Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / United Kingdom / Grasmere / The Forest Side
The Forest Side
Grasmere, Cumbria, United Kingdom · Independent · Accessible Luxury
Stephen Heelis built this Victorian Gothic mansion in Grasmere in 1853; it later worked as a farm and a youth hostel. Andrew Wildsmith bought it in 2014, spent about 10 million pounds, and reopened in February 2016 with 20 rooms and a walled garden on 43 acres. Paul Leonard's kitchen holds a Michelin star, a 2026 Green Star, and the house a Michelin Key. Dove Cottage is a walk down the lane.
- 20 rooms
- Opened 2016
About The Forest Side
- Built in 1853 as a Victorian Gothic mansion for industrialist Stephen Heelis; later a farm and youth hostel.
- Andrew Wildsmith's restoration reopened the house in February 2016 with a productive walled garden on 43 acres.
- Chef Paul Leonard holds a Michelin star and, as of 2026, a Michelin Green Star for the garden-led kitchen.
History
Originally constructed in 1853 as a Victorian Gothic mansion for industrialist Stephen Heelis, the property later served as a farm and a youth hostel before falling into disrepair. It was acquired by Andrew Wildsmith in 2014 and underwent a comprehensive £10 million restoration, reopening in February 2016 as a luxury hotel and culinary destination. The estate's 43 acres of gardens and a productive walled garden have been meticulously restored to support the restaurant's ingredient-led philosophy.
Restaurants and bars
- The Forest Side restaurant — Restaurant · Chef Paul · One MICHELIN Star
Amenities
- Michelin-starred restaurant led by Chef Paul Leonard
- 43 acres of private woodland and restored Victorian gardens
- Bespoke Harrison Spinks beds with over 10,000 springs
- Dog-friendly luxury rooms with specific amenities for pets
- Extensive Victorian walled garden providing kitchen ingredients
- Interiors featuring Zoffany fabrics and Farrow & Ball palettes
Awards
- MICHELIN One Key (2026)
- AA Four Red Stars (2025)
Open The Forest Side in the atlas for live weekend rates, photos, and the full folio.