Linthwaite House Hotel

An elegant and stately Edwardian mansion, Linthwaite House has some of the finest views of any hotel in the Lake District. A large sit-out terrace overlooks rolling lawns and, beyond that, Windemere Lake in the valley below. It's particularly magical early in the morning when the mists start to rise. The hotel is part of the South African based Leeu Collection, and this heritage can be seen in the subtle use of leopard and zebra print fabrics and sculptures of exotic beasts dotted around the grounds. There is also an impressive art collection in the hotel itself. Decor in the public rooms is sophisticated and grown-up, with moody dark-hued textured walls complemented by clever splashes of contrasting bright colour in the furniture and soft furnishings, and roaring log fires for added atmosphere. There's a large and comfortable lounge, with doors opening onto the terrace in the summer.

Guest rooms are both in the main house and scattered around the grounds, and there are a number of dog friendly ones that lead out directly into the garden. All are individually designed and are equipped with luxury standards: quality mattresses and bed linens, marble bathrooms with huge walk-in showers, and deep bath tubs, as well as the essential Nespresso style coffee machine.

The new owners have added six brand new lake suites, situated just up the hill from the main house. These vast spaces boast cathedral ceilings, floor-to-ceiling picture windows, private terraces and bathrooms to die for. Some even feature their very own open fire — a real treat after a cold, damp day exploring the stunning surroundings.

Dining at Linthwaite's Henrock is a highlight, offering a daily changing gastronomic set menu from chef Simon Rogan, sourcing local ingredients from their own farm located just a few miles away in the Cartmel Valley. For casual meals, the conservatory offers wood-fired pizzas and other comfort dishes.

 

Written by James Dunford Wood

• Pet friendly
• There are three dog-friendly rooms in the main house, with beds and bowls provided. The rooms have direct outside access
• Child friendly
• Children of all ages welcome. Some rooms can be interconnecting, plus babysitting services are available on request
• Views
• From its elevated position Linthwaite enjoys breathtaking views over Lake Windermere and the Coniston Fells
• Private Hot Tub
• The hot tub suite has a private enclosed verandah housing a large hot tub with a stunning lake view
• Restaurant
• Excellent restaurant with regularly changing a la carte menu
• Bar
• Wedding license
• Fireplace
• Conference facilities
• Rooms with balcony/terrace
• In room DVD
• Shops
• Outdoor dining
• Internet
• Meeting Room
• Cots available
• Massage
• Library

• Bicycle hire
• Private dining room
• Sit-out Terrace
• Good wine list
• Garden
• Sitting Room
• Room service
• Disabled access
• Suites
• Satellite / Cable TV
• Parking
• In room music system
• Wifi
• Free wifi
• Business Centre
• Safe
• Bath robes

• Cycling
• If walking isn't for you, do not forget to enquire about the bikes and explore the countryside and the miles of country lanes
• Hotel Entertainment
• Spend a cosy evening by the fire playing the hotel's board games and sipping on delicious cocktails
• Fishing
• Try your hand at Fly fishing on the hotel's lake, a wonderfully peacefull way to spend an afternoon

• Great walks
• The hotel provides route-finding sheets of all the spectacular local walks, plus a guide if needed
• Sights nearby
• Just across the lake is Beatrix Potter’s 17th Century house, well worth a visit

Why do people love staying in your hotel? Undoubtedly for the stunning panoramic view over Windermere and the fells, but also for the privacy and tranquillity that Linthwaite can offer thanks to the fact that the hotel is located on a private road and set within 14 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. In the hotel itself, guests appreciate the excellent food offering, the friendly and accommodating service, and the immaculate rooms that incorporate the best of modern British design and furniture makers.

What is there to do in the area or on site? On site, guests can wander the grounds and admire the many striking sculptures, they can enjoy a picnic up beside the tarn (the hotel’s own private lake) or take out one of the row boats and enjoy a tranquil spot of fishing. Those wishing to play a game have a boules pitch and a giant chess set at their disposal in the garden. In the lobby, there are Hunter wellies of all sizes, so that guests can follow one of the many walking routes that start and end at Linthwaite House (route maps are also provided by the hotel). Indoors, there are plenty of board games and beautiful books to flick through, while enjoying a drink curled up in front of the roaring log fire; others may wish to simply sit in front of the conservatory window and soak up the stunning Lake District views.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? A buffet breakfast of fresh fruits, yoghurt, juices and smoothies, plus cereals and pastries, plus a range of cooked breakfasts freshly made to order.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? Stella restaurant serves delicious locally-sourced Cumbrian food with a touch of Italian flair, while light meals including traditional afternoon teas can be enjoyed in the bar, conservatory and, in summer, on the terrace, all with outstanding views over Windermere.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? The View Rooms (on average 29m²/312ft² in size) have breath-taking views over Lake Windermere or the beautiful Lake District landscape. All are en suite with king-size, double or twin beds; they cost form £320.00 per room per night on a B&B basis.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms? The Lake Suites are six newly-created rooms located away from the main building in two wooden-clad buildings (three rooms apiece) in Linthwaite’s gardens, close to the tarn. Due to the fact that they are extremely spacious and two in each building inter-connect, they are perfect for families, negating the need to squeeze an extra bed in a room. Outdoors, fishing and row boats on the tarn, as well as boules and giant chess in the gardens; indoors, plenty of board games.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? Linthwaite House has had a £10-million-plus refurbishment that has seen it transformed into an exceptional contemporary country house hotel, offering the very best hospitality in the Lake District.