Acquisition of Cumbria's Rampsbeck hotel marks launch of Another Place

29 May 2015 by Janet Harmer

The team behind Cornwall's Watergate Bay hotel has acquired the four-red-AA-star, 19-bedroom Rampsbeck hotel in Cumbria as the launchpad for a new collection of destination properties.

Another Place will be independent of Watergate Bay, but will follow a similar distinct approach to hospitality, focused on creating experiences for guests. Watergate Bay, located between Newquay and Padstow, incorporates the Extreme Academy, which offers surfing, kitesurfing and waveski.

Set in 18 acres of grounds overlooking Lake Ullswater, Rampsbeck has been bought from independent owners for £2.7m. It will be joined within the Another Place collection by the Royal William Yard, a 60-bedroom urban hotel currently being developed in Plymouth.

Another Place will introduce a more contemporary vibe to the classic country house hotel of Ramsbeck, which dates back to 1714, with its vision for "a ski resort on a lake" and the building of a 25m indoor pool, clubhouse and treatment rooms. Ullswater is already a centre for guided open water swimming, canoeing, walking and climbing.

Will Ashworth, founder of Another Place and managing director of Watergate Bay hotel, said that group's properties will be characterised by fantastic locations and a mix of active, social and relaxing hospitality.

"Rampsbeck is the perfect hotel to kick off our new collection. There is a strong team and excellent reputation already in place and, ahead of developing plans for additional bedrooms and social spaces, we are looking forward to introducing a few of our own ideas. We intend to appeal to both current and new visitors, always staying true to the spirit of Ullswater."

Ashworth is currently is currently looking at several locations for the expansion of Another Place, while development of the Royal William Yard continues within the Grade I-listed former naval victualing building in Plymouth.

Centred around a distinctive clock tower and courtyard overlooking the marina, the hotel is being developed at a cost of £18m in conjunction with Urban Splash and Plymouth City Council. It will feature two restaurants, a cocktail bar, members' club, 25m swimming pool and is set to open in 2017.

The team at Another Place (pictured below) comprises (L to R) Chris Hugo, commercial director, Another Place; Judi Blakeburn, operations director, Another Place; Alison Mathewson, general manager, Rampsbeck; Will Ashworth, founder, Another Place and managing director, Watergate Bay hotel; and Ben Wilkinson, head chef, Rampsbeck.

The sale of the hotel was negotiated by property agent Savills.