As someone who travels the world extensively there is always a special place in my heart for England and the English countryside. This stylish family-run residence was exactly what I needed to get a little down time and relax. The Cunliffe family have run this hotel and lake house since 1919 and it is now managed by two generations that make it feel as if being welcomed home by old family friends.
The hotel itself is a wonderfully rambling Georgian house that was refurbished extensively in 1985 but still maintains its historic charm. Originally having just 5 bedrooms it now boasts 14, with 6 of these being beautiful garden suites.
Family architect Ben Cunliffe is the man behind the renovations and has maintained the family values lovingly in his work on the house.
Shortly after being shown to the Lake House the tranquillity of the water and woods washed over me and I felt months of stress drop away in the silence that was only punctuated by the occasional bird-song from the tops of the trees. It is completely secluded, a perfect escape from the world for a few precious nights.
Be sure to enjoy the cedar wood hot tub, take a walk to Cat’s Crag to see the deer and spend an afternoon ‘messing about in boats’ as Ratty would say.
You can read our detailed review on The Gilpin inside the first issue of MR. H magazine released early 2016.