Linthwaite House

SET ON AN IDYLLIC WORDSWORTHIAN HILLSIDE, Linthwate House has poetic views over Lake Windermere and the lofty peaks of the Lake District. Stylish interiors set off this lovely Edwardian house to a T.

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.  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. Room 21 is simply spectacular, with fabulous views and an outdoor private hot tub for two. 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.

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 spectacular Room 21, with its private outdoor hot tub, and for the stunning and very private Loft suite (see main picture box above) with its huge bed and pamper-grade bathroom.

We checked into the Loft 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, so we had dinner brought to our 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.
 

© Room for Romance