Barrow House: A Historic Lake District Gem Hits the Market

Barrow House: A Historic Lake District Gem Hits the Market

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 2, 2024

Barrow House, a Grade-II listed Georgian manor in the Lake District, has been listed for sale at nearly £3 million. This historic property, located just outside Keswick, offers stunning views over Derwentwater and is surrounded by the picturesque hills and mountains of the region. Built in the late 18th century as a private country home, Barrow House was converted into a hotel in the early 1900s and has operated as a youth hostel since 1961.

The estate agent Knight Frank is now seeking a visionary buyer to transform Barrow House back into a hotel. Ryan Lynn, a partner with Knight Frank, emphasized the property's unique potential: “Barrow House is truly one of a kind and a blank canvas for a really lovely, cool venue developed by a purchaser with the right vision. The Lake District continues to attract visitors from across the UK and internationally, and its location close to the thriving town of Keswick adds to its appeal.”

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Barrow House retains many of its original features, including ornate fireplaces and cornicing. The property even boasts one of Cumbria’s largest private waterfalls in its rear gardens. The main house is complemented by an adjoining manager’s house and three detached wooden lodges, offering ample space for development and expansion.

The current owner, John Snyder, has cherished Barrow House since purchasing it in 2011. He bought the property to ensure it continued to serve as a hostel, providing children and students with the opportunity to experience the beauty and adventure of the surrounding natural environment. Reflecting on the property’s significance, Snyder shared, “Barrow House is simply stunning. It is a fantastic location surrounded by nature, yet so close to vibrant Keswick – ‘The Adventure Capital’ of the Lake District. The estate deserves the right owner who can appreciate the majesty of the location and the growth opportunity here in the Northern Lakes.”

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Plans have already been drawn up for a contemporary extension that would nearly double the size of the property, although planning permission has not yet been sought. This potential for expansion, combined with its rich history and breathtaking surroundings, makes Barrow House an exceptional investment opportunity for the right buyer.

As the hostel operation comes to an end, Barrow House is poised for a new chapter. Its remarkable setting and historical charm present a unique opportunity for development into a premier hotel, ready to welcome guests from around the world.


Ascott Expands Global Resort Presence with New Signings Across Asia and the Middle East

Ascott Expands Global Resort Presence with New Signings Across Asia and the Middle East

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 12, 2025

The Ascott Limited (Ascott), part of CapitaLand Investment, is making a strong move in the leisure hospitality space, expanding its global resort portfolio to about 50 properties across sought-after destinations. This growth comes through an asset-light approach, with 11 new signings in the past 10 months secured under management and franchise agreements. The signings reflect a strategic focus on the rising demand for experiential travel and contribute to around 5% of Ascott’s portfolio of more than 1,000 properties worldwide.

A key driver of this growth is Ascott’s multi-typology brand strategy, which adapts popular brands such as Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Somerset, The Crest Collection and The Unlimited Collection for resort settings. This approach allows Ascott to deliver locally attuned guest experiences while meeting the evolving expectations of its expanding Ascott Star Rewards membership.

Recent additions span prime leisure spots in Phuket, Bali, Labuan Bajo, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Cam Ranh, Sam Son, Gangneung and Marjan Island. Highlights include the upcoming Ascott Abov Patong Phuket Resort, the brand’s debut in Phuket, just 150 metres from Patong Beach. The resort will feature 254 rooms, extensive leisure facilities, event spaces and a 227-unit branded residence. In Vietnam, developments include Somerset Nha Trang, Citadines Selavia Phu Quoc, and HARRIS Resort Cam Ranh – each designed with premium amenities for leisure and business travellers alike.

Indonesia will see properties like lyf Labuan Bajo, opening in 2027 with vibrant communal spaces and curated experiences for younger travellers, and Oakwood Jimbaran Villas and Residences Bali, offering direct access to Jimbaran Beach’s famous sunsets and seafood culture. The UAE’s Al Mahra Resort by The Crest Collection on Marjan Island is set to bring luxury stays with 539 rooms, a spa, specialty dining, and event spaces.

South Korea’s Oakwood Gangneung will cater to leisure-led extended stays on the scenic east coast, while other resort additions include ski retreats, beachfront escapes and wellness-led properties across key global markets.

Industry trends suggest a bright outlook for Ascott’s resort strategy. Global leisure travel spending is projected to triple to US$15 trillion by 2040, with strong contributions from emerging markets like India and China. The resort segment, valued at over US$300 billion in 2023, is expected to grow at an 18.2% CAGR through 2030.

According to Ms Serena Lim, Chief Growth Officer, the combination of Ascott’s flexible operational model and brand adaptability positions it to capture these opportunities while delivering value for property owners and memorable stays for guests. Ms Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, emphasised that the resorts enrich the Ascott Star Rewards programme, creating a deeper connection with members and encouraging cross-destination travel.

With more than 20 new resorts scheduled to open in the next three years, Ascott is cementing its place as a lifestyle hospitality leader in both established and emerging leisure destinations worldwide.


Shamal Holding Launches Naïa Island Dubai, Redefining Ultra-Luxury Coastal Living

Shamal Holding Launches Naïa Island Dubai, Redefining Ultra-Luxury Coastal Living

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 11, 2025

Shamal Holding, the Dubai-based diversified investment firm, has officially introduced Naïa Island Dubai, an exclusive private estate that’s set to redefine the standards of ultra-luxury living in the region.

At the heart of this sophisticated island destination will be the Middle East’s first Cheval Blanc maison, an iconic milestone for luxury hospitality. The maison will offer a curated collection of private villas and elegant suites, reflecting Cheval Blanc’s signature of serene, emotional luxury. Additionally, a select number of branded beachfront residences and estate plots will be made available, each with direct private beach access, providing a rare opportunity to live in harmony with nature and refined design.

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Perfectly positioned just off the Jumeirah coastline, Naïa Island is seamlessly connected to Dubai’s major roads. Designed as a resort masterplan, the island features low-lying architecture that blends with the natural coastal landscape while offering spectacular views of Dubai’s iconic skyline and the open sea.

With a strong focus on privacy and harmony, the island will integrate every detail, from dining experiences and spa services to wellness spaces and a private marina into a seamless living experience. The design philosophy nurtures a sense of calm and connection with the surroundings.

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Abdulla Binhabtoor, CEO of Shamal Holding, remarked, “This marks a defining chapter in our vision to create meaningful experiences, and an exciting step forward for Shamal as we continue to curate pioneering firsts that reinforce Dubai's position as a global benchmark for exceptional, world-class living. Naïa Island Dubai offers an enduring address, one that invites presence and lives beautifully over time.”

With early works now in motion, Naïa Island Dubai is poised to become one of the most sought-after coastal addresses in the region, an intimate haven for a discerning few.

About Shamal Holding

Shamal is a Dubai-born investment firm with a diverse portfolio spanning real estate, hospitality, leisure, and entertainment. From landmark developments like Dubai Harbour and Nad Al Sheba Gardens to global hospitality names like Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Hart Shoreditch Hotel London, and Baccarat Hotel & Residences Dubai, Shamal is committed to cultivating exceptional experiences that reflect the vision and energy of Dubai.


Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair 2025 Returns for Its 19th Edition — Accessible Globally Online

Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair 2025 Returns for Its 19th Edition — Accessible Globally Online

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 11, 2025

The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) returns for its 19th year, bringing together more than 1,500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from over 79 Art Centres across Australia. From August 8–10, 2025, DAAF Online invites global audiences to explore and purchase exquisite, ethically sourced First Nations artworks, direct from the source.

Hosted on Larrakia Country in Darwin, and now fully accessible via the DAAF online platform, the event is a powerful celebration of Australia’s oldest living cultures, rooted in over 65,000 years of storytelling, creativity, and connection to Country.

A Marketplace for Culture, Connection, and Creativity

DAAF Online has evolved into a global destination for collectors, curators, and first-time buyers, offering a rare opportunity to purchase artworks directly from Indigenous communities with 100% of sales going back to the artists and their Art Centres.

Whether it’s etched aluminium pieces from Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka in Arnhem Land or earth-pigment canvases from Jilamara Arts in the Tiwi Islands, each piece tells a unique story, shaped by land, language, tradition, and innovation.

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“Buying First Nations art is more than a transaction, it’s a powerful act of connection,” says Adam Boyd of Moa Arts. “It offers a unique view of the Country and the people that keep it alive.”

Global Spotlight on DAAF Artists

DAAF 2025 also celebrates the rising international recognition of First Nations artists:

  • Buku‑Larrŋgay Mulka Centre: Featured in the ongoing Madayin exhibition (2023–25) touring the U.S., with bark paintings co-curated by Yolŋu leaders.

  • Warlukurlangu Artists: Participated in Revisions (UK, July–Oct 2025), merging Warlpiri perspectives with colonial maps to reassert cultural sovereignty.

  • Jilamara Arts: Artist Johnathon World Peace Bush held a solo exhibition at Frieze No. 9 Cork Street, London in March 2025.

  • Upcoming Blockbuster: The Stars We Do Not See launches October 2025 at the National Gallery of Art, Washington DC, spotlighting over 130 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, many of whom are part of DAAF 2025.

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More Than an Art Fair

According to Claire Summers, Executive Director of the DAAF Foundation:

“DAAF is more than a marketplace. It’s a movement grounded in Indigenous agency, cultural pride, and global connection. We’re proud to offer a platform where artists are front and centre, and where every sale supports community-led futures.”

With millions of dollars in sales annually and a growing international collector base, DAAF’s impact continues to deepen. The 2025 edition offers a seamless digital experience to browse, shop, and support some of the world’s most exciting contemporary Indigenous artists.

How to Attend

What to Expect:

  • 100% ethical purchases

  • 1,500+ artists

  • 79 Indigenous Art Centres

  • Paintings, sculpture, textiles, jewellery, and more

  • Live talks and cultural storytelling events

Explore. Connect. Collect. Support.

The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair 2025 is your gateway to bold, authentic art and timeless cultural narratives. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, now’s the time to shop with purpose and celebrate Indigenous excellence.

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