Lindeth Fell Country House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District

A five-minute drive from Lake Windermere and popular Bowness, it's quietly tucked away in a smart residential area, just off the A5074. Easy to find, and around 30 minutes from the M6, it's handy for the central and southern Lakes attractions if you also want to be out of the tourist bustle. Having a car is essential. Linthwaite House, with a Simon Rogan restaurant, is a 10-minute walk, while lake cruises, plus the car ferry to the western shores - Grizedale Forest and Hawkshead - are a five-minute drive.

By car: 1 hour 30 minutes from Manchester, 3 hours from Edinburgh and just under 5 hours from London. There is free parking on-site.

By train: trains run from Manchester Piccadilly (just over 1 hour), London Euston (3 hours) and Edinburgh (2 hours) to Oxenholme Lake District station. The hotel is a 25-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Oxenholme.

The hotel has retained the elegant feel of the original house - parquet floors, oak staircase, traditional-pattern sofas, curtains and framed watercolours - but injected with a homely touch. There are family photographs, fresh garden flowers and bookcases of paperbacks; the clever use of mirrors creates a lovely, light dining room.

As well as two sitting rooms in which to relax, there are tables on the grassy terrace or guests can wander the seven acres of Thomas Mawson-designed gardens with their borders, lawns, woodland and tarn. For the active, there are cycling and walking routes - several from the hotel - plus packed lunches can be arranged.

• Bar
• Terrace
• Facilities for disabled guests
• Supper platters
• Family rooms

• Free parking

• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms are classic country-house but done with a light touch. Bright feature wallpapers, big headboards, smart armchairs, soft colours, with no unnecessary frills and flounces. Some have beams, others have window seats, and all have views, whether of the lake, garden or woodland. Bathrooms are modern and well-lit, with good storage. And everything is pristine; a delight for the houseproud.

Room types: Single, Classic, Superior, Master

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with White Company toiletries, bathrobes, TV, radio, tea and coffee facilities, decanter of sherry, free Wi-Fi

Guests can order supper platters, including charcuterie or cheeses, a fish selection or twice-baked souffle with roasted vegetables. All are topped and tailed with homemade soup and desserts. Breakfast is a feast that runs from homemade granola to the full grill.

Breakfast: everything from home-made granola and porridge to poached haddock, omelettes and the full grill.

Dinner: there's no regular evening meal, but it can be ordered if desired. Traditional British cuisine.