Sitwell Arms Hotel: Listed former coaching inn close to Peak District set to enjoy new lease of life

A former coaching inn is set to enjoy a new lease of life with help from a fund linked to a Cambridge University college.
By Greg Wright
Published 21st Aug 2023, 09:53 BST

The Sitwell Arms Hotel, an independent, family-owned hotel in Eckington near Sheffield, is undergoing a major upgrade with support from more than £1m in funding provided by Cambridge & Counties Bank.

The Grade II listed building, which has a core dating from the 18th century, is situated close to the Renishaw Hall and Gardens.

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A spokesman said: “The 30-room hotel, which used to be a coaching inn, caters for a wide range of guests, including tourists visiting the Peak District.”

The Sitwell Arms Hotel is undergoing a major upgrade after securing more than £1m in funding from Cambridge & Counties Bank. Pictured (from left) Daniel Nutt, executive chef, Jo-Anne Oldfield MD and John Makin GM. (Photo supplied on behalf of the Sitwell Arms)The Sitwell Arms Hotel is undergoing a major upgrade after securing more than £1m in funding from Cambridge & Counties Bank. Pictured (from left) Daniel Nutt, executive chef, Jo-Anne Oldfield MD and John Makin GM. (Photo supplied on behalf of the Sitwell Arms)
The Sitwell Arms Hotel is undergoing a major upgrade after securing more than £1m in funding from Cambridge & Counties Bank. Pictured (from left) Daniel Nutt, executive chef, Jo-Anne Oldfield MD and John Makin GM. (Photo supplied on behalf of the Sitwell Arms)

Led by company director and long-term owner Jo-Anne Oldfield, who began working at the Sitwell Arms Hotel when she was 14, the work will include an expanded public lounge and improvements to accommodation, large maintenance projects, and upgraded wedding and events facilities.

A house close to the hotel will also be renovated and rented out.

The management team was introduced to Cambridge & Counties Bank by Alan Laslett at panel broker Real Property Finance Ltd.

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Ms Oldfield said: “We passionately believe the Sitwell Arms offers a wonderful experience to all types of guests and we’re truly excited by our upgrade programme.

"Opportunities and requirements continue to evolve post-pandemic, so we have invested to ensure we are delivering the best possible experience at fantastic value.”

Michelle Stevenson, Relationship Manager at Cambridge & Counties Bank, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Jo-Anne and the team at the Sitwell Arms Hotel. It is a wonderful, historic venue in a great location and benefits from strong demand from a large number of different types of guests.”

Cambridge & Counties Bank is jointly owned by Trinity Hall, a college of the University of Cambridge, and Cambridgeshire Local Government Pension Fund.

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They each own 50 per cent of the bank, which has a management team led by chief executive Donald Kerr.

Cambridge & Counties Bank is expanding its Real Estate Finance team in response to demand for its services.

Related topics:Peak DistrictCambridge