The Ryebeck

A solid and handsome Edwardian house, built as a private home, it overlooks Lake Windermere yet feels a million miles away from the touristy throngs of Bowness - although, in truth, the tourist-town is only a five-minute drive. It is determinedly low-key - no frills and formality - in order to keep a family-home feel. Bedrooms are light, fresh and fuss-free with solid wood or cream-painted furniture, milky walls, and splashes of colour in cushions and thick silk curtains. They’re relaxing and comfortable, if on the cosy side, without any unnecessary, country-house fussiness. Two have patios; all have views, the best overlooking the lake. The large sitting-room, carefully modernised with pale-grey walls and stripy sofas, has French doors opening to a terrace with more stunning lake views. Food is one of the big draws; flavour-intense, modern-British dishes done without faddishness and served in a contemporary-style dining room that fills the conservatory. There’s a relaxed feel to the house and whether you go out for the day on a long hike or just dawdle on the lake, you return to somewhere you feel you can kick off your shoes and curl up with the papers.

Why do people love staying in your hotel? Informal relaxed atmosphere, great food complemented by fantastic wines, professional friendly staff, the range of boutique local gins, the accessibility to the Lakes, the quiet sanctuary away from the day to day hustle and bustle of Bowness.

What is there to do in the area? Visit Blackwell The Arts & Crafts House, visit the homes of literary greats Wordsworth, Ruskin and children’s author Beatrix Potter. If you are the outdoors type bring your bike and climb ‘The Struggle’ (one of the key legs on the Tour of Britain in 2016), climb a ‘Wainwright’, run a fell, or simply enjoy the natural beauty and abundant glorious scenery that the Lakes affords, along with (of course) the guaranteed weather! For a real spot of self-indulgence why not visit pamper yourself at a local spa or sample a bevvy from either Hawkshead (award-winning) Brewery or the (award winning) Lakes distillery.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? Breakfast is freshly cooked to order alongside a selection of fruit and cereals. The best tea and coffee that the Lakes has to offer (Farrers Tea and Carvetii Coffee)

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? We offer, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. There are a selection of eateries close by in Bowness to suit all tastes and pockets.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? Our Jolly Good rooms have been refurbished to a high standard and offer the added bonus of being dog-friendly.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ? We are able to provide cots, high chairs, and additional fold away beds in rooms to accommodate younger guests. Menus can be adapted to suit younger guests (and their parents) whether that be a smaller version of a ‘grown-ups’ dish or something slightly more straightforward like ‘bangers and mash’, but of course cooked to The Ryebeck standard.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? The Ryebeck is the perfect location from which to explore the Lake District, offering comfortable rooms, quality food and friendly customer service.