An award-winning country house hotel has been snapped up by experienced hoteliers from the US in a seven-figure deal.

Farlam Hall – which has 12 en suite bedrooms and a 40-cover restaurant – was sold off a guide price of £995,000 for the freehold, with four additional cottages, included at an extra cost.

The grade II listed 19th century property near Brampton is set in six aces of lawns and woodland and had been run by the Quinion family for more than four decades.

Having built up Farlam Hall’s reputation as a boutique hotel destination, the family decided to sell up to retire.

It has been bought by regular hotel guests Joe Walter and Kathy Mares, of Seattle.

They also own a high-quality bed and breakfast in California.

They said: “We are very excited to build on the long legacy of excellent hospitality established by the Quinion family. Farlam Hall is a real treasure for this area."

The new owners have drafted in a new management team, husband and wife, Peter and BB Hall, to drive the business forward.

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, handled the sale.

Director Mark Worley said: “There was so much goodwill surrounding this sale, between the buyers and sellers and also the management team and this helped hugely in smoothly completing the sale process. This deal illustrates the demand for UK hotel and leisure businesses from overseas buyers.”

Corporate partner Michael Walby and solicitors Sue Scott and Anna Lovett from Cumbrian law firm Burnetts Solicitors advised the US buyers on the acquisition, with the biggest challenging proving to be the time difference across the Atlantic.

“It made the transaction all the more interesting advising Joe and Kathy, both based in Seattle, as our 9am was their 5pm,” said Mr Walby.

“We are delighted for them both and wish them every success following their acquisition of this stunning hotel.

“The hospitality market in Cumbria remains extremely buoyant, with overseas buyers continuing to make acquisitions in the region.”

A team from Saint & Co, led by Lindsay Farrer, also advised the buyers on accounting and tax matters.