Sharrow Bay, Lake Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2LZ
Tel: 01768 486301
History
Sharrow Bay was the dream of Francis Coulson 60 years ago. During 1948 Francis saw an old fisherman’s lodge dating back to 1840 advertised in the Manchester Guardian newspaper as ‘a mansion on the edge of Ullswater with 12 acres of grounds and formal gardens’.
Francis arrived by train with his suitcase and a saucepan tied to the outside! He had very little cash, no experience and a great deal of faith. With the magnificent views of Lake Ullswater and its surrounding fells he felt that if he worked hard, then he could probably be successful. With the help of some friends, who were mainly unpaid, he created four bedrooms and opened Sharrow Bay in the spring of that year, coining the phrase ‘country house hotel’ for the first time. Food and petrol were still being rationed after the war and there were no major roads in the area. The English Lakes at the time was not considered fashionable. However, by producing a remarkable home-made afternoon tea, making people feel at home and charging two shillings and sixpence, Francis launched Sharrow Bay.
During 1952 Francis was joined by Brian Sack whose intention it was to stay for just the summer. Fate stepped in, and so began a 46 year friendship of leadership and continual innovation in the industry. Both Francis and Brian were awarded an M.B.E for their services to the industry in 1994.
History
