Above Windermere, this Edwardian country house lies in gardens that melt into the glorious landscape. On cold days you can take tea by the fire in one of the lounges. When the sun shines, sit out on the terrace, or order a packed lunch, and picnic by the tarn in grounds laid out by landscape architect Thomas Mawson in 1909. Interiors have some lovely Arts and Crafts details. Above a panelled hall, the stairway and landing have CFA Voysey's 1890 'Squirrel and Dove' wallpaper by Sanderson. Bedrooms, from singles to master rooms, many with lake views, are country-house traditional, but are in the process of being refurbished following work on the ground floor. All have an espresso machine, locally made toiletries, homemade shortbread. In the contemporary restaurant, gaze at views over Windermere to the Coniston Mountains as you eat dishes such as wild mushroom and leek risotto or lamp rump with dauphinoise potatoes and crispy goats cheese. At breakfast, pick between dishes including a full English with Cumberland sausage, full veggie, smoked haddock or warm crumpet with natural yoghurt and berry compote before heading off to explore the Lakes. The hotel is part of the Storrs Collection (see Storrs Hall).