The specialist hotel agency team at Colliers has sold Ouse Bridge Guest House, an elegant Edwardian house overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake in the Lake District.
Situated in Dubwath almost midway between the Cumbrian towns of Keswick and Cockermouth, the guest house with 11 letting bedrooms with en suites and private bathrooms, as well as a spacious owner’s suite comprising of lounge, two bedrooms and a bathroom, was sold off an asking price of £699,500.
The property has been now acquired by Ben and Virginia Richardson who have moved to Dubwath to run this characterful and charming guest house, after previously managing a gym in Abingdon. Previous owner Claire Shepherd bought the property in 2010 but has now decided to retire from the hospitality industry to focus on other business interests.
The Ouse Bridge Guest House is one of the few guest houses in the area which benefits from a stunning location overlooking the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake. Moreover, it is located a short walk from Lakes Distillery and ten minutes away by car from Keswick.
“After searching the entire Lake district for months we’d almost lost hope of finding our perfect home and business,” said Ben. “Then we discovered Ouse Bridge, and wow the views! While we don’t have a background in hospitality Virginia has worked in events, we’re looking forward to the challenge and we have plans to make the guest house more sustainable while maintaining its traditional feel.
“We’re just 50 yards from the Lake shore and a world of adventure as well as great access to both Cockermouth and Keswick, and a pub on our doorstep too. It really ticks all the boxes for us. Our kids now spend every afternoon at the lake, up a fell or in a river, they explore and have fun away from the busy town life we have come from, their school is amazing and they are as happy as we have ever seen them. It’s a great move for all the family.”
Commenting on the sale, Haydn Spedding from the Colliers' Hotels team said: “Ouse Bridge Guest House is a very substantial and attractive property and easily caught the eye of Ben and Virginia, as they have friends in the area. Such was their certainty about the quality of the business, they negotiated a purchase while we were still deep in COVID lockdown and their purchase was supported by Cumberland Building Society.
“Ouse Bridge Guest House is one of over 20 hotels and guest houses sold by Colliers in the last 12 months and continues to illustrate the confidence in the Lake District and Cumbria.”
