A THAI-based company has rescued a Lake District hotel that had gone into administration.

The Hydro Hotel at Bowness has been acquired by the Lake Merritt Group.

The hotel, on the banks of Windermere, entered administration after a large-scale renovation project led to cash flow issues.

Thirty-two jobs are secured by the deal and all bookings are unaffected.

Built in 1985, the former manor house has outstanding views of the lake and fells beyond.

As well as 78 en-suite rooms, the hotel also boasts conference and events areas suitable for weddings and business seminars, a heated swimming pool, a substantial restaurant and ballroom that can seat up to 150 people.

MORE TOP STORIES: 

The deal was brokered by the specialist hotels and agency team at real estate advisors Colliers International, who acted on behalf of Phil Pierce and Paul Whitwam, partners at FRP Advisory, after they were appointed joint administrators of the business on February 8.

“We worked closely with all parties to secure the sale of the Hydro Hotel, and the acquisition is the best possible outcome for everyone involved," said Mr Pierce. "Not only does it guarantee that people’s holidays, weddings and events can go ahead, but it also saves a significant number of local jobs.”

Julian Troup, Head of UK Hotels Agency at Colliers International, said: "The sale of Hydro Hotel generated an enormous level of interest. Our instructions were to go openly to the market utilising our extensive buyer database and our strong marketing presence and dedicated PR team.

“Its sale is indicative of an unprecedented level of interest from buyers wanting to acquire UK provincial hotels, with the Lake District continuing to be Colliers’ most productive area in the UK and the sale coming hot-on-the-heels of that of the Queens Hotel, Ambleside last month.”

Mr Troup added: “This represents a great start to 2019 for the hotels team at Colliers and follows another strong performance during 2018 when we sold or acquired 97 hotels throughout the UK.”

Mr Thakral, an advisor to Lake Merritt Group, said: “The Hydro is an exciting addition to our fast-growing portfolio. We have identified significant opportunity for development within both the grounds and the hotel itself.

"We are confident our developments will reposition this great hotel within the strong Windermere leisure market.”