Cumbria's Scafell hotel reveals refurbishment following floods

The three-AA-silver-star, 23-bedroom Scafell hotel in Borrowdale, Cumbria, has unveiled a £280,000 investment to repair the damage caused by Storm Desmond in December 2015.

The ground floor of the hotel, which includes three bedrooms and the Riverside bar were destroyed when the nearby River Derwent, which flows at the base of England's highest peak, burst its banks. Following the initial flood brought water and debris into the hotel, three further storms hampered the clean-up operation.

Andrew Nelson, managing director who owns the hotel with Miles Jessop, said a strong community spirit helped local businesses and residents get though a traumatic time.

"We were determined to keep some parts of the hotel operating and to send out a message that it was ‘business as usual', not least because it was so close to Christmas, one of our busiest periods. Our guests are important to the local economy, helping to support the livelihoods of other people in the valley including our many local suppliers, our 27 employees and the shops and cafés that rely on tourists."

To support the community, Nelson planned the repairs with consideration for local business and choose green slate for the floors and bathrooms from the Honister, the last working slate mine in England; soft furnishings from Keswick; and luxury beds from Aspatria; with all work being carried out by nearby builders, plumbers and joiners.

"Whilst our priority was initially the interior work, the gardens had also taken a battering and so we've used it as an opportunity for new planting and seating, including developing a quiet corner where guests can relax and soak up the scenery," he added.

Storm Desmond broke the UK 24 hour rainfall record with 341.4mm of rain falling on 5 December 2015. More than 43,000 homes across the north-west of England lost electricity during the storm.

Cumbrian hotels and restaurants count the cost of Storm Desmond >>

Simon Rogan's L'Enclume hit by Storm Desmond in ‘worst floods in 14 years' >>

After the floods… >>

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