Lakes property optimism

Last updated 19:44, Thursday, 17 July 2008

A NATIONAL property agency has revealed its optimism about the future of business in the Lake District.

Knight Frank is marketing two hotels in the Lake District at prices over £1 million.

One of them – described as an 18-bedroom country house set in a village – is priced at £1.7 million.

The agents declined to name it, saying that the sale is “confidential” at this stage.

The second property for sale is the award-winning Swinside Lodge in the Newlands Valley near Keswick.

Swinside Lodge, which in 2007 was voted Cumbria’s Best Small Hotel, and which was named Lakeland Hotel of the Year in the Good Hotel Guide, is on the market for £1.1 million.

The Georgian property is minutes from Derwentwater and has undergone major refurbishment in recent years.

Mark Bailey, regional agent for Knight Frank, said: “There is every reason to believe the market for profitable businesses will remain buoyant.

“There is always strong interest in profitable Lake District hotels and there is already interest in both these properties.

“The Lake District could benefit from the financial situation with people deciding to take holidays in the UK and also because of green issues involved in travel overseas.”