Member Article

Darlington Building Society facilitates boutique lakes hotel restoration

Darlington Building Society has helped make a couple’s dream come true as they open their historic guest house on the shores of Lake Ullswater.

Property developer Stephen Hutchinson and his long-term partner Lynne Eaves restored the magnificent Grade two Listed Glenridding House in Glenridding, which was originally built in around 1820, utilising their own funds.

The property required extensive renovation and extension and Stephen and Lynne turned to Darlington Building Society for a commercial mortgage after encountering less than helpful service from other lenders.

The mortgage was for the extensive restoration of the property, including stripping the building back to its bare bones.

The roof and all interior timbers were replaced along with windows and doors, floors, plasterwork and shutters. Major rebuilding of the front lakeside wall and one bay window was also undertaken.

The building has a unique cast iron balcony feature, which was restored and the decking replaced a cracked concrete walkway and then repainted.

Internally a glorious centre dome, which was replaced exactly as it looked in the Regency period, stands 30ft above the centre of the house with a Celtic Cross feature.

Much of the carpentry work, which played a major part in the restoration, was carried out with loving care by Roy Neives a local master craftsman who has an eye for detailed perfection – a rare thing nowadays.

After seven years of sympathetic restoration, the house has been returned to its former glory of classical elegance, which has reaffirmed its position as one of the most iconic lakeshore houses in the whole of the Lake District.

During its historic past Charles Darwin stayed at Glenridding House with members of his family for a five week holiday in June 1881.

Darlington Building Society provides Commercial Mortgages for a wide variety of businesses ranging from owner occupiers to commercial investment property.

It offers dedicated account management to ensure a detailed understanding of the customer’s business requirements.

Stephen Hutchinson said: “Darlington Building Society did so much more than provide the funds to enable us to renovate and refurbish.

“The team advised and assisted us every step of the way, which made the process much easier and enabled Lynne and I to concentrate on the extensive building work.

“Phil Taylor were enthusiastic and had the foresight to realise the significance and potential in the building.

“My aim was to do everything required to a very high standard and give the building a new lease of another 200 years of life and this has been achieved. It has been a privilege to restore such a beautiful building.

“We are now happily settled and welcoming loyal customers and those who have just discovered the beautiful Lake District and Glenridding House.”

Commercial Manager at Darlington Building Society, Phil Taylor, said: “Darlington Building Society provides mortgages to a variety of businesses in the North East of England & Cumbria.

“It was a real pleasure to work with Stephen and Lynne on this fantastic project and to see the iconic building restored to such a fabulous standard.”

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