Lindeth Fell Country House

It’s close to the popular Lake District spots of Lake Windermere and Bowness, a five-minute drive or 25-minute walk, but far enough away (tucked off the A5074 that leads to the M6; 30 minutes) to not be bothered by the crowds.

Blackwell Arts and Crafts house is two minutes down the road, while Beatrix Potter’s house, Grizedale Forest and Hawkshead – all on the far side of the lake – or Ambleside and Grasmere, both to the north, are within 30 minutes’ drive. Fell walks are further (Langdale is around 45 minutes) but there are gentler walks from the doorstep.

The Edwardian house – a sprawling affair of whitewashed render and tall gables, set in gardens designed by noted Arts and Crafts landscape architect, Thomas Mawson – became a hotel in the 1970s. Inside, it retains a gracious period feel but with a light touch: reception is a sideboard in the oak-panelled hall; sitting rooms are comfortable with traditional sofas, pale colours and plump window seats; the dining room shines with mirrors and picture windows overlooking the gardens and fells. Welcoming fires, books and simple fresh flowers keep the atmosphere relaxed rather than formal.

Two comfortable, fire-warmed sitting rooms, a lounge-bar plus a large terrace overlooking the seven acres of garden, mean there is plenty of space for guests to relax. The gardens – a mix of formal lawns, wild meadow, mature woodland and lily-strewn tarn – are home to wildlife including pheasants, deer, ducks and even otters.

For active guests, there are walking routes, packed lunches, drying facilities and cycle storage; for others there’s a choice of croquet, books and games.

Staff have excellent local knowledge and manage a nice balance between genuine friendliness and professionalism. 

The 18 rooms (spread over three floors; no lift) are distinctly, and attractively, different in shape and decoration, but share the same light-touch, classic country-house style: plain carpets, brightly patterned or shimmery wallpapers, oversized headboards and solid reproduction or fitted furniture. All have garden or lake views.

Splashes of bold colours, clever use of space (even the single rooms feel airy) and thoughtful touches – iced water, homemade biscuits, digital radio, robes, coffee machines – create an inviting, relaxed feel. Together with the well-designed, white-tiled and brightly lit bathrooms, they're spotless and pin-neat.

The evening options fall somewhere between a lounge menu and a restaurant operation. A short-choice, three-course menu might include twice-baked cheese soufflé or kedgeree Scotch egg followed by slow-cooked beef ribs with red wine sauce, or fish and chips. On certain evenings, an alternative supper menu of platters – such as cheese ploughman’s – is offered (mains average £19). Served in any of the downstairs rooms, dishes are beautifully cooked and presented. Sandwiches, scones and cake are available throughout the day as well as a full afternoon tea. A surprisingly well-stocked bar includes local gins and bottled beers, plus malts and a short-choice but well-spread wine list. 

The waiter-served breakfast includes homemade bircher muesli and fresh fruit salad plus a splendid cooked choice, from omelettes and poached haddock to eggs Royale and a full Cumbrian.

Double rooms from £175 in low season; and from £220 in high. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi.

There is wheelchair access plus a ground-floor bedroom with a large walk-in shower ─ but it's not fully adapted.

Children can stay by prior arrangement, with extra beds costing £45 including breakfast.