Andrew Wildsmith owner of Wildsmith Hotels, Hipping Hall, near Kirkby Lonsdale, The Ryebeck, Bowness and soon to open Forest Side, Grasmere has commissioned Harrison Spinks to produce a range of bespoke Herdwick wool beds.
Family firm Harrison Spinks, based in Yorkshire have been manufacturing luxury mattresses since 1840 and as a founder member of the Sleep Council, is committed to designing beds that promote a better quality of sleep.
The company firmly believe a good night’s sleep is a precious commodity, supporting health and wellbeing and allowing you to recharge your batteries – an important factor in creating the ultimate hotel experience and something that resonates with Andrew Wildsmith and is key factor in the creation of every bedroom in each of his hotels.
With that in mind Andrew had worked with Harrison Spinks to create ‘The Westmorland’ a range of bespoke Herdwick wool filled beds. Herdwick sheep are an iconic breed, synonymous with the Lake District, their wool is hard-wearing and extremely versatile, perfectly suited for use in the manufacture of beds and mattresses. The wool produced by Herdwick’s is naturally more springy and supportive than other wool, and has anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal qualities, making it ideal for asthma or allergy sufferers. Indeed pure new wool is acknowledged as the original and best of fibres, which is sustainable, recyclable and biodegradable.
Andrew Wildsmith said: ‘’As a hotelier I am keen to champion British wool, especially Herdwick, I firmly believe in supporting this local iconic breed and in turn the craftspeople who turn this unique product into something practical, comfortable and totally sustainable. Farming locally reduces carbon usage and wool is fully recyclable at the end of a product’s life, a factor which is extremely important in the hospitality industry given that we regularly need to replace beds and other soft furnishings on a regular basis. If we can all use natural materials as much as possible we support both our local economy and help to maintain our beautiful landscape in the long run.’’
