Lifestyle review: Luxury calls at Linthwaite House
WHEN torrential rain pours down outside but you’re greeted with a crackling log fire, scattered antiques and big comfy chairs in your hotel, the grim winter weather is easily forgotten.
A couple of days off work provided the perfect opportunity for a scenic trip from Yorkshire up to the Lake District. The weather wasn’t the best, so a cosy hotel was exactly what we needed.
We stayed in Linthwaite’s Junior Suite overlooking the croquet and putting lawn with a separate lounge area. A huge comfy bed, beautiful views, a large bathroom and lots of amenities included. You’ll find Molton Brown goodies in the bathroom, a Nespresso machine, Blu-Ray player and big TV – you can be assured you’ll be pretty comfortable in this room.
Linthwaite was built as a private house in 1900 by the Pattinsons, who were responsible for designing and building a number of large houses on the eastern side of Lake Windermere.
Originally it had just five bedrooms, and was set in seven acres. Today, it has 30 rooms and is owned by Mike Bevans of the Unstuffy Hotel Company. Since 1990, almost £1m has been spent on the refurbishment, which has now led it to scoop four AA Red Stars.
There are outdoor hot tubs, a loft suite where you can gaze at the stars through a telescope, positioned under a specially designed skylight window that can retract completely and in-room treatments – you’ll find luxury here.
Overlooking Lake Windermere in 14 acres of private gardens, you can tell the owners have gone to great lengths to make Linthwaite House Hotel as elegant as possible. You’re surrounded by spectacular beauty and the house itself provides a haven of class and elegance.
Linthwaite also holds an element of tranquillity. Staff encourage guests not to use mobile phones in the lounge or restaurant, in keeping with the aim to ensure guests have a peaceful and calming stay. You can even wander up to the tarn, where you can enjoy a spot of birdwatching.
The main event for our stay was the evening meal. The restaurant has been listed in Michelin, awarded 3 AA Rosettes and has a high 5 in the Good Food Guide. Linthwaite describes its food as “modern British” and is under the stewardship of talented chef Chris O’Callaghan.
The food was sensational.
We started off with a selection of canapés in the lounge area followed by starters including gin cured salmon, lemon purée and tonic sorbet. I had beef for my main, my partner went for cod. We had blood orange soufflé and cheesecake for desserts. It was all absolutely delicious. Example dishes you can expect to find on the menu here include breast of Goosnargh duck and pan-fried turbot. Desserts include cherry parfait or blackberry and vanilla cheesecake. There’s certainly no need to leave the hotel for a meal.
Throughout our stay, staff were faultless – everyone was terribly polite and professional. They were welcoming and extremely helpful – nothing was too much trouble.
Without a doubt I would recommend Linthwaite House and, according to an article I have read, Linthwaite is looking at the possible development of luxury ‘splodges’; spa suites in lodges. I’ll look forward to hearing more about this.
Address: Linthwaite House Hotel, Crook Road, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3JA
Contact: 015394 88600
Attractions nearby include Beatrix Potter’s ‘Hilltop’ and Wordsworth’s homes and it is in an ideal spot for walking and cycling.
