A HOTEL with more than 160 years of history is set to reopen after being transformed as part of a £1million project.

The former Hillfoot Hotel in Ulverston had suffered from a lack of investment after spending years on the market.

It was bought by the Varley family; parents Terry and Gillian and couple Jason and Beth last year, and after a 12-month period of intensive refurbishment will welcome guests once again from December.

But rather than rooms being available separately, it will be marketed as complete property - called Ellie’s Lodge - which sleeps up to 26 guests across 13 bedrooms and comes complete with a huge living area, bar, games room and sauna.

For the family, the project was a calculated risk.

Jason, aged 34, said: “The building had been on the market for years. We had discussions with the owner around a sensible price for the hotel and after some negotiation, we agreed last November and we completed the process on December 23.

“To look at it from the outside you would have thought it was completely run down, but inside, the majority of the work looked to be cosmetic. Much of it was, but we ended up spending a large amount on plumbing and electrics which we did not expect.

“Most of the work beyond that has been new bedrooms, bathrooms and plastering - although it is surprising how the costs can mount up.”

The family were supported in financing the deal by Karina Gallagher from Ulverston-based Hornby Commercial, who helped arrange a competitive package through the network of lenders she works with.

Jason and Beth own and operate separately Ellie’s designer florist, Ellie’s Hill Foot Garden Centre, and Cumbria Motorhome Hire, whilst Terry and Gillian own Bardsea Leisure Park and holiday cottages which is also now headed up by Jason.

Through the hotel venture, they have pumped huge amounts into the local economy. All of the furniture, kitchen units and carpets have been bought locally, and the tradesmen working on the project are from as close to Ulverston as possible.

Beth, aged 30, said: “We really believe in local business, we only shop in Ulverston where at all possible. I used to have a couple of stalls on the market so have grown up shopping locally. It is about supporting family businesses.

“It was a real shame to see the hotel go downhill and we wanted to return it to its former glory. People relive it through their memories because it has been a part of this area for so long. The end game is to have a successful and thriving holiday cottage and return the building to its former glory.”.

For Karina, who has more than 30 years of banking experience, every project she works to achieve funding for must be carefully researched.

“It’s really important that we ensure the business proposition is sound. The Varleys have lots of experience in this sector, and it has been proven that there is a demand for high-end holiday properties in the area. They have tested the market with other properties they own with a high degree of success.

“There has been a big investment in the hotel and the family know exactly what they wanted to achieve in terms of it being quality throughout.

“I get a great sense of satisfaction when projects come to fruition. It is my favourite part of the job and in the case of this property, it will deliver a real boost to Ulverston through the 20-plus people who are staying in it every week and spending their money in the local economy.”