The Cranleigh Boutique secures ‘significant’ refinancing deal

A five-star hotel in the Lake District is preparing for a strong tourist season after securing a “significant” refinancing deal for an undisclosed amount. Located in Bowness on Windermere, The Cranleigh Boutique and its sister venues received funding from The Cumberland Society, which helped them structure a refinancing deal that consolidated finances across The Cranleigh Boutique and Lake View Garden Bar. The group said the move will create a single point of contact which would allow managing director Steve Hargreaves to “move more efficiently with future plans”. The refinancing will also be used to further increase infrastructure and “inspire growth” with a view to further positioning the region as a “must-visit” area for tourism. The Cranleigh Boutique offers “luxurious accommodation” with bespoke suites fitted out with the latest technology, cutting-edge design, and the largest air spa baths in Europe. Its sister venue, the Lake View Garden Bar, offers guests views of Lake Windermere and serves beer steins, specialised gins, or cocktails. Meanwhile, the hotel’s other venues in the area include The Fizzy Tarte, a luxury champagne and cocktail bar, and Baha, which offers karaoke. The Cranleigh Boutique was acquired by Hargreaves in 2007 before he undertook a “substantial” refurbishment of the building to turn it into a luxury hotel. Moving forward, he is looking to develop staff accommodation at The Cranleigh Boutique’s premises in a bid to encourage more people into the hospitality sector and bridge the sector’s current employee-gap by providing them with a roof over their head. Hargreaves said: “The whole idea behind The Cranleigh Boutique is that we listened to what customers want and decided to give them that. Over the years we’ve seen a change in the way people wind down and we created a venue which accommodates this. They want to sit in the sun, listen to music, and enjoy a beer while overlooking the lake, before going to bed to a luxury state-of-the-art room. “The Cranleigh Boutique’s family hits the right themes and that’s why people keep coming back, and this has a positive impact not just for us, but the other businesses around us. It’s great to be a part of supporting the local area by helping to pull visitors in.” Speaking about working with The Cumberland, he added: “I’ve never dealt with a building society as efficient, friendly, and professional. I’m looking forward to a long-term, mutual partnership moving forward. “The guidance from Napthens to ensure everything went smoothly was top notch in every department, I can’t thank them enough. Along with The Cumberland, it just shows what can be achieved when Cumbrian businesses come together to support each other.” Andy Gibson, relationship manager at The Cumberland said: “Steve has vast experience of the hospitality sector and The Cranleigh Boutique really is a stand-out venue. We’ve seen the fantastic efforts of Steve and everyone at the hotel to create an experience for visitors which will see them returning time and time again. Naturally, this has a hugely positive impact on the area as a whole.”