History of The Langdale Estate

17th Century
Woollen Mill
The Estate began life as a small woolen mill where wool from local flocks was processed on machinery driven by the fast-flowing water of the Great Langdale Beck.

1823-1930
Elterwater Gunpowder Works
In 1823 a local entrepreneur with an interest in quarrying, saw the potential for the manufacture of gunpowder on the site. The seclusion, natural waterpower and a growing demand from the Lakeland mines & quarries ensured success. Within a few years the Elterwater Gunpowder Works was not only supplying the domestic industry, but also exporting to North America & South Africa.

The powder works closed in 1930, a victim of the depression & the development of more modern explosives, such as dynamite.

1930-1981
The Langdale Estate
A local landowner, recognising the potential of the unique location, bought & developed the site as a holiday resort. By the late 1930's, accommodation consisted of a small hotel, several furnished cottages, dormitories & a guest house. There were also a number of rustic sleeping cabins scattered around the idyllic 35-acre Estate.

1981-1987
The Langdale Partnership
In 1981, when the Estate came up for sale again, it was bought by a group of local businessmen who established the Langdale Partnership. The idea was to create a high-quality timeownership resort in an area of outstanding natural beauty, when second homes were in high demand & short supply. 80 Scandinavian-type lodges were carefully sited over an area of 35 acres & the small hotel was converted into a luxury Hotel & Country Club.

1987-1996
Langdale Leisure Ltd
Sold to Matthew Brown, a northern-based brewing company in 1987, some months later in 1988 the business was acquired by Scottish & Newcastle Breweries who had bought Matthew Brown. In 1996 Langdale was purchased by Langdale Owners plc, all of which are Langdale timeshare owners, who thus have effective control of the entire resort.