Is this the loveliest hotel view in the Lake District?
Perched midway down the eastern shore of Windermere, Storrs Hall gazes out on what is undoubtedly some of the country's most idyllic scenery, overlooking the lapping waters of England's largest lake, dotted with bobbing yachts, and with the rolling green fells of the Lake District stretching into the distance.
The rambling, Grade II* listed Georgian mansion was built in the 1790s for a wealthy Yorkshire landowner. Over the subsequent years, during its time as a private home, it welcomed numerous notable guests, including William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter and Sir Walter Scott, who would come for the flamboyant regattas organised by the house's second owner, John Bolton.
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Becoming a hotel in 1890, Storrs Hall was immediately popular with guests from all over the country, who came to enjoy the excellent boating to be had on the lake, the scenic country walks in the surrounding hills and valleys and, of course, the magnificent views.
The hotel's immediate surroundings are as splendid as the scenery from its windows, with 17 acres of landscaped grounds and private woodlands. Staff can put together a picnic hamper (costing £50pp) of sandwiches, salads and cheeses for guests to take out to the sloping lawns or into the peaceful woods. Guests can also take a stroll down to The Temple: a National-Trust owned folly that juts out into Windermere on the end of a stone jetty.
The 31 bedrooms in the main house have been eclectically furnished in a traditional yet contemporary style, with bold colours and soft furnishings lending an air of exuberant comfort. The four junior suites and one Traditional Suite are the best for views, with large lattice windows overlooking the lake and taking in the surrounding countryside.
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Self-catered accommodation is also available in nine lodges: dog-friendly cabins with one or two bedrooms, each with its own kitchen, bathroom, sitting room and dining area. Lodge guests also have lake views, as well as access to the hotel's private jetty and slipway.
The hotel's boathouse can also be booked, and is ideal for private stays. Away from the main hotel, and with the option of privately cooked meals, it comes with its own steam room, fire pit and a hot tub.
The restaurant, under award-winning Head Chef Ross Marshall, offers delicious, artistically-presented food in a grand dining room. The menu consists of wholesome, locally-sourced British fare, with beef, chicken and venison featuring strongly. Large windows enable diners to enjoy the spectacular Lake District vistas as they eat.
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Storrs Hall, Windermere, Lake District, Cumbria, LA23 3LG, England (01539 447111; storrshall.com). Read the full Storrs Hall review here, or, for more Lake District recommendations, read our guide to the best hotels.
