A LAKE District guest house that received national attention when it appeared on Grand Designs has new owners gearing up to welcome visitors.

Work to renovate Dome House in Bowness into a family home and luxury apartments was filmed by Channel 4 cameras for the hit show.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Architect Robert Gaukroger built the unusual structure, designed to almost disappear into the hillside overlooking Windermere.

It was described by presenter Kevin McCloud as “impressive” and “awe inspiring”.

However, Mr Gaukroger sold it in December 2016 to new owner Yvonne Malley, who said she first saw the unfinished project on Grand Designs.

“I remember watching the programme and I felt for the family," Yvonne said, recalling the financial difficulties that the project was under. "For the sake of £50,000 they could get it finished and their business up and running. I had the money available and the business looked promising. An agreement was made between Robert and myself and building work started again”

Unfortunately more money was needed and Robert eventually had to move on from the project and Yvonne stepped in.

Since buying the property, Yvonne has passed the baton to her son Phil McGuire and his fiancée Joyce McKenna, who have worked hard to bring the house to life again.

“Architecturally the house has some beautiful features, but it needed huge amounts of work, mostly gas, electricity and plumbing, to make it a more liveable space for people," Yvonne said. "Like any renovation project, at times it has felt like a can of worms but as we near completion the house is starting to live up to its potential and we’re very excited about the future.”

Joyce, a Grand Designs fan who said she remembered watching the show when the Dome House appeared, said that it had been a lot of work to get the house up to scratch but it was an opportunity that the couple just could not miss out on.

"It's a really really interesting stunning building," she said. "It's got a lot of history.

"We have magnificent views of Windermere, I think we have probably got one of the best views over the lake."

From September 29 this year, Dome House will be welcoming guests. They will have use of the indoor swimming pool, lounge area and balcony and plans are ahead for work to develop the garden.

Apartments are now available to book at www.domehouselakes.co.uk