Lake District hotel sold to South African chain

Linthwaite House, near Windermere, has been acquired by a South African boutique hotel chain Leeu Collection owned by the industrialist Analjit Singh. 

It paid an undisclosed sum to buy the hotel from long-time owners Mike and Jean Bevans, and their partner Simon Doddrell.

The Bevans had been there since 1990.

Linthwaite House is Leeu Collection’s first property outside South Africa, where the group operates two hotels in the Western Cape with a third due to open in June.

Linthwaite is a four-star hotel, with a three AA rosette restaurant, occupying 14 acres of grounds overlooking the lake. It was built as a country house in 1901. There are 30 en-suite bedrooms.

Hector de Galard, managing director of Leeu Collection, said: “Linthwaite House is a perfect fit for Leeu Collection and the first step in expanding the Leeu Collection footprint internationally.

“It strengthens Leeu Collection’s position in the hospitality sector and underlines our determination to create exceptional retreats, not only in South Africa, but around the globe.”