Husband and wife team acquire 213-year-old Cumbrian hotel

A husband and wife duo have taken over a Georgian mansion hotel and function venue in Cumbria with backing from NatWest.

Wayne and Kaye Jackson, the new owners of Greenhill Hotel in Wigton, plan to renovate the listed building over the next 12 months.

Work will include a revamp of the venue’s grand ballroom, which can hosts up to 320 guests for weddings and functions.

The couple also confirmed plans to modernise the 213-year-old hotel’s 12 bedrooms.

All staff have been retained as part of their takeover, including Greenhill Hotel general manager Malcolm Scott, who has helped run the business for over 15 years.

Wayne and Kaye previously owned a milk processing dairy. The acquisition represents their first step into the hospitality sector.

Wayne said: “After 32 years of working in agriculture it came time to sell the dairy and take on a new challenge.

“Greenhill hotel was owned by a local investment firm and had been for sale for some time so the timing was perfect.”

He continued: “Along with our daughters we intend on running Greenhill Hotel as a family business and continuing to grow the customer base by providing top class customer service and an unforgettable experience for guests.”

NatWest relationship manager Mark Ward commented: “Greenhill Hotel is a beautiful property located in an impressive setting and it’s fantastic to see a local family taking on the running of the business.

“We wish Wayne and Kaye all they best as they embark on their new business, and look forward to seeing the hotel prosper as the renovations are completed.”

David Allen of Dalston-based David Allen Accountants helped put the deal together.

Commenting on the transaction, he said: “This is a great opportunity for a local, well respected family, with a proven track record of success to take over the business.

“The Greenhill Hotel will shortly be a real success story and we are proud to support Wayne, Kaye and their family.”