Lindeth Fell

A new era begins for this Edwardian country house above Windermere, in gardens that melt into the glorious landscape. After 40 years the Kennedy family have retired, and the hotel is now part of the Storrs Collection (see Storrs Hall). This is a ‘friendly, happy house’, as a woman wrote to the Kennedys, recalling halcyon childhood stays here. 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. 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, a little dated, though some have a more trendy bathroom. All have an espresso machine, White Company toiletries, a decanter of cream sherry. There is no formal dining, but there are soup and sandwich lunches, platters at night; at breakfast a full English with Cumberland sausage, full veggie, Finnan haddock or kipper.