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MP Officially Opens Holiday Lodges (27 Apr 2009)
One of the region’s most innovative new tourist ventures – officially opened by William Hague MP on Friday 24 April – is being heralded as an important part of Yorkshire’s future growth as a major tourist venue .
Brompton Lakes – situated two miles east of Richmond – features 20 eco holiday lodges that combine the very latest in green construction techniques with eye-catching design, style and luxury.
In his speech to over a hundred tourism officials, civic dignitaries and invited guests, William Hague said that this “enormously impressive” development would be hugely beneficial in attracting visitors to the region.
“With so many Britains looking to holiday in the UK this year following the dramatic fall in value of the pound against the euro, it is a great time to bring people to Yorkshire and show them how much this area has to offer,” he said.
He went on to praise the exceptional standard of accommodation, its sustainability and the care and attention to detail that had been applied not only to the lodges themselves but across the whole of the 26-acre site.
Also speaking at the event was Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire (formerly the Yorkshire Tourist Board), who said the development would bring a welcome boost to the local economy.
“Tourism has now become one of the most important revenue strands for the county, especially given the slump in so many other business sectors, and we must capitalise on our strengths. High calibre initiatives like Brompton Lakes will undoubtedly bring visitors to the area and enhance Yorkshire’s reputation as a top holiday destination,” he said.
The development – built on the shores of two large lakes – is attracting much attention both regionally and nationally, with the lodges shortlisted for three major environmental and design awards – RICS Pro-Yorkshire Award, Yorkshire Post Environment Award and the Green Apple Award.
Constructed entirely from sustainable timber and glass, with living plant roofs, the lodges have many innovative environmentally friendly features, including a geo-thermal heating system which draws energy from the lakes themselves and is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK.
Inside, the lodges are finished to the highest of standards, with individually designed kitchens and bathrooms and luxurious contemporary furnishings and accessories. London-based interior designer Rosie Mennem, who specialises in hand finished bespoke furniture and original painted wall canvases, has previously produced work for high profile clients including Nicole Kidman.
Features include solid hard wood flooring throughout, high-tech revolving wood-burning stoves, state-of-the-art audio/visual systems and large, private outdoor decking areas overhanging the two lakes.
As well as using building techniques that are as sensitive to the environment as possible, the developers have worked hard to improve the natural habitat of the site. The lakes are well stocked with fish and aquatic plants; and hundreds of native trees and wild flowers have been planted as part of an ongoing land management plan. The area, which is flanked by the River Swale, already provides homes for a wide range of wildlife, including otters and several species of waterfowl, dragonflies and butterflies.
For further information, please contact Brompton Lakes on 01748 811616 or visit www.bromptonlakes.co.uk
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