Applegarth Villa

Tucked down a quiet side-road in popular Windermere, this large and handsome Victorian villa has been given a grand, designer makeover while still retaining original features. Oak panelling, stained-glass windows and polished parquet flooring provide the backdrop to bold-patterned wallpapers, leopard-print chairs and over-sized chandeliers. The feeling is classy and glamorous yet relaxed; it’s a family-run affair, and either Suzanne Mumford and her husband, Alan, or their daughter and son-in- law welcome guests. Each of the 15 rooms, plus seven suites, has been individually designed with a fastidious attention to detail. Colours are bold, furniture is designer and the lighting is fantastically modern while bathrooms are large, sleek and glossy. Rooms often have a sexy little twist - perhaps a circular bed or a bath on a dais. Although it flirts with bling, it always stays the right side of tasteful. The seven, apartment-sized suites, in the separate coach house, are in a luxury league of their own, one in outrageous shades of pink, another with a Bollywood theme while another is split level. All have outdoor hot tubs, and high-tech sound and lighting systems. There’s a nice, intimate dining room - best tables are by the window for the views over distant fells - serving a smart, Modern British menu. Finish the evening with one of over 50 single malts in the clubby-style bar.

Why do people love staying in your hotel?
Our guests return to Applegarth time and time again as we provide all the key ingredients for the ultimate friendly and relaxed break away from home. We are a family run business and enjoy making each stay a memorable one, especially if it’s a special occasion as we thrive on adding little extras tailored to the guest’s needs.

What is there to do in the area?
Located in the centre of Windermere you have mountain views and country walking directly on your doorstep as well as being conveniently located for the unique shops and bars just around the corner. Take a cruise on England’s longest lake, visit historic houses with enchanting gardens or just relax in your own private hot tub on the balcony of an Applegarth luxury suite.

What kind of breakfast do you offer?
Breakfast is from 8am through to a leisurely 10am with table service throughout. We serve freshly cooked breakfast dishes from local Cumberland sausage to delicious smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. On special occasions, guests can indulge with a glass of Champagne or Bucks Fizz.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally?
Our restaurant takes the form of a conservatory which boasts stunning views towards the surrounding Lakeland fells serving a diverse choice of dishes, prepared from the freshest local Cumbrian produce, with seasonal twists that reminds the guest of their countryside location as well as being a truly social setting for devoted food lovers. After dinner we have a cosy oak panelled bar serving an extensive selection of drinks or during the summer guests can relax outside on the terrace with a cocktail or two.

Which are your most popular room types, and why?
We offer a choice of 22 beautifully designed and coordinated bedrooms and suites to suit all tastes and budgets. With the latest addition of our seven brand new luxury suites all with their own private hot tub and balcony it is really difficult to say what is our most popular room type as they are all loved dearly by our guests who return to try a different room each time.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms?
In consideration of our many guests who join us to escape family and business pressures, we are unable to welcome children into our hotel and restaurant

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers?
If you are looking for the ultimate luxurious retreat in the heart of the Lake District, then look no further than Applegarth Villa and we hope to see you soon.