THE Lake District's historic Langdale Chase hotel has closed its doors for an extensive refurbishment.

This is the biggest in its history since it opened for the first time in 1937.

Owners Daniel Thwaites, the northern, family owned, hotel and pub business has extensive plans and works planned for the Grade II listed building and its grounds, which sit on the banks of Lake Windermere, and will take approximately 12 months to complete.

The design and interiors have been sympathetically created by Jane Goff, Director at Goff Associates Ltd, inspired by the 1920s and 1930s, the era known as being the ‘heyday’ of the Lake District.

Daniel Thwaites has worked closely with local planning authorities and heritage groups to ensure that the original features of the Victorian buildings, which date back to 1895, will be preserved and restored to their former glory, with a contemporary feel.

The historical features, including the original wooden wall panelling found in the Main Hall and the Thomas Morson landscaped gardens form a centrepiece of the development.

The vision for Langdale Chase will include a selection of unforgettable experiences for guests to make sure that this landmark centrepiece of Windermere’s eastern shore makes for the most rewarding of visits.

Operations director Chris Hill said: “Revamping a historic building like Langdale Chase, which holds a special place in many people’s hearts, requires striking the right balance between creating high-end luxury and having compassion for the hotel’s character and past. Designing this exciting project, with help from expert planning and heritage authorities has therefore been great fun and will allow us to build something really exciting and special.”

“We’ll be unveiling more about Langdale’s new look and feel in due course, but I will say that in a year’s time Langdale Chase will be making headlines for the Lake District.”

Occupying a magical location, Langdale Chase is regarded as the best lakeside address in the Lake District National Park.

Built in 1890 as a private residence, Langdale Chase first opened its doors as a hotel in 1937 and today still houses many special features, including the original boathouse.

The hotel’s historic gardens were originally designed by Thomas Mawson, the landscape architect behind the Hague’s Peace Palace Gardens.

Since Daniel Thwaites acquired Langdale Chase, the hotel has won many prestigious awards including two AA Rosettes for the restaurant.