A TOP Lake District hotel has been bought by a businessman who plans to turn it into ’more than just a hotel and board’ with extras such as helicopter airport transfers and luxury supercar hire.

Holbeck Ghyll, which boasts stunning views over Lake Windermere and the Langdale Fells, has been bought by Stephen Leahy in a multi-million pound deal.

The move fulfils a ‘lifelong ambition’ of the 44-year-old, who has lived near Staveley for the last five years and is the CEO of the Select Group of businesses based in Manchester.

“Ever since I was a teenager, when dining out without my parents was a novelty thing, the idea of owning my own hotel or restaurant struck me as a great lifestyle choice, far more fun than engineering,” he said.

“So when I decided, 25 years later, to make my foray into the hospitality industry, it had to be to go for the best example of what my local area had to offer.”

He added: “But as a perfectionist I aim to make Holbeck Ghyll even better. Guests coming to this hotel will experience something far more fulfilling than just a hotel and board.”

Mr Leahy hopes to turn the 26-bedroom hotel into one of the country’s most popular country house hotels and is already planning to introduce a number of new services such as luxury supercar hire, shooting and fishing breaks, helicopter airport transfers and Lake District heli-tours, lake cruises, guided walks and climbing.

The hotel also boasts a Michelin Star restaurant, which it has just retained for the tenth consecutive year, and Mr Leahy plans to prepare Michelin Star packed lunches for some of the excursions.

“Whatever guests want, we will get it,” he said.

Mr Leahy said he was looking to improve every aspect of the hotel including revamping the rooms and staff accomodation.

The day-to-day running of the hotel will be overseen by Paul Roebuck, who has 36 years experience in the hospitality industry, including working at Miller Howe, Windermere.

He said: "This is a fantastic opportunity. The hotel already has a reputation that is second to none and I'm really looking forward to taking all that is great about the place and making it even better.”