UK: The Waterhead Hotel at Ambleside has reopened under new ownership, with a planned refurbishment in 2022.
The Waterhead Hotel was sold in an off-market deal by English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues for an undisclosed price to The Inn Collection Group. This deal followed the group’s purchase of The Wateredge Inn at Waterhead Bay in March.
Colliers International acted on behalf of the vendors and coordinated sale negotiations for the 38-bedroom hotel.
Julian Troup, head of hotel agency at Colliers, said: “The sale of The Waterhead Hotel to The Inn Collection Group is one of several Lakeland hotel and hospitality business sales Colliers has agreed in recent months, and vividly illustrates the intense demand for prime hotel and inn opportunities in this hugely popular staycation region.”
Trop added: “There is no sign of this demand abating, and on the contrary we are anticipating it to increase given that staycation break trade is continuing to soar in popularity as holidaymakers increasingly choose to remain in the UK amid concerns about travelling abroad during a global pandemic. The sale of the Waterhead Hotel is yet another example of our ability to undertake an off-market transaction, in a discreet and confidential fashion.”
The Inn Collection Group’s managing director Sean Donkin said: “The Waterhead has long been in our sights and we are excited to bring this remarkable venue and its team into The Inn Collection Group family.”
Donkin added: “Our customers are looking for experience-led stays and The Waterhead delivers on everything we look for in a site – a distinctive USP and an attractive environment in a winning destination where our guests want to spend their well-earned leisure time to eat, drink, and stay with us.”
Simon Berry, managing director of English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues, said: “The sale of Waterhead is an opportunity for the group to focus on our properties which have room to expand and on developing spa facilities. We have some very exciting developments in the pipeline.”
Berry continued: “After 46 years it is of course a bit sad to see a property leave the portfolio, but we know it will be good for the Waterhead as the new owners focus on that style of property. We have sold the venue to a good operator, who is very committed to the Lake District, and we wish them well.”
The Waterhead Hotel has shoreline access and private grounds that border Lake Windermere.
The Inn Collection Group’s headquarters is located in Alnwick, Northumberland. The group’s portfolio includes 22 sites.
