About the Richardson Hotels Group, Luxury Hotels in Devon, Cornwall, Cumbria, Lancashire

Richardson Hotels of Distinction came into being in 1988 when Keith and Ann Richardson purchased their first hotel, The Idle Rocks, in St Mawes, Cornwall. Already successful property developers in Manchester, they first saw the hotel as ripe for conversion into luxury, waterside apartments. However, Keith and Ann were charmed with the hotel and quick to recognise its popularity. So instead, they threw themselves wholeheartedly into improving the hotel and learning to understand the bump and grind of the hospitality industry. They proved fast learners and in 1993, purchased their second hotel - The Beech Hill, on the eastern bank of Lake Windermere in the Lake District. This too got a lick of the newly acquired Richardson magic. By now, Keith and Ann were relishing the challenges of a demanding industry, facing any calamity head on. The sign of success came in 1996 with the purchase of The Fowey hotel, in the Cornish resort of Fowey. Number 3 demonstrated that Keith and Ann not only had a great eye for hotels, they had a fantastic eye on locations. The three hotels had the benefit of water views, a great selling point. For several years, they devoted themselves to creating individual hotels, each with its own character and charm. They have always been personable hosts, visible to guests and willing to spend time to chat. From the outset, they wanted to ensure that guests felt comfortable and "at home" when in one of their hotels. Whilst it has been refined considerably over the years, the fundamental objective to provide a quality product and service at a price that delivers value for money remains at the top of our list. What guests thought then and what guests think now is important.

Keith and Ann have always had respect and admiration for architecture and construction, recognising that the Victorians were masters at both. So no surprise really that when The Grand hotel in Torquay came onto the market in 2002, they jumped at the chance to own this beautiful building that stood for everything that used to be magical about hotels. The Grand combined Victorian splendour with interior Art Deco characteristics and was more than twice the size of any of their other hotels. This was a challenge in another league and it could not have been presented to a more determined couple! But beauty comes at a price and The Grand required a lot of investment. Undeterred, Keith and Ann ploughed ahead and the hotel took an initial battering but has emerged like a phoenix from the ashes - bigger and better than before.

Continuing the march forward with the flag standards for location and architecture flying, the majestic Metropole hotel in the popular Cornish port of Padstow was next to join the Hotel of Distinction stable in 2003. Alas, like many Victorian damsels, this building also required rescue and again, Keith and Ann began to invest in its restoration. This year, it has been accorded four-star status by the AA and has a Rosette for great food. Its emergence into the 21st century breathing new life is nearly complete.

Why stop a winning formula? Exactly, which is why in 2005, The Falmouth, in the salubrious port of Falmouth, became the next Richardson Hotel of Distinction. This chateau-style hotel, constructed in 1865, was the first commercial hotel built in Falmouth so it came with a heritage. As with the other architectural gems, The Falmouth has been given some fundamental rejuvenation. However, its development has required careful thought as Keith and Ann are keen to ensure the best characteristics of the building are preserved and its heritage not lost. They know that new and modern can live harmoniously alongside old and that it is key to get the balance right. The resurrection of a glamorous hotel is beginning to happen in the background and progress ought to be followed with anticipation, as the plans are nothing short of fantastic!

In a short space of time, Keith and Ann Richardson have established very desirable hotels in fantastic locations. Water has been a key focus and all of the hotels have wonderful waterside settings - some being as close to the water as one can get without falling in!

Food too has been a focus in the quest to deliver a quality product. The group now has 8 AA Rosettes for good food and no doubt there are more to come. Also high on the list are staff and standards. We never stop working to improve on what we offer and how we offer it and we also work hard to try and be as consistent as possible - not easy when the industry is at the mercy of so many human factors!

In January 2007, Richardson Hotels of Distinction became 7 with the purchase of Eaves Hall Country Hotel just outside of Clitheroe, in Lancashire's Ribble Valley. Quite a departure from the norm as here, there is barely a drop of water in sight. However, a Palladian country mansion set in 13 acres of formal landscaped gardens and countryside with the infamous Pendle Hill for a view has more than made up for it! Although still a newcomer, work on refurbishing this gorgeous building is well underway. It has period character in abundance, being beautifully enhanced with a subtle makeover rather than all out surgery! Previously a private members only hotel, Eaves Hall is now welcoming all guests for the first time and under the continued family care of Keith and Ann, now joined by son Fraser, it is one to watch. The AA has already shown its interest and the quality rating for the hotel has already risen by nearly 10% and the hotel anticipates receiving its first AA Rosette within the year.

We take pride in the fact that each Richardson Hotel of Distinction is friendly and welcoming, that the accommodation is comfortably furnished and appointed, that the staff are helpful, courteous and efficient and that guests can feel that the hotel is a home from home, all day, every day.

Keith Richardson with his grandson Harvey, Luxury Hotels in Falmouth, St Mawes, Fowey, Padstow, Torquay, Lake Windermere, Riddle Valley - Richardson Hotels

Keith Richardson with his grandson Harvey on board Grand Lady.

Grand's Gainsborough Restaurant before development, Luxury Hotels in Falmouth, St Mawes, Fowey, Padstow, Torquay, Lake Windermere, Riddle Valley - Richardson Hotels

Grand's Gainsborough Restaurant restaurant before development

Grand's Gainsborough Restaurant after development, Luxury Hotels in Falmouth, St Mawes, Fowey, Padstow, Torquay, Lake Windermere, Riddle Valley - Richardson Hotels

Grand's Gainsborough Restaurant restaurant after development

Idle Rocks Water's Edge Restaurant before development, Luxury Hotels in Falmouth, St Mawes, Fowey, Padstow, Torquay, Lake Windermere, Riddle Valley - Richardson Hotels

Idle Rocks Water's Edge Restaurant before development

Idle Rocks Water's Edge Restaurant after development, Luxury Hotels in Falmouth, St Mawes, Fowey, Padstow, Torquay, Lake Windermere, Riddle Valley - Richardson Hotels

Idle Rocks Water's Edge Restaurant after development. (The fantastic water view remains but can now be enjoyed from every table)