Stylish revamp for two top hotels

150 150 Daniel Fountain
  • 0

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.

Daniel Fountain / 31.07.2014

Editor, Hotel Designs

Share

  • 0

Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Work highlights: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher atSPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.
Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.