An eysore building at a prime beauty spot has been sold to a family who plan to transform it into luxury holiday cottages.

David Hogarth, his wife Julia and their three daughters Caroline Quinn, Rachael Hogarth-Morley and Sarah Earl, have bought the former Tarn End Hotel, near Brampton.

The sale follows a decade-long planning battle by previous owners Citadel Estates.

Last year, planners backed a scheme for the local landmark, a non-designated heritage asset, to be converted into 12 apartments.

The Hogarth family, who originally tried to purchase the building in 2006 when it was being sold by Cumbria County Council, now want to bring the derelict buildings back into use as 12 holiday cottages under Geltsdale Properties.

Mr Hogarth, director of Cumbrian Properties Estate and Letting Agents, told The Cumberland News : “We have watched with sadness the deterioration of this fantastic building subject to a long-running planning battle by the developer.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to reinstate the attractive structure while retaining its period charm, adding contemporary accommodation to appreciate its unique location overlooking Talkin Tarn.”

The family have a strong background in the holiday cottage market and built up a portfolio of more than 800 properties as founders and former owners of Cumbrian Cottages – sold 15 years ago – and Lakes Cottage Holidays, which was recently sold to Sykes Cottages.

Mr Hogarth added: “I feel that the site is more in keeping with the holiday cottages side. It’s such a quiet and idyllic site. The response we have had so far has been fantastic. People are pleased someone is going to do something with it at last.”

Building is expected to start in the summer and will take about a year to complete. This will include full landscaping of the grounds that can be enjoyed by those walking round the tarn.

Mr Hogarth was a regular visitor to Talkin Tarn as a boy and introduced his wife Julia, their three daughters and, more recently, their grandchildren to the country park.

He added: “We want to immediately improve the visual impact of what was once a proud building. We have further plans to include amenities for visitors to the tarn to enjoy the grounds and idyllic landscape this superb location provides.”

Citadel Estates submitted proposals for three schemes for the site since 2009.

In 2017, Carlisle City Council’s development control committee finally backed a plan to bring the historic building back into use.

The developer asked for permission to create four homes in the hotel building, with barns and a single-storey link being converted into another eight units.

The proposals were given “authority to issue” last year – meaning various conditions had to be met – and Citadel Estates had planned to bring the scheme to fruition this spring. In 2016 an application for 22 homes on the site was refused and its appeal later dismissed. In 2009 a proposal for 15 homes on the site was also refused.

Citadel Estates said in a statement: “Tarn End House could have been redeveloped ten years ago had Carlisle City Council granted us planning consent at the time. When we finally obtained consent the property was no longer viable for normal residential use. We wish the new owners every success.”