Farlam Hall, the Michelin-starred country house hotel and restaurant near Brampton in Cumbria, has been officially placed on the market.
Owners Joseph Walter and Kathy Mares confirm the decision is part of their retirement plans.
Following recent speculation around the future of the business, the sale has now been formally confirmed, with the property being marketed by Knight Frank.
Owners confirm retirement-led decision
Joseph and Kathy, who acquired Farlam Hall in 2019, said the decision to sell was driven by personal timing rather than any challenges within the business.
They said: “Ever since our first stay in Cumbria, we have loved being part of Farlam Hall and watching it grow but, after many happy years, we are now planning our retirement.”
Addressing the reasons behind the sale, they added: “This decision is about timing and personal circumstances, not the hotel’s performance. With the superb and energetic chef Hrishikesh at the helm, Farlam Hall is trading strongly, and our focus throughout is to protect what makes it special and ensure continuity for our staff and guests.”
They also expressed confidence in the future of the business under new ownership, saying: “We have no doubt that new owners will unleash a new era and take Farlam Hall from strength to strength.”
Chef Hrishikesh Desai
Michelin-starred dining remains central to the offer
Farlam Hall has built a strong reputation as a destination for refined, produce-led cooking and understated luxury, with its restaurant, The Cedar Tree, holding a Michelin star.
The kitchen is led by chef patron Hrishikesh Desai, whose cooking has become closely associated with the hotel’s identity and national profile, helping position the property as a destination for both overnight guests and Michelin-led dining.
Hrishikesh Desai: ‘Business as usual’
Commenting on the sale, Hrishikesh underlined continuity for both guests and staff during the sale process.
He said: “We have loved working with the existing owners who have helped to create a stunning hotel and restaurant experience in the north of England.
“While myself and the Farlam Hall team wish them well in retirement, we also look forward to welcoming new owners who can continue the impressive legacy and build further growth in this beautiful part of Cumbria.
“In the meantime, it is business as usual as we welcome guests for 2026 and continue to focus on the highest quality of service.”
The Grade II-listed property comprises 18 individually designed bedrooms set within a six-acre estate, alongside dining spaces, lounges and landscaped grounds. Its rural location, within reach of both the Lake District National Park and Hadrian’s Wall, has helped establish it as a destination for luxury rural stays.
While the wider hospitality sector continues to face economic pressure, interest in established, premium country house hotels with strong food credentials has remained resilient.
Farlam Hall’s Michelin status and consistent trading performance are expected to attract interest from buyers seeking an established operation with scope for future growth.
Continuity during the sale process
There has been no indication of any immediate changes to the hotel’s leadership or day-to-day operations as the sale process gets under way. Both the owners and senior management have emphasised stability for staff and guests, with service continuing as normal.
The sale of Farlam Hall marks the end of a chapter for Joseph and Kathy, but also signals the beginning of a new phase for one of Cumbria’s most respected hospitality destinations, with the transition to new ownership likely to be closely watched across the industry.
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