THE LOVELADY Shield Country House Hotel near Alston is searching for a new owner.

The hotel closed its doors October last year after a previous bid to sell it fell through.

But estate agents have now begun searching for a buyer.

Agents Pennine Ways have been appointed alongside Lambert Smith Hampton, real estate consultants, to secure the sale of the Georgian property, which includes the 15-bedroom hotel, as well as holiday bungalows and cottages.

Lucy Garner-Currie, senior surveyor at Lambert Smith Hampton, said the hotel has been "an integral part of the local economy for many years".

She added: "The property boasts huge redevelopment potential to restore its reputation as a prestigious venue and UK holiday destination and we look forward to helping make that happen.”

Eden District Council granted planning permission in January 2018 for the conversion of the existing hotel, holiday lets, and owner’s accommodation to provide 38 holiday let facilities. A new leisure and catering facility were included in the approval.