DRU, established in the Netherlands in 1754, is one of Europe’s largest fireplace manufacturers, with a huge portfolio of gas, electric, wood burning and bioethanol fires and stoves.
DRU dealers Firehouse of Kendal recently completed a successful new DRU fireplace installation at the Borrowdale Hotel near Keswick in Cumbria, UK.
The Borrowdale Hotel is one of six luxury hotels in the Lake District Hotels group. It is in a tranquil setting surrounded by vast Lake District scenery. Nestling at the foot of Shepherds Crag in the pretty Borrowdale valley at the tip of Derwentwater, the hotel combines a traditional country-house feel with modern comforts, creating an inviting and timeless ambiance.
One of the special features of the hotel is its traditional fireplaces, ensuring a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere in the reception and communal areas.
Firehouse director Donovan du Plessis takes up the story:
“The hotel had an old gas fire that needed replacing. It was open for business and couldn’t afford to close or lose reservations for renovation works, so we needed a solution that would fit within the existing chimneybreast with minimal disruption.
“The owners also wanted a low-maintenance fire that would serve as a feature piece, providing ambiance without overheating the area or guests.
“The Dru Virtuo 130 Evolve electric fire, with its state-of-the-art flame effect, low maintenance, and very low risk of injury from children touching a hot fire, was the perfect solution.
“We screened off the area and worked during service intervals to minimize disruption for the hotel staff and guests. The result is a beautifully restored fireplace with a modern and environmentally friendly flame effect.”
Niall Deiraniya, general manager of DRU Fires UK added:
“The DRU Virtuo Evolve electric fire range is the perfect solution for hotels, restaurants, wellness centres and other hospitality settings.
“The unique 3D projected flame picture visually replicates a real log fire, which can be controlled by an app for smartphones and tablets. It has a low carbon footprint, no harmful emissions and there are multiple flame variations that can be downloaded from the app.”
The Borrowdale Hotel project is the latest of several installations carried out by Firehouse on behalf of Lake District Hotels. Dani Hope, director of the hotel group commented:
“Installing several fireplaces of varying shapes and styles was seamless with Firehouse.”
