£1m makeover for hotel that hosted famous names
19th century authors Were in visitor book
A DERBYSHIRE hotel that once hosted two of England’s most famous authors has received a million-pound makeover.
The Rutland Arms Hotel, in Bakewell, underwent a massive refurbishment just before the summer season.
It is said that Charles Dickens and Jane Austen are among many visitors who stayed at the premises once known as the county’s most famous hotel.
Dating back to 1804, the hotel was acquired by new owners The Coaching Inn Group in February.
Commercial Maintenance Services UK contributed £1 million to the major refurbishment of the 33-bed hotel.
With the hotel closed for much of the earlier part of the year due to coronavirus restrictions, its new owners took the opportunity to carry out a complete overhaul of the hot water and heating systems.
As part of the extensive six-week project, its engineers removed the old water tanks from the loft, replacing them with modern pressurised tanks, installed new pipework and upgraded plant room controls. This means improved heating and water pressure for guests.
Mark Porcher, a director of The Coaching Inn Group, said: “Having an efficient and highly effective heating and hot water system is absolutely crucial to the whole project.
“We have received many compliments on the refurbished bedrooms and ground floor area – but at the end of the day our guests expect a responsive heating system and great water pressure so that they can enjoy their morning shower.
“The hospitality industry completely closed down earlier in the year, so we used the time productively to coordinate all the work involved and since reopening The Rutland Arms has proved an extremely popular destination.”
Once acclaimed as “Derbyshire’s most famous hotel”, Jane Austen is said to have stayed in room two while writing Pride and Prejudice. Other famous visitors have included chemist and inventor Sir Humphry Davy, Sir Joseph Paxton, the designer of the world-famous Crystal Palace, and Charles Dickens.
Nic Smith, managing director of CMS, said: “We work extensively in the hospitality sector and it’s great to know that our work is contributing to the ongoing success of this fine old coaching inn.”