A LOCAL business is gearing up to welcome its first new guests over New Year after completing a £3.5 million development.

A series of exclusive new waterside penthouses have been created at Windermere Marina Village near Bowness on the shore of England's longest lake - using local companies.

Marina bosses say the project was to create 13 individually-styled properties suiting groups of between two and 10 people, with the centrepiece being a 2,250sqft penthouse to let.

Jason Dearden, managing director, said: “This really is a landmark development which adds a unique dimension to the tourism offer in the Lake District.

"Finished to the highest standards, these individually-designed properties will undoubtedly enhance our guests’ enjoyment and help secure the future of the Marina in the years to come.

“Supporting other local businesses has also been integral to the development, and it’s been really important to us to try and stay loyal to local expertise to ensure it reflects the best of Cumbrian craftsmanship. As well as appointing Barrow-based Leck Construction, we’ve sourced local fittings and fixtures wherever possible, drawing on local materials such as Broughton Moor Slate to develop spacious, immaculate interiors with a real ‘wow’ factor for our guests.”

The Marina says it welcomes in the region of 11,000 annual guests every year and over the last three years has already invested £3 million in modernising its existing 54 lakeside self-catering cottages and apartments to four star standards.

Holidaymakers don’t have to own a boat to stay or visit the Marina, but it provides 400 moorings for motor cruisers and sailing boats all year round.