A FORMER South Lakeland grammar school has been re-opened as a guest house thanks to the hard work of one family.

Now called Cartmel Old Grammar Country House, the Georgian listed building is now open for guests.

Behind the operation is the Taylor family - Professor Eunice Taylor, Dr Jerry Taylor and Shelley Taylor.

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“We were looking for a guest house in the Windermere area when we stumbled upon Cartmel Old Grammar and it was love at first sight,” Professor Taylor, who has worked as an international consultant in food safety in the hospitality industry, said.

“The whole family fell in love with the Georgian listed building - despite the fact that it needed a huge amount of work - and knew they could create something special to add to the charm of Cartmel.”

The grammar school was built in 1719. It was extended in 1836 with the addition of a Victorian Wing to house the School Master and family.

Over the years is has been a Vocational Training Centre, hotel and a nursing home.

Cartmel Old Grammar Country House has been extensively renovated, providing a setting for special functions and wedding parties.

The Victorian wing of the building, originally the School Masters house, is now open and fully renovated, offering five luxury bedrooms and a second phase of renovation will add six more bedrooms in the coming year. The patio has been extended across the front of the Georgian building house to create a large south facing terrace.

“The extensive renovation has been from the ground up,” Professor Taylor said. “It’s been a labour of love that has taken 12 months to date.”

Shelley, general manager for the establishment, has a degree in design from the University of Central Lancashire. She has a ‘passion’ for interior design and has used her skills to create a luxurious classic look with a modern twist for the house.

“We aim to provide our guests with a stay where they can relax and unwind in a beautiful setting, get a great night’s sleep in an award-winning Harrison Spinks bed, and enjoy all that Cartmel has to offer – only 500m from the village centre,” said Professor Taylor.