Just six years after it was described as “awe-inspiring” by Kevin McCloud in his Channel 4 show, the Lake District eco-lodge is now abandoned, dilapidated and disintegrating. Built for the Grand Design cameras, the Dome House Boutique featured a swimming pool, sauna, four-posted beds and glorious views of Bowness-in-Windermere, Cumbria.
Families who have booked the lodge are getting worried and owner Robert Gaukroger is nowhere to be found. There are claims that holidaymakers are chasing £1,000 deposits. One of them is mother-of-three Claire Farn who booked the place for a week-long holiday in August for £1,000 after seeing the lodge on TV.
She said: 'We couldn't get in touch with anyone and were really worried about our holiday.
'We started to get nervous. Then their website disappeared and so did their listing on eBay. We've tried phoning but there was either no answer or it was engaged.'
Another said: 'Dreadful behaviour, the way they're treating people who have booked and paid up front for accommodation. Not at all honorable!'
According to neighbours, the Dome has been deserted for three months.