Iconic Lake District Boutique Hotel Hits Market With £1.5 Million Price Tag
A popular boutique hotel in Windermere has officially gone up for sale with an asking price of £1.5 million, marking the end of an era for one family-run hospitality business in the Lake District.
The Hideaway at Windermere, owned and operated by Richard and Lisa Gornall since 1991, has been listed for sale as the couple prepare to retire after more than 30 years in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Situated within a traditional Victorian country house built from classic Cumbrian stone, the hotel has become a recognised destination for visitors seeking boutique accommodation in one of Britain’s most famous tourist regions.
The property includes 11 en suite guest bedrooms along with a lounge, dining room and landscaped gardens. It also benefits from a 15-space private car park and a self-contained three-bedroom owner’s residence, making it attractive for buyers interested in both lifestyle and business opportunities.
The owners said they were proud of what the family had achieved over the years and described the sale as the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
In a statement, Richard and Lisa Gornall reflected on their long connection to the property, saying they had worked hard to preserve the character of the historic building while adapting it to meet the expectations of modern travellers. They also thanked loyal guests who had continued to return over many years.
The hotel is being marketed by property specialist Christie & Co, which described the opportunity as rare within the Windermere market due to the combination of boutique guest accommodation, owner living space and the hotel’s strong location near the Lake District National Park.
Industry experts say demand for boutique hotels in tourist hotspots such as the Lake District remains strong, particularly as domestic tourism continues to perform well following increased interest in UK-based travel experiences.
Windermere remains one of the region’s busiest tourism centres, attracting millions of visitors annually thanks to its scenic landscapes, outdoor activities and hospitality sector. Boutique hotels and independent guesthouses continue to play a major role in the local economy, offering visitors a more personalised alternative to larger chain accommodation.
The Hideaway at Windermere also reportedly has planning consent allowing it to operate as a self-contained holiday let, potentially offering future owners additional income opportunities or operational flexibility.
The sale is expected to attract interest from hospitality investors, lifestyle buyers and entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves within the highly competitive Lake District tourism market.
The property is currently being offered for sale on a freehold basis.
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