A LUXURY lodge park in the grounds of a prestigious golf club will be in full swing this summer.

Eden Lodge Retreat – set in the grounds of Eden Golf Club in Crosby-on-Eden, near Carlisle – is to open its new show homes to prospective owners over the coming weeks.

The first phase of the high-quality, 20-acre development is nearing completion to the delight of owners Alistair and Julie Wannop.

The Wannop family has farmed the 1200-acre Estate for more than a century, and the golf course has been a mainstay in the village – set in a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – since 1992.

Employing up to 50 full-time and seasonal staff, the club and lodge resort will attract people from across the UK and beyond, supporting the local economy and neighbouring businesses.

A former High Sheriff of Cumbria, Alistair says the park – which has planning permission for up to 100 lodges – has been a “labour of love” over recent years.

“I guess it’s all part of our journey, to organically grow and capitalise on the incredible surroundings here in the heart of Eden Valley,” he said.

“The first lodges are in place and look fantastic, enveloped by the beautiful woodlands, ponds, lake and wildlife we are so lucky to have here.

“Getting to this position has taken time as we wanted to do everything to a high quality, including the infrastructure and taking care to protect and enhance the environment, but we are now ready to launch the Retreat and delighted with the feedback we’ve had already.”

Supported by consultants Becky Williams, Peter Harding Construction, and James McAllister – one of the most prominent names in the tourism industry over the last three decades – they are garnering huge interest in the park already.

James is delighted to be involved with this latest venture and said: “North Cumbria is now very much its own entity as a destination and offers so much to visitors who want the picturesque scenery and tranquillity of the Lake District without overcrowding and heavily congested roads.

“We have a lot of experience of holiday parks and the sector UK-wide, and this is an attractive proposition for prospective owners, not least because of the unrivalled location.

“The quality of the development, the area and the facilities they have here already contribute to what is a unique, beautiful setting.”

The site features an 18-hole championship golf course, a 9-hole par-36 course, and floodlit driving range.

Nestled next to the River Eden, the golfing facilities at Eden Lodge Retreat are unrivalled, offering a range of opportunities including golf membership, pay and play, social events and a modern clubhouse restaurant.

And within a stone’s throw are a selection of historic landmarks, notably Hadrian’s Wall and Birdoswald Roman Fort, Carlisle Castle and Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery.

There will be a series of incentives for lodge owners, including three years’ free membership to the golf club, resident discount in the 1Up Restaurant, and no site fees to pay until the second year.

Following a period of significant investment, hard work and commitment, Julie says the fairway they’ve journeyed has been well worth it.

“We could not be happier with how the development looks, it has been a long-held ambition for us to develop this part of the grounds, a beautiful site adjacent to the course with unrivalled views across the landscape,” she said.

“There is a tranquil feel, it’s a special place to us and I’m sure it will be to many more people in the years ahead as it’s a unique opportunity to live in such a stunningly beautiful part of the world.

“The timing is right, we have created a setting which is welcoming while sympathetic to the woodlands, natural habitats – we have so many types of bird, deer, and other wildlife – and to the wonderful village nearby, so I’m sure it will be an attractive proposition for people wanting a holiday home in such an idyllic space.”

Julie added: “There is a huge sense of anticipation, but we are ready to go and would like to thank everyone who has helped us get to this point.”

For more information, visit the website www.edenlodgeretreat.co.uk or call 07891264050.

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