A BED AND BREAKFAST in the prime Lake District village of Ambleside has new owners after being purchased for an undisclosed figure off a guide price of more than £1 million.

Located within walking distance of Ambleside village and Lake Windermere, Diamond Lodge was sold by the Hotels Agency team at Colliers, acting on behalf of Joe and Sarah Warzecha, who have decided to retire after five years spent running the upmarket boutique bed-and-breakfast.

The prominently located detached Victorian property, has been acquired by George and Jess Hardy, who already run a local holiday cottage company.

Commenting on the sale, Haydn Spedding, consultant to Colliers, said: “Joe and Sarah are well known and much-respected guest house operators, having owned several in Ambleside and Windermere over the past 30 years.

“Diamond Lodge offers discerning visitors luxurious bed-and- breakfast accommodation in a picturesque and accessible setting, and it will undoubtedly provide excellent business opportunities for the new owners at a time when the Lake District World Heritage site is proving hugely attractive to the growing staycation market."

It presently comprises 10 spacious en-suite letting bedrooms with high-quality fittings including power showers; hard-wired wi-fi to each room; refrigerators; and tea and coffee making facilities.

There is also a spacious two-bedroom owners’ apartment, and planning permission has been granted for a further three suites.