Chris Cooper named general manager at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House

Chris Cooper has been appointed general manager at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House in the Lake District.

He takes over from former Seren Collection director Thomas Ferrante, who managed the five-AA-rosette Windermere property from June 2024. Ferrante has since returned to his home country, Malta.

Cooper joins the Gilpin from the Grand, York, where he was hotel manager, having been part of the leadership team that oversaw the property’s Hotel of the Year - Group win at the 2022 Cateys.

He has more than 15 years’ experience in luxury hotels, having worked across Lucknam Park in Wiltshire, Rockliffe Hall in County Durham and Whatley Manor in the Cotswolds.

Cooper said: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining the ambitious and passionate team here. For me, the most important thing within a property such as this is genuine hospitality delivered by genuine people, a strong culture, an exceptional guest experience and the highest level of quality – Gilpin has such a strong foundation across all of these areas.” 

Barney and Zoë Cunliffe, owners of Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, added: “Chris’ experience, values and leadership style make him a wonderful fit for Gilpin and our family-run ethos, where the team and the guest experiences are at the heart of everything we do. He has some incredible experience in our industry and we’re looking forward to his input into the next phase of the Gilpin story.

“We would also like to sincerely thank Thomas for his nurturing of Gilpin during his time here. His care, leadership and dedication have been instrumental to our continued success, and we wish him all the very best for the future in Malta.”

The Gilpin Hotel & Lake House in Windermere is set within 100 acres, home to 30 rooms and suites, the Michelin-starred Source at Gilpin Hotel, the contemporary pan-Asian Gilpin Spice restaurant and a spa.