Enjoying an enviable position on Windermere, this Georgian hall has a relaxed country-house feel, with formal and casual dining options, and bedrooms ranging from family friendly to seriously swanky. Public rooms are beautifully furnished with a mix of contemporary velvet seating, display cabinets of curios and gilt-framed art, and make the most of gorgeous lakeside views. The light-filled restaurant, with its smart napery, offers well-executed dishes such as John dory with crab and courgette, or Cartmel Valley venison. For casual dining, the Bistro has dishes to suit all tastes. A reader recommends 'perfectly cooked calves liver and a great tomato and red pepper soup'. 'Desserts were also excellent.' Storrs Hall Gin, wines and cocktails are served in the fire-warmed bar with its deep-blue walls and high Victorian carved bar fittings reclaimed from Blackpool Tower. Spacious bedrooms, most with lake views, share a modern country-house style of statement wallpapers, oversized headboards, upholstered armchairs, contemporary bathrooms. 'A standard room had everything we needed: a wonderful view to the lake, large and comfortable bed, a good bathroom with a proper bath and walk-in shower.' For romance, the vast Lakeside suites and Boathouse spoil with hot tubs and freestanding baths. (RW, and others)