AN 18-bedroomed Lake District hotel has been placed on the market after the current owners announced their retirement.

Ray and Gill Lane have run The Fisherbeck at Ambleside for the past 22 years although the business has been in the family for nearly 40 years.

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“The hotel was a different place when we took over; there were no locks on any of the guest doors, no central heating and no en suites," said Mr Gill.

"How times have changed – one of our most enduring memories was the day we took ownership and because it was the height of the season we had to get on and serve dinner the same evening.

"We are now looking to take retirement and feel the time is right for someone else to take over the reins and take the business to next level.”

The hotel boasts many accolades and awards which in turn have helped to generate net profits in excess of £140,000.

It is for sale at an asking price of £1.475m for the freehold through Christie & Co.