Gilpin Hotel & Lake House

Hotel review

Just a few miles from Windemere up a winding country lane, the luxurious Gilpin Hotel & Lake House has been winning awards in the Lake District for over a decade for its gastronomy and pampering accommodations, and the hotel remains one of the finest places to stay in the area. Independently owned and run by a family who have lived here for six generations, they bill themselves as a hotel for couples. That’s not to say children are not allowed — they are, from 7 years up — but the whole ambience here is grown up and sophisticated.

Gilpin is a hotel of three parts — the restaurants and public areas, the luxurious contemporary rooms in the grounds, and the Lake House a mile away. The public areas include the Michelin starred SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel restaurant, offering a spectacular tasting menu experience with matched wines, which it manages to do without a hint of stuffiness; a cosy bar offering a wide range of cocktails; and a large, comfortable sitting room with blazing fire in winter. Executive Chef, Ollie Bridgwater, and his team combine exquisite produce, distinct flavours, seasonality, sustainability and precision, together with exceptional service to create a fun, fine dining experience.

All these communal spaces are spread over a warren of rooms which, together with the charming, personalised service, helps it retain the air of a family house, in tune with their motto ‘love and laughter.’ Low ceilings, comfy sofas and art on the walls encourage you to linger, and for a more casual dining experience, the 2 AA Rosette pan-Asian restaurant, Gilpin Spice, is on hand for lunches and dinners, serving dishes from along the spice trail from their lively open kitchen.

About half the 30 guest rooms are in the Edwardian main building. Generous in size, they come with bold-patterned wallpapers, thick curtains, heaped cushions and daring pops of colour. The rest of the rooms are spread out across the 21 acres of grounds, and are more modern in style. The majority have their own private hot tubs and a number are full-on spa suites and lodges with private saunas, steam rooms and more. Some have sit-out terraces in the extensive gardens (home to llamas and alpacas), while all are light and airy, with large picture windows and stylish, contemporary decor. There are stunning walks from the front door, and lawns to lounge on in summer.

A mile way, their spectacular and intimate Lake House has just six rooms and is nestled on the edge of its private lake – Knipe Tarn. Surrounded by trees and with sweeping views from the surrounding hilltops, this former fishing lodge offers a truly luxurious and calming stay away from it all. Home to its own spa facilities including hot tubs, a sauna and a decent size indoor pool where the doors can be flung open to the lawns going down to the lake in summer. There’s also a treatment room with panoramic windows and a private boathouse for romantic cream teas.The views from the rooms are gorgeous, and the whole house can be booked for private groups which, judging by the glowing visitors book, are guaranteed a memorable stay in this very special hideaway.

James Dunford Wood Review published: 20/09/2024