Cedar Manor

It would be incorrect to think of this elegant Victorian villa as a guest house. It has the design, the comforts and the service levels of a small luxury hotel. Caroline and Jonathan Kaye have turned their large home, on the outskirts of Windermere town, into a country house ‘retreat’ but with a smart contemporary edge: statement wallpapers, designer lighting, padded curtains, lush orchids and sofas plump with cushions. Bedrooms are individually and fastidiously styled – Caroline worked in the beauty industry in a former life – with bespoke locally made furniture, bold feature wallpapers, carefully chosen fabrics and a minute attention to detail. Expect fresh milk, handmade chocolates, mirrors close to hairdryer sockets – even the hospitality trays are bespoke so they can be neatly tucked away. Some rooms have window-seats, all have sharply modern bathrooms, some with spa baths. The separate – and pricey - coach house offers ultimate privacy and a seriously sexy bathroom.

Supper platters – cheese, meat or fish – can be taken in one of the two sitting rooms, or in your room. Our tip would be to take afternoon tea – a sumptuous affair with a choice of a dozen or so teas, finger sandwiches, buttermilk scones (with jam and cream) and mini-cakes – and save some of the spread to have later with supper. Plenty of guests do and, together with a bottle of wine from the well-stocked bar, makes a very satisfying meal. Breakfast is equally satisfying with cooked-to-order dishes and waiter-service. It may not have the views of other places – only two or three rooms can see distant fells – but the Kayes have conjured up a feeling of relaxed elegance that will revive and restore.  

 

Written by Helen Pickles

• Restaurant
• AA rosette fine dining
• Fireplace
• Bar
• Parking
• Bath robes
• Safe
• Views
• No pets
• Sit-out Terrace

• Good wine list
• Adult Only
• Garden
• Sitting Room
• Room service
• Suites
• Concierge
• In room music system
• Wifi

• Fishing
• From brown trout to salmon there is a huge variety to be caught in Cumbria's lakes and rivers for the DIY fish supper.
• Watersports
• You could probably try you hand at a different water sport a day on Lake Windermere.
• Riding
• Horse riding, though the local countryside and the Lake District can be arranged.
• Golf
• Windermere Golf Course provides stunning views and a challenging course.
• Sights nearby
• The Beatrix Potter House and Museum is a charming afternoon out.
• Sailing
• Trekking

• Kayaking
• Great walks
• Cycling
• Mountain biking
• Wildlife Area
• Windsurfing
• Birdwatching

Why do people love staying in your hotel? They love the feeling of a small hotel, being well looked after, great personal service and quality.

What is there to do in the area? This is the Lake District… you can hike lovely trails, visit historic houses that Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter lived in, sail on Lakes. There is so much to see and do!

What kind of breakfast do you offer? We offer full Cumbrian cooked breakfast with fantastic local sausages, bacon, black pudding and free range eggs. We also offer Salmon, Eggs Benedict, Pancakes, Veggies Grills, Haddock and a full continental selection.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? We only have 10 rooms and suites. They are all popular and all different with individual interior designs and spaces

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms? No kids I'm afraid, we specialise in doubles!

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? Come and have a great relaxing break in the Lakes in our small boutique style hotel and enjoy friendly personal service. We look forward to welcoming you soon.