guidance of Sarah Jane Nielsen – named “one of the UK’s finest interior designers” by VOGUE magazine.The sister hotels between Ambleside and Windermere are unique properties with their own distinctive character and architecture. Built in 1910 with Edwardian gardens designed by Thomas Mawson, Cragwood is a characterful Arts and Crafts property, while the recently named ‘Lakeland Hotel of the Year’ Merewood has more of a stately, hunting lodge style.
Owners Impact are making a significant investment in the hotels’ public areas, including lounges and receptions areas, as well as enhancing Merewood’s bedrooms with a range of luxurious touches, such as Zoffany damasks and printed velvets from Linwood. Working alongside Sarah Jane, the aim is to bring out the properties’ individual personalities more fully and make the most of their individual features and architecture.
CEO and Founder of Impact, David Williams, says, “The programme of refurbishment at Cragwood is all about showcasing its rich Arts and Crafts heritage throughout the property. At Merewood, we’ve gone for a grander, more classical style which reflects the unique history of this private 20 acre estate, originally built for the 1st Earl of Lonsdale 200 years ago.
He adds, “We’re also currently looking into the possibility of significant future expansion on both sites – reflecting the unique nature of these very special properties. We’re really confident about the future of the hotels and what they have to offer to a range of visitors.”
Designer Sarah Jane Nielsen says, “These are both substantial, individual period properties and the decoration and interior design is bound to create a more luxurious experience for visitors to both hotels. Carefully chosen fabrics, furniture, room accessories will also add to levels of comfort and relaxation.”
Another hotel in the Lake District Country Hotels group, Briery Wood, is also lined up for a make-over in the coming months. This third longer-term project will take place over the next year, with the aim of creating a more contemporary style in keeping with the original design of the 19th century property.
