LINTHWAITE HOUSE
Ralph Lauren meets Raffles at a stylish lakeside address
THIS EDWARDIAN HILLTOP HOTEL with pleasingly contemporary interiors has poetic views over Lake Windermere and the lofty peaks of the Lake District.
Inside Linthwaite House, you'll find polished wooden floors, warm rugs, colonial rattan chairs and tall vases of lilies. We arrived on a windswept winter's evening, and within minutes were happily ensconced on a deep squashy sofa beside a roaring fire.
A recent makeover has gven Linthwaite House a sleek new look. Five fabulous new bedrooms have state-of-the-art entertainment systems, wide flatscreen TVs, iPod docks, sumptuous bedlinen and even a mini fridge stocked to your request. And that's not to mention the Loft suite: get ready for a retractable glass roof complete with telescope for star gazing, and a decadent scoop-shaped Italian bath for two.
Hit the Spot
Above the shores of Lake Windermere.
Bedtime
The swish new Loft suite, complete with retractable glass ceiling and fabulous bath, takes some beating.
Be Savvy
Skip the Windermere weekend crowds by going off-season.
Be Smitten
Luscious luxe on the lakefront.
Loft suite for lovers
Needless to say, it pays to go Deluxe at Linthwaite and take the rooms with the lake views and biggest beds. Lovers are making a beeline for the stunning and very private new Loft suite (see picture on our Factfile page) with its huge bed and pamper-grade bathroom.
We checked into the said suite and very nearly didn't check out. With three TVs, a DVD player, electronic blinds, retractable roof windows and a telescope to play with, there was endless fun to be had with the remote controls, and after a double soak in the yacht-sized bath the thought of dressing for dinner was simply too much, and we had dinner brought to our luxury quarters instead.
Had we ventured downstairs to dine, there's a great restaurant here. One room has a distinctly boutique feel, with big lamps, framed modern mono prints and shades of mink and chocolate, while the other has a montage of mirrors reflecting flickering candles.
Chef Richard Kearsley's cooking wins plaudits from food critics galore. Excellent daily-changing menus feature seared scallops, Goosenargh duck breast or wicked chocolate fondant. You can take a picnic out in the day (or indeed fish for brown trout in the hotel's peaceful tarn).
Proposals are rife at Linthwaite House – the lush 14-acre gardens are perfect for tying the knot and popping the question – and helpful staff will even pop champers and strawberries into the private summerhouse by the tarn ready for the big moment. Needless to say, plenty of couples come back here later for the wedding itself.
Linthwaite House was reviewed for Room for Romance by Tasha Munro
THIS EDWARDIAN HILLTOP HOTEL with pleasingly contemporary interiors has poetic views over Lake Windermere and the lofty peaks of the Lake District.
Inside Linthwaite House, you'll find polished wooden floors, warm rugs, colonial rattan chairs and tall vases of lilies. We arrived on a windswept winter's evening, and within minutes were happily ensconced on a deep squashy sofa beside a roaring fire.
A recent makeover has gven Linthwaite House a sleek new look. Five fabulous new bedrooms have state-of-the-art entertainment systems, wide flatscreen TVs, iPod docks, sumptuous bedlinen and even a mini fridge stocked to your request. And that's not to mention the Loft suite: get ready for a retractable glass roof complete with telescope for star gazing, and a decadent scoop-shaped Italian bath for two.
Hit the Spot
Above the shores of Lake Windermere.
Bedtime
The swish new Loft suite, complete with retractable glass ceiling and fabulous bath, takes some beating.
Be Savvy
Skip the Windermere weekend crowds by going off-season.
Be Smitten
Luscious luxe on the lakefront.
Loft suite for lovers
Needless to say, it pays to go Deluxe at Linthwaite and take the rooms with the lake views and biggest beds. Lovers are making a beeline for the stunning and very private new Loft suite (see picture on our Factfile page) with its huge bed and pamper-grade bathroom.
We checked into the said suite and very nearly didn't check out. With three TVs, a DVD player, electronic blinds, retractable roof windows and a telescope to play with, there was endless fun to be had with the remote controls, and after a double soak in the yacht-sized bath the thought of dressing for dinner was simply too much, and we had dinner brought to our luxury quarters instead.
Had we ventured downstairs to dine, there's a great restaurant here. One room has a distinctly boutique feel, with big lamps, framed modern mono prints and shades of mink and chocolate, while the other has a montage of mirrors reflecting flickering candles.
Chef Richard Kearsley's cooking wins plaudits from food critics galore. Excellent daily-changing menus feature seared scallops, Goosenargh duck breast or wicked chocolate fondant. You can take a picnic out in the day (or indeed fish for brown trout in the hotel's peaceful tarn).
Proposals are rife at Linthwaite House – the lush 14-acre gardens are perfect for tying the knot and popping the question – and helpful staff will even pop champers and strawberries into the private summerhouse by the tarn ready for the big moment. Needless to say, plenty of couples come back here later for the wedding itself.
Linthwaite House was reviewed for Room for Romance by Tasha Munro
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Dining in
Polished wood floors, tall vases of lilies, a montage of mirrors and beautifully framed photographs set the tone in the Billiard Room and Mirror Room at Linthwaite House. Both dining rooms offer great views of the wooded grounds, and well spaced tables add privacy.
Tuck into roasted quail breast with sweet carrot, glazed shallots and crisp pancetta, followed by venison loin with braised shin, pearl barley broth and pickled pear. Leave room for the tarte tatin with apple crumble icecream. There's an open-to-view kitchen where you can see the kitchen brigade at work. Have drinks on the terrace in summer, with its views over lake Windermere.
Dining out
Good eateries in the area where you can also enjoy Lakeland vistas include The Drunken Duck near Barngates, The Mason’s Arms at Strawberry Bank and The Punchbowl Inn at Crosthwaite.
Where?
Linthwaite House
What’s cooking?
Tuck into chef Simon Bolsover’s mixed grill with rabbit, monkfish cheek and oxtail, and banana soufflé with gingerbread icecream.
Dress the part
A touch sleek – like the surroundings.
Top table?
Try the bay window of the newly refurbished Billiard room.
See & Do
Visit William Wordsworth’s former Lakeland homes at Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, cruise on Lake Windermere, hearken back to your childhood Peter Rabbit days by visiting Beatrix Potter’s home Hilltop, or tour the gardens and Lakeland Motor Museum at Holker Hall. And lace up those walking shoes for a day tramping the fells – the views are magnificent.
You can pre-book a special summer's day Wordsworth Picnic at lovely Rydal Mount, the poet's home for 37 years (call 015394 33002). Filled with fresh-baked goodies, hampers makes a great al fresco lunch for a wander around the gardens. There are picnic rugs and tables in the grounds, and a tour of the house is included free of charge.
Shop
Take home some Kendal mint cake or fudge from one of the little gift shops in Bowness, five minutes away. Hayes Garden World at Ambleside is a must for gardeners while Lakeland at Windermere is the original store of the nationwide kitchenware chain.
Spa
Indulge in an in-room beauty treatment such as a massage, facial, body wrap, manicure or pedicure.
Dates
March
Sample delicious local fare at Heaven’s Kitchen, Linthwaite House's annual food festival.
June
Get green-fingered inspiration at the Holker Garden Festival at Windermere on Water.
November
Check out the Kendal Mountain Film Festival, perfect for days when the weather rules out walking.
Polished wood floors, tall vases of lilies, a montage of mirrors and beautifully framed photographs set the tone in the Billiard Room and Mirror Room at Linthwaite House. Both dining rooms offer great views of the wooded grounds, and well spaced tables add privacy.
Tuck into roasted quail breast with sweet carrot, glazed shallots and crisp pancetta, followed by venison loin with braised shin, pearl barley broth and pickled pear. Leave room for the tarte tatin with apple crumble icecream. There's an open-to-view kitchen where you can see the kitchen brigade at work. Have drinks on the terrace in summer, with its views over lake Windermere.
Dining out
Good eateries in the area where you can also enjoy Lakeland vistas include The Drunken Duck near Barngates, The Mason’s Arms at Strawberry Bank and The Punchbowl Inn at Crosthwaite.
Where?
Linthwaite House
What’s cooking?
Tuck into chef Simon Bolsover’s mixed grill with rabbit, monkfish cheek and oxtail, and banana soufflé with gingerbread icecream.
Dress the part
A touch sleek – like the surroundings.
Top table?
Try the bay window of the newly refurbished Billiard room.
See & Do
Visit William Wordsworth’s former Lakeland homes at Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, cruise on Lake Windermere, hearken back to your childhood Peter Rabbit days by visiting Beatrix Potter’s home Hilltop, or tour the gardens and Lakeland Motor Museum at Holker Hall. And lace up those walking shoes for a day tramping the fells – the views are magnificent.
You can pre-book a special summer's day Wordsworth Picnic at lovely Rydal Mount, the poet's home for 37 years (call 015394 33002). Filled with fresh-baked goodies, hampers makes a great al fresco lunch for a wander around the gardens. There are picnic rugs and tables in the grounds, and a tour of the house is included free of charge.
Shop
Take home some Kendal mint cake or fudge from one of the little gift shops in Bowness, five minutes away. Hayes Garden World at Ambleside is a must for gardeners while Lakeland at Windermere is the original store of the nationwide kitchenware chain.
Spa
Indulge in an in-room beauty treatment such as a massage, facial, body wrap, manicure or pedicure.
Dates
March
Sample delicious local fare at Heaven’s Kitchen, Linthwaite House's annual food festival.
June
Get green-fingered inspiration at the Holker Garden Festival at Windermere on Water.
November
Check out the Kendal Mountain Film Festival, perfect for days when the weather rules out walking.
GETTING THERE
Location
Crook Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria
Parking
There is free guest parking
Trains
Intercity trains from London call at Oxenholme, near Kendal. You can connect with the branch line here to Windermere station – two miles from the hotel.
Taxis
GBP 5 from Windermere station.
Airport
Manchester – 88 miles
Rooms and suites
32 rooms and suites
Special features
Some rooms have canopy beds, and some have lake views. All come with fluffy bathrobes and wi-fi. Rooms in the original house have more of a country feel., while those in the new wing are sleekly contemporary.
Also…
Check out the sumptuous new Loft suite, with its scoop-shaped bath for two and retractable glass ceiling.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
GBP 160 - 330
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
2pm
Check-out
11am
Minimum night stay?
Two nights at the weekend
Breakfast
Full breakfast is served until 10am. Menu options include fruit smoothies, smoked haddock and veggie options.
Room service
Available morning and evening
Children
Welcome. Only over-seven's are allowed in the restaurant after 7pm.
Pets
Dogs are not allowed in the hotel building, though kennels are available by arrangement.
Air conditioning
No
Languages
English and German
Wedding license?
Yes – with room for up to 56 guests, including children.
Eco conscious
Thanks to Linthwaite House’s red squirrel feeders you could see these rare creatures scuttling around the grounds. The kitchens have eco-friendly air conditioning and where possible recycling is carried out.
Your contact
Mike Bevans – owner
Location
Crook Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria
Parking
There is free guest parking
Trains
Intercity trains from London call at Oxenholme, near Kendal. You can connect with the branch line here to Windermere station – two miles from the hotel.
Taxis
GBP 5 from Windermere station.
Airport
Manchester – 88 miles
Rooms and suites
32 rooms and suites
Special features
Some rooms have canopy beds, and some have lake views. All come with fluffy bathrobes and wi-fi. Rooms in the original house have more of a country feel., while those in the new wing are sleekly contemporary.
Also…
Check out the sumptuous new Loft suite, with its scoop-shaped bath for two and retractable glass ceiling.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
GBP 160 - 330
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
2pm
Check-out
11am
Minimum night stay?
Two nights at the weekend
Breakfast
Full breakfast is served until 10am. Menu options include fruit smoothies, smoked haddock and veggie options.
Room service
Available morning and evening
Children
Welcome. Only over-seven's are allowed in the restaurant after 7pm.
Pets
Dogs are not allowed in the hotel building, though kennels are available by arrangement.
Air conditioning
No
Languages
English and German
Wedding license?
Yes – with room for up to 56 guests, including children.
Eco conscious
Thanks to Linthwaite House’s red squirrel feeders you could see these rare creatures scuttling around the grounds. The kitchens have eco-friendly air conditioning and where possible recycling is carried out.
Your contact
Mike Bevans – owner
BOOK THIS HOTEL
Room for Romance Extra
A room upgrade, subject to availability
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