Ramblers Worldwide Holidays is pleased to announce the purchase of Hassness House, Buttermere on 8 September 2016.
Tony Lock, Joint MD of Ramblers Worldwide Holidays said, “We are absolutely delighted to have bought this wonderful gem in one of the most spectacular settings in the Lake District. We have a long association with the property and it has become a firm favourite with many of our clients who come back year after year.”
Mark Hoggar, Head of Resources for the Lake District National Park, in announcing this exciting development said, “The Lake District National Park plays an important role in safeguarding the National Park for now and for future generations. It does this by working in partnership with various landowners and ensuring that appropriate environmental and public access protections are in place.
“Following a detailed consultation with the local community earlier this year and a mutually successful tenancy relationship since 1955, we are confident that Ramblers Worldwide Holidays will continue to care for and invest in the future of this unique property, beautifully located on the banks of Buttermere.”
Public access along the lakeshore remains unchanged and protected as a Right of Way. In addition, there is a new dedicated footpath from the road to the lakeshore, which was put in place earlier this year.
As a public body, and like other landholders in the park, LDNP keeps its land holdings under regular review and currently owns just under four per cent of the National Park. By moving property into alternative responsible ownership, such as Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, this helps the National Park ensure it can make best use of its resources to improve and look after the park as a whole. The proceeds from the sale of Hassness House will be reinvested into protecting and caring for the National Park.
In 2015, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays commemorated 60 years of continued occupancy of Hassness House.
It was in 1953 that the Ramblers Association Services (R.A.S), the forerunner of “Ramblers” and Ramblers Worldwide Holidays started the search for a suitable property in the Lake District. Hassness House came upon the scene, but its acquisition was to be a long journey. Hassness House had come into possession of the Lake District Planning Board following the National Parks Acts. R.A.S was seen as a desirable occupant and accepted the Boards invitation to lease the property.
Much time and effort was spent during 1954 considering matters of detail and principle. A rule of “no music in the dining room or lounge” was imposed, which nowadays rings quaintly in our ears. What would those early pioneers have made of the introduction of Wi-Fi? Many problems had to be overcome such as the electricity supply and difficulties in obtaining local labour to carry out improvements.
Eventually a renewable lease of 21 years was signed and an official opening date of 7th May 1955 was set. By way of publicity, it was decided to make the opening a big occasion, with a formal lunch. Lord Strang, the then Chairman of the National Parks Commission was to declare Hassness House officially open. Most of the board, many local dignitaries and the R.A.S committee were present. It was quite an event. Let the wine list speak for itself: Gonzalez Tio Pepe, Harvey Bristol Cream, Chateau Yquem, Chateau Brede, Chambertin, Drambuie, Cointreau.
With its interior renovations and reputation for great food and value for money, Hassness continues to be extremely popular with clients.