Coniston Hotel sale withdrawn as leadership passes to third gen

The Bannister family has officially withdrawn the sale of the Coniston Hotel and Spa, following an internal restructure of the business that ensures the 1,400-acre Yorkshire estate remains in family ownership for a third generation since its acquisition in 1969. 

Managing director Nick Bannister has also announced he will be stepping back from his role after 11 years to focus on managing the wider estate. His son, Roddy Bannister, has been appointed as the new managing director to oversee the daily operations of the hotel.

The new leadership intends to focus on the identity of the site as a working Yorkshire estate. Future developments will prioritise seasonal food and estate-led guest experiences.

Roddy Bannister previously worked in the finance sector before returning to the family business. The hotel, located near Skipton, had previously been positioned for an external sale before the family opted to retain the asset.

Nick Bannister said: “The Coniston has always been far more than a business to our family; it is a place we care about deeply and one that holds many memories for us. After careful consideration, we felt strongly that the right decision was to keep The Coniston within the family and everything that has already been created here.”

Roddy Bannister added: “This place is my home in every sense. There isn’t anywhere that offers quite what The Coniston does, and I’m incredibly proud to now lead the estate into its next chapter. I’m enormously grateful to my father, grandfather and wider family for the support and opportunity ahead.”