Gilpin Hotel & Lake House

The decor here is modern yet still classic;
expensive fabrics, quality furniture, and unique ornamentation make all the
common areas seem luxurious but still comfortable. The lounge area in the main
hotel, for example, has crushed velvet couches, a wood-burning fireplace,
stacked bookshelves, and collectible plates, giving the feeling that you're
actually in someone's personal living room. There’s a visceral warmth in the surroundings,
and it's obvious staff try to make guests feel welcome. The Lake House -- which is about a mile
from the main building -- is even more exclusive and has the same vibe, but
with only six available rooms, privacy is at a peak. Guests in this
stone-covered "home" have access to 100 acres of splendid grounds as
well as a private jetty overlooking a lake, a cozy boat house, and the stunning
Conservatory -- which is basically an exquisitely furnished 30-foot cube of
glass. Since everything is a little more upscale and children under the age of
seven are not allowed, it's not surprising that this hotel has an adult feel to
it and serves as an idealized romantic escape. (Many engagements happen here, though no
weddings…so as not to disturb the peaceful atmosphere.)

Located in the woods in Windermere up a
quiet private country road, this property is purposely remote, and most people come to the hotel as a destination in-and-of itself. Almost nothing
surrounds the Gilpin Hotel and Lake House but nature. Still, it is within easy driving
distance to popular area attractions such as the Windermere Golf Club or World of Beatrix Potter. Wild Boar pub and restaurant is also just half a
mile away, making it a popular walking-distance lunch destination. The closest
airport is in Manchester, about 90 minutes away by car.

Guest rooms
here are spacious, spotless, and tastefully decorated. Though color
schemes vary by unit, all rooms are tranquil and pleasing, tending to blend
with natural surroundings as greens, blues, and neutrals are prominent. The
wall coverings are upscale, as are furnishings and details. Guests will
feel like they're staying in a private home thanks to the presence of antiques,
vases, figurines, and other non-hotel-like touches. Huge picture windows allow
guests to watch the wildlife outside from the comfort of their own plush bed
and insure that rooms are bright and filled with natural light. Heavy
drapes can be pulled in case you wish to sleep late. Flat-screen
TVs and free Wi-Fi help guests stay in touch with the outside world, and
Nespresso coffeemakers, electric water kettles, and stocked minibars are
standard. Many rooms also have private entrances to the gardens and cedarwood
hot tubs; all have exquisite views.Bathrooms are large with both showers and deep bathtubs, with some
spaces even having tubs big enough for two. Cushy robes and spa-grade
toiletries are available as well. 

While dinner at the restaurant is pricey, the venue has a five-course meal that capitalizes on Lake District produce and seafood. Guests may dine in one of five different dining rooms, though the menu doesn't vary between rooms -- only the decor does. Guests staying at the Lake House will be picked up in a chauffeured car and driven to dinner since there's a marked distance up a narrow road between the two properties. The champagne bar is a popular pre- or post-dinner stop and includes a grand piano and garden views. Breakfast -- also served in the dining rooms or, for Lake House guests, in the Conservatory -- is prepared fresh-to-order and included in room rates. The spa is located in the Lake House and the views from the treatment rooms are incredible; floor-to-ceiling windows allow visitors to gaze out over the lake while being pampered. There's also a small indoor swimming pool and an outdoor cedarwood hot tub for use before or after treatments. While there's no gym, guests with transportation (free parking is available) can request guest passes to use the fitness center at the Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa on Lake Windermere. Randomly, the Gilpin also has llamas, which guests can enjoy watching graze from their rooms in the main hotel.