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Press comments: a romantic weekend getaway in the Lake District
Here are just a few comments from articles that have been written in the press about Linthwaite Country House Hotel: a great weekend getaway for romantic weekends and romantic short breaks in the Lake District.
"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay again at Linthwaite. The room was lovely, very comfortable and very clean. The staff as always, were very welcoming, polite and helful, Special reference to Rachael - who gave us a very warm welcome on arrival. Also, Sarah G.M who was most obliging, courteous and interacted well with guests. She was well informed regarding the choice of dishes on the dinner menu and advised what could be adapted to suit individual needs and requirements and taste - a rare thing in some hotels! The dishes were tasty and of a very high standard, compliments to the chef. All restaurant staff were lovely - very efficient and professional, and yet with personal touches. Thank you for a lovely stay at Linthwaite - we love your seasonal offers. The added bonus - we were able to complete the jigsaw!" RR, Conwy, February 2012
"If petrol station flowers and a lacklustre card have landed you in hot water on Valentine's Day in the past, this year a more luxurious dip could ensure the path to true love runs smoothly. There can be few pleasures in life finer than sitting in a bubbling hot tub with a chilled glass of wine watching the sun set over a breath taking view of mountains and a sparkling lake.
But this February 14, that's exactly what one lucky couple will be experiencing in the elegant luxury of Linthwaite House. Set in a quiet location near Windermere, this romantic retreat, a member of the Pride of Britain consortium of independent hotels, is rapidly growing in popularity as a wedding venue.
Its charm comes not only form its handsome appearance and home-like hospitality, but the unique experience of staying there. From the open log fires and sumptuous sofas of Linthwaite's lounges and conservatories, its opulent bar and mind boggling wine list - attention is given to the tiniest detail.
Brightly coloured wellington boots line the hall to enjoy the hotel's pretty grounds or you can settle in with a jigsaw, a board game or a borrowed book and wile away the afternoon in tranquil comfort.
A programme of endless refurbishment means the hotel's rooms are constantly updated. Good quality furnishings, beautiful fabrics in muted colours and thrilling mod cons give you an urge to bounce on the bed with excitement when you enter the room.
Lovebirds can settle in with a romantic DVD, play special songs on an iPod docking station and even watch TV during a soak in the bath in some rooms.
Guests staying in the superb hot tub suite could easily lock themselves away from the world and soak away the aches and pains of a long walk or enjoy the exquisite views pre-breakfast.
But dodging the dining experience at Linthwaite House would be to miss something very special. Guests can dress to impress and enjoy pre dinner drinks and canapés, or simply rock up in comfy clothes and nobody bats an eyelid. Service is attentive and friendly without being intrusive and waiters appear as if by magic to top up your wine glass. With four courses of fine fare boasting indulgent options such as mosaic of rabbit confit and pan roasted diver scallops to start. Mains include roast fillet of Cumbrian beef and fillet of cod, mussel and clam risotto and tempting desserts like warm raspberry soufflé and bitter chocolate sorbet guarantee a mouth watering experience. Breakfast is just as impressive with smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, a full Cumbrian or fresh fruit and cereals on offer.
When leaving Linthwaite, you do feel as though you have stayed somewhere special." Lisa Ettridge, The Blackpool Gazette, February 2012
"Jenny Needham kicks off her walking boots and laps up a bit of rest and relaxation on the edge of Windermere.
It was a cold, cold day in mid-January, and the car park at Linthwaite House hotel was full. The comfortable lounges were abuzz. And that evening, almost every table in the two atmospheric dining rooms was taken. Not bad for a hotel in winter, in this country, in the middle of a recession.
So what’s the secret recipe? Well, there’s the convivial atmosphere; the efficient but unstuffy service; the absolutely scrumptious dishes cooked using locally sourced ingredients… and the lovely views of Lake Windermere from the wraparound conservatory.
There’s the location, on a quiet hillside a stone’s throw from busy Bowness; the extensive grounds with their own tarn; and the comfortable bedroom suites. On a cold, cold weekend in mid-January, it was the perfect relaxing retreat and we loved it.
The 30-bedroom hotel is owned by Mike Bevans, who says he’s been in the business “for ever”. He worked in Brighton for most of his early career, before heading for the Lakes to help develop the Langdale estate timeshare business. When that was taken over, he decided to move on.
“For the first time in my life, I was jobless and someone said, ‘Why don’t you buy your own hotel?’ So, probably quite foolishly, I sold my house and got some backers.” After looking at about 45 properties east of Windermere – “location is everything” – he stumbled upon Linthwaite. It was the perfect place: a bit out of town but with 14 acres and wonderful views of the lake.
“It was a prime site,” says Mike. “After all, we are selling peace and tranquillity, a respite for people from their busy daily lives; that’s what we do.” The hotel was originally built as a five-bedroomed house at the turn of the 20th Century, probably as a rural bolthole for a wealthy Lancashire mill owner and his family. By 1990, it had become a rather unprepossessing two-star hotel, “okay, but deadly dull,” says Mike.
“We had a budget of £250,000 and spent almost double that completely renovating it.” And what a transformation. “We didn’t want it to look like an archetypal country house hotel with swags and chintz and that was the brief to the interior designer,” says Mike. The outcome was “Raffles-meets-Ralph-Lauren”, a style which has evolved over the years into something a bit more contemporary without losing any of its charm.
As you enter the hotel, there’s a carved mahogany fireplace with crackling fire in the hall – in an effort to be green, the logs come from the woods just outside – the sitting rooms are unflashy and comfortable with huge piles of magazines and tables fashioned from old travel trunks. The little bar just off the sitting room has a fish tank embedded in the wall.
There are two dining rooms, one the former billiards room, which leads onto another. Here, two walls decorated by someone with a mirror fetish reflect back the flickering flames from the candlelit tables.
Our bedroom was neutral, calming and comfortable, with a huge dressing room squeaky-clean bathroom and enormous bed.
Upstairs again is the magnificent 56 square metre Loft Suite with glass roof for star-gazing, the perfect retreat for honeymooners. At the front, the terrace is undergoing something of an extension and decking is being added. “We want to take advantage of the views and encourage non-residents to come up and have lunch outside in the summer,” says Mike.
In the hallway there’s a row of brightly coloured wellies in different sizes which can be borrowed when you want to wander through the landscaped wood to the summer house by the tarn. It was once used as a reservoir for the
Storrs area of Bowness and is fed by natural springs. Gung-ho guests are welcome to swim here in the summer. “I’ve been in when it’s really hot,” says Mike. “The water is so pure you can drink it as you swim.”
As it was still winter, a swim didn’t really feature in our plans, so we wandered down into Bowness and took a 50p ferry ride across the lake for a walk. The Windermere Ferry – the only one in the Lakes to carry cars – takes about 15 minutes to cross from Ferry Nab just south of Bowness to Ferry House at Far Sawrey. Back in Bowness later that day, we did a spot of shopping. Naturally, every other outlet is an outdoor clothing store and the woman in Edge of the World who sold me some much needed gloves asked where we were staying. “Linthwaite,” I said. “Lucky you,” she replied.
Ironically, for a hotel in the heart of walking country, Linthwaite does everything in its power to persuade you to kick off your walking boots and forget about the great outdoors. Asked about the secret of a running a successful hotel, Mike says: “It’s so important you don’t intimidate people. Even though I hate the phrase, you have to make them feel at home. That’s why my business is called The Unstuffy Hotel Company.”" - Jenny Needham, Northern Echo, January 2012
"I'm not fond of Lakeland hotels as a breed – expensive and stodgy – but there are three around Windermere that make fine places to stay.
I've already reviewed Holbeck Ghyll and Relais & Châteaux Gilpin Lodge, so now for Linthwaite House, built in 1900 as a private home. If I were choosing for myself, this is probably the one that I would stay in.
But not, I have to say, for the glitzy new Loft Suite or the Hot Tub Suite or the "Raffles-meets-Ralph-Lauren" decoration in the bar and dining room – all shiny wallpapers and embossed velvet banquets – or for the oversized headboards in the bedrooms and the televisions set in bathroom mirrors in the luxury ones. Call me old fashioned, but while I don't want stodgy, I don't need a bathroom telly amid scenery worthy of an ode.
No, what I like about Linthwaite is the carved mahogany fireplace with crackling fire in the hall, the unflashy sitting rooms, the wraparound conservatory with wonderful lake views, the gently sloping grounds. My favourite detail? The original doors on the gents and ladies loos, with their brass vacant/occupied plates. Perhaps I'm the wrong person for this job.
But I do realise only too well that in order to survive and thrive, hotels like these have to move with the times and stretch themselves to reflect the preoccupations of their guests.
They all opened around a quarter of a century ago, in the days when most guests simply looked for peace and quiet, satisfying food and a nice cup of tea, and they have all had to rise to the challenge of today's demands: no hot tub, no show.
OK, perhaps I exaggerate, but people (not me) seem to be looking for some sort of twist: a feeling of glamour, a spa, a cookery demonstration, something to talk about back home. A hot tub.
"That was my kitchen, back in the day," general manager Andy Nicholson told me as I surveyed the little bar off the sitting room, exotic fish tank embedded in one wall. "I was head chef here 10 years ago. As you can see, it was tiny."
Not so the new kitchen, which has a wall of windows, so that the first thing you see when you arrive at the hotel is the chefs beavering away at your dinner.
And a very good dinner it is, too. Really, the food in country-house hotels is often superb. Of course it should be – they are expensive – but it's good that I rarely hear complaints, only praise, on that score. It's ambience and service that are more likely to be in question.
Not here. Not the service. Not with Andy and Mike Bevans, owner for the past 21 years, at the helm. Andy knows the names of all his guests and they are beautifully looked after.
"I'm wheat intolerant," one told me. "You wouldn't believe the lengths they have gone to, getting in special products and adapting the menu for me." Vegetarians take note: there is a great veggie menu alongside the main one, with dishes that can be served as starters or main courses. I tried the polenta with herbs, girolles and broad bean fricassée: delicious." Fiona Duncan, The Telegraph, October 2011
Linthwaite was mentioned in the daily telegraph as one of the top 10 wedding venues in Britain, according to confetti.co.uk, along with other prestigious places such as Lanesborough Hotel, Hanbury Manor, Allerton Castle and the BA London Eye.
"Linthwaite House combines tranquility and excellent service with yummy food and super-chic rooms, and even better views. The acres of gorgeous grounds offer a true taste of the Lake District and you're sure to return from a stay feeling ultra-relaxed." - Heat Magazine, May 2010.
"...We were heading for Linthwaite House, overlooking Lake Windermere... Through the rain the award-winning Linthwaite beckoned, a 1900's house on a hilltop in fourteen acres of lawns, woods and lake. We'd barely checked in before the children, like unleashed dogs, bounded into the grounds, whooping like banshees. Meanwhile, we dried off by the reception fire (using only wood cut from the grounds - it's admirably green)..." - Jackie Annesley, London Evening Standard, May 2010. Read the full article here!
"In a great location, this timbered, creeper-covered, white and stone house has amazing views over landscaped gardens to Lake Windermere. Public rooms have oriental rugs, potted plants, cabin trunks, memorabilia, and an enclosed veranda faces the water." Good Hotel Guide 2010, www.goodhotelguide.com
""Although there is a wide of accommodation in the Lakes, we were drawn to the charm of Linthwaite House... The special thing about Linthwaite, we found, was the atmosphere. Although every room, fitting and meal is luxurious in every way, the staff are friendly and 'un-stuffy'... Leaving Linthwaite House was hard, and we could have quite happily stayed on for another week." - The City Magazine, January 2010.
"From the friendly staff to the decadent furniture and the utterly relaxed pace of living, everything at Linthwaite House Hotel conspires to make you forget you ever had a care in the world." - East Riding/Hull Mail 2007
"A fantastic hotel, in one of the most delightful parts of England. If you are looking for that extra special idyllic wedding venue, then look no further than Linthwaite House. Linthwaite offers out of this world menus and impeccable service in beautiful surroundings." - Inspired Weddings Magazine, Autumn/Winter 2007.
"Linthwaite House, in the middle of landscape heaven...does everything possible to persuade you to kick off your walking boots and stay indoors...it has every comfort... Sink into well-stuffed couches after filling up on the sublime cooking." - Enjoy England October 2007
"Spectacular view... superb hotel." - Northern Life August/September 2007
"A beautiful hotel... Linthwaite House Hotel is one of those gems you'll want to keep a secret... Incredible views of Lake Windermere, beautiful rooms and a dedication to gastronomic excellence... it's a special place." - Daily Mirror May 19th, 2007
"One of the Lake District's finest boutique hotels" Yours Magazine March 2007
"From the friendly staff to the decadent furniture and the utterly relaxed pace of living, everything at Linthwaite House Hotel conspires to make you forget you ever had a care in the world." - East Riding/Hull Mail 2007
"Excellent food and unrivalled views - this created the perfect atmosphere to unwind and switch off" - Shropshire Star, March 07
"One of the Lake District's finest boutique hotels" Yours Magazine March 2007
"Rooms are superbly detailed... A conservatory and terrace offer grandstand lake and fell views."- Rough Guide to the Lake District 2007
The Lake District's Hot Hotel ( ! ) The Star February 9th 2007
"I chose to colonise a corner of one of the comfortable couches which haphazardly fill the lounge, lap up the delicious fabrics which complement the relaxed interior and indulge in an unstuffy waiting service that is second to none - I was in heaven." Devon Herald Express February 2007
"Rooms are superbly detailed... A conservatory and terrace offer grandstand lake and fell views."- Rough Guide to the Lake District 2007
"With superb views across landscaped grounds to Lake Windermere and the Old Man of Coniston beyond, Michael Bevans' personally run hotel stands out among Windermere contenders for its high standards, from the always satisfying food to the spotless comfortable bedrooms. Service manages to be crisp and amiable at the same time; you are made to feel you are on holiday and not on parade." Sunday Telegraph Travel Section January 2007
Mentioned in Hotel Magazine as comedienne Jenny Eclair's Favourite Hotel - she is quoted as saying "the view was ridiculously good" January 2007
"With superb views across landscaped grounds to Lake Windermere and the Old Man of Coniston beyond, Michael Bevans' personally run hotel stands out among Windermere contenders for its high standards, from the always satisfying food to the spotless comfortable bedrooms. Service manages to be crisp and amiable at the same time; you are made to feel you are on holiday and not on parade." Sunday Telegraph Travel Section January 2007
Where I'd rather be: Keith Floyd - Linthwaite House Hotel - Guardian Travel, January 2007
"Linthwaite House has views of the Langdale fells, log fires and a legendary afternoon tea." The Observer, November 2006
Adam Raphael - co-editor of the Good Hotel Guide lists 10 hotels which serve supreme cuisine with a good night's sleep. Linthwaite was included. "Memorable desserts and an excellent cheese list littered with regional specialities" Sunday Times November 12 th 2006
Though the term 'boutique' is now quite frequently applied, I got the sense that this hotel had rightful claim to it. Its country house faade, complete with thickly growing ivy, made it seem home from home. The service... unobtrusive yet efficient, is in short exactly how I would have wished it." Northern Echo October 2006.
Though the term 'boutique' is now quite frequently applied, I got the sense that this hotel had rightful claim to it. Its country house faade, complete with thickly growing ivy, made it seem home from home. The service... unobtrusive yet efficient, is in short exactly how I would have wished it." Northern Echo October 2006.
Included in the Saturday Telegraph's recommended "In Country" Hotels as a great place for mountain biking September 2006
10 Top Bites Near the Sights - The Times, 1st July 2006
Olive Magazine's Al Fresco Dining Recommendations - "If you're touring in the Lake District this summer make sure you drop in at Linthwaite House. As well as a fine restaurant there's a terrace set in between the house and Lake Windermere, complete with fantastic views of the Old Man of Coniston." July 2006
Our Freedom from Football break gained coverage from around the world including the New York Times, International Herald Tribune, Sky News, BBC news, ITV news, as well as TV and newspapers in Russia, Italy, Korean, Australia, Germany, India, Ireland etc etc. April - June 2006.
"The dcor is smart and contemporary - there's not even a hint of chintz. From the moment you enter the hallway, with its blazing log fires and antique travel trunks, you are imbued with the quiet contentment of the hotel." The Scotsman April 2006.
"Chef, Simon Bolsover produces food that could grace any top London restaurant. He uses locally sourced seasonal ingredients from people he actually knows and, you suspect, count as friends." Evening Standard 1 st March 2006
"Linthwaite benefits from a spectacularly serene location with tree framed views of Lake Windermere." The Independent's 50 Best Places for a Romantic Meal - February 2006.
TV presenter Diane Oxbury - My Favourite Five Eating Places - Linthwaite House - "I came across this hotel when we were out filming for North West Tonight. It would be hard to beat its location with views over Windermere. It's grand in appearance but warm in its welcome which to me is the perfect combination." Pure Taste Magazine 2006.
"Linthwaite's landscaped gardens and picture postcard views make it the perfect place to say "I do" - which may be why it has won so many accolades, including AA's Most Romantic Hotel in Britain." I Do Magazine Summer 2005.
"Set in 14 acres of landscaped gardens with views overlooking Lake Windermere, this is the perfect place to relax. The service is friendly and the food is highly recommended. " Country Living June 2005.
"Thoroughly English hotel enhanced by Ralph Lauren style comforts...Don't miss tea in the conservatory. Well drilled service, but delightfully unstuffy." Daily Telegraph, June 2005.
"Set in 14 acres of landscaped gardens with views overlooking Lake Windermere, this is the perfect place to relax. The service is friendly and the food is highly recommended. " Country Living June 2005.
"Get the man in your life to whiz you off to Linthwaite House Hotel in the Lake District." Essentials Magazine, May 2005.
Listed in the best of the world feature by Ken Bennet Evening Herald, January 2005.
"Wow! Wedding Venues" Cosmo Bride June/July 2004.
"Priding itself on its atmosphere, the hotel's public rooms are homely yet stylish, with wonderful views" Olive Magazine June 2004.
"Wow! Wedding Venues" Cosmo Bride June / July 2004.
"Linthwaite offers a secluded retreat in which guests can unwind and appreciate the magic of the Lake District" NADFAS review Spring 2004.
"Surpasses all expectation in every area. I only wish we'd spent our honeymoon there!" Woman and Home, July 2003.
"It's places like Linthwaite where even the most skeptical Laker can arrive frazzled and leave like a new person a couple of luxurious days later". Blackpool Gazette, May 17th 2003.
What the Press say
"A perfect combination of the traditional and the modern so well done that you can't see the join." Malcolm Pain, Nottingham Evening Post, August 2001.
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What our Guests say
“Our visit to Linthwaite has been very enjoyable; we have felt very welcome and cosseted by all the staff. The atmosphere is very relaxing, warm and cosy. The food is the best we have experienced in all the various places we have stayed over the years. The quality of furnishings, bedding, china etc is excellent and much appreciated – you can’t beat the best! The hotel is spotlessly clean with plenty of hot water for long relaxing baths. Thank you for a wonderful break.”
EE, Southport, Feb 10