Set back behind a leafy drive in this tourist honeypot village, with a garden bordered by the River Rothay, this small country-house hotel finds favour with our inspectors and trusted readers. A Victorian villa, it has ‘period charm but is very modern in its facilities and workings’. First impressions were of solid comfort, ‘fresh flowers, armchairs with cushions, a strange but attractive assortment of pictures, open fires’, everything ‘spotlessly clean’. New owners Simon and Kate Hustler are ‘much in evidence and especially helpful’. ‘The young female staff are absolutely delightful.’ Individually styled bedrooms are attractive, unshowy. ‘Vintage-style trunks as bedside tables add character.’ Limestone-effect ensuites have a walk-in or over-bath shower, lovely local toiletries. You can eat from a short à la carte menu in the Conservatory Restaurant, with floor-to-ceiling windows onto the garden, ‘handsome portions' of 'beautifully cooked’ dishes such as trio of pork, sweet potato and honey sauce. From Tuesday to Saturday there is the option of an ‘exceptional’ seven-course tasting menu in a second dining room. Breakfast choices include smoked haddock Florentine, vanilla French toast, a full Cumbrian. (Pauline and Stephen Glover, and others)