Lake District country house to become retreat for up to 12 guests

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 06:19 · Archive

A Grade II-listed country house near Keswick could be converted into holiday accommodation and a managed creative retreat.

Plans have been submitted to the Lake District National Park Authority for a change of use at Ormathwaite Hall, just over a mile north of Keswick. The early 18th-century Grade II-listed property is currently the home of Mr and Mrs Barnes, who bought it in December 2020. They now propose moving into the Coach House within the same estate.

Under the plans, the hall would have flexible permission allowing it to be used as a home, short-term holiday accommodation or a managed retreat. The retreat use would consist of small-scale, facilitated stays and residencies reflecting the applicants' professional involvement in creative and wellbeing programmes. Up to 12 guests would be allowed to stay in the hall, with the wider site accommodating no more than 20 people overnight when including the applicants, facilitators and an already-approved two-person holiday let.

The applicants stress the proposal is not intended to create a party, wedding or commercial events venue. No events or functions would be held, amplified music would not be allowed outdoors and outside activities would have to finish by 10pm. Guests would use the site's north-east entrance, with 20 parking spaces available, while outdoor activity would be restricted to the walled garden and rear lawn. The hall and its grounds sit within the Lake District National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How it is being reported

• Historic Lake District country house could become retreat for 12 guestsA historic Grade II-listed Lake District country house could be turned into holiday accommodation and a managed retreat for up to 12 guests.News & Star · 10 Oct, 05:00
• Historic Lake District country house could become retreat for 12 guestsA historic Grade II-listed Lake District country house could be turned into holiday accommodation and a managed retreat for up to 12 guests.Westmorland Gazette · 10 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Ormathwaite Hall · Keswick · Lake District National Park Authority · Lake District · Mr and Mrs Barnes

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