The Inn Collection Group (ICG), the Newcastle-based pubs with rooms operator, has become the owner of The Wordsworth Hotel in Grasmere, its seventh acquisition of the year.
Located at the very heart of the Cumbrian village, dubbed by William Wordsworth as “the loveliest spot man hath ever found”, ICG’s latest acquisition is a 38-room establishment with a rich history of its own.
The venue opened as The Rothay Hotel in 1874. The building was originally constructed as a hunting lodge for the Earl of Cadogan and has welcomed VIP guests throughout its years, including former US President Woodrow Wilson.
Situated in its 2.5 acres grounds in the shadow of St Oswald’s church, The Wordsworth Hotel becomes the second property in ICG’s portfolio with a link to its namesake, with Helmsley’s The Black Swan having hosted the poet, his wife Mary and sister Dorothy in the early 1800s.
This is also the group’s latest investment into the Grasmere area, joining existing property The Swan on Keswick Road.
Managing director Sean Donkin said, “We are delighted to bring The Wordsworth into The Inn Collection Group. It is a prime site, and we are really excited to add it to our estate.
“Grasmere is a beautiful village that enjoys a rich history through its connections with Wordsworth and the Heaton Cooper family and this acquisition lets us put down further roots in the community.
“We appreciate the history and esteem The Wordsworth is held in and we’re looking forward to welcoming guests in such a honeypot location.”
The Wordsworth Hotel is the 34th property to come under The Inn Collection Group banner. It joins fellow Cumbrian sites The Glenridding Hotel, The Regent Hotel and Ambleside Lake House, North Wales venues The Bull Inn at Beaumaris and The St Kilda Hotel in Llandudno and Harrogate’s St George Hotel in being added to the group’s portfolio in 2022.
The Inn Collection Group is actively continuing to seek out new acquisition opportunities to grow its portfolio in the north of England and North Wales.