MANY of the unique contents of an historic Lake District hotel are set to go on sale as part of an extensive refurbishment project.

Fine furniture and sought-after pieces of art from the Langdale Chase Hotel in Windermere are to go under the hammer at Mitchells Auctioneers, with the hotel being subject to a programme of renovation to restore the hotel's interior back to its original state when it was built in 1891.

Many historic items in the famous hotel are up for sale, due to them not being original to the building itself.

Artworks from the hotel include a late 17th-century portrait of a French noble, three-quarter length wearing the catholic order of Santiago estimated at £1,000-£2,000, and an 18th-century oil on canvas of Francis Drake feasting with a collection of ladies in Tudor dress with an estimate of £600-£800.

Other older paintings include a 17th-century oil on canvas portrait of a soldier with a valuation of £1,200-£1,800 and an 18th-century English school oil on canvas portrait of a gentleman with an estimate of £400-£600.

 The sale also includes important post-war artworks that have been consigned by local vendors. 

READ MORE: Plans for hotel's ‘most extensive’ refurbishment yet revealed by owners

The standout modernist work is an oil on board painting of Hayle Harbour by Bryan Pearce (1929-2007), an artist from the famous St Ives school and heavily influenced by Alfred Wallis. 

Originally purchased directly from the artist in the 1960s, the painting is fresh to the open market and estimated at £5,000-£7,000.

Notable lots amongst the furniture are a splendid Edwardian Vernis Martin display cabinet with an estimate of £4,000-£6,000, a nest of Mouseman Thompson of Kilburn oak tables estimated at £800-£1,200 and a Victorian rosewood military secretaire chest which is expected to sell for £700-£1,000.

Some more unusual items for sale include a 9ct gold cigarette case valued at £1,500-£2,000 and a rare Roulette and Decamps leaping lion automaton estimated at £800-£1,200. 

A collection of medieval-style weaponry mounted on a large oak shield has an auction estimate of £150-£200.

The auction will take place in Mitchells' Cockermouth saleroom from Wednesday, November 30 until Friday, December 2, with lots on view from Sunday 27.