A LUXURIOUS hotel in a picturesque village in the Lake District has been sold from a £2.2 million asking price. 

The Grasmere Hotel, built in 1871 as a private country house, has been sold to new owners. 

Kevin and Nicky Winsland have decided to retire after six years of ownership and have sold the property.

The hotel was sold to solicitor Simon Hustler and his wife Kate Hustler, who has holiday lets in Ambleside. 

This will be the couple's first hotel.

The 11-ensuite hotel with gardens that lead onto the River Rothay was sold by the commercial real estate firm Colliers.

Kate said: "Simon and I are very excited for the challenge of a new chapter of our lives. We are looking forward to spending time in this beautiful part of the world and getting to know local businesses and residents.

"We are hoping to keep it at the high standards as have been set by the previous owners. We will not be making too many changes because it is already run in a very good way. There is room for potential."

Simon said: "I fell in love with this hotel 25 years ago and I'm still in love with the hotel today after 25 years.

"We have got to maintain the impeccable standards of Kevin and Nicky Winsland and we are delighted to continue to welcome the guests here at The Grasmere Hotel."

The Grasmere Hotel was named The Good Hotel Guide's Cesar Award Winner for the Country House Hotel of the Year 2021.

It features accommodation with a garden, free private parking and a 30-cover restaurant.