Most people I know have been holidaying in their home countries this summer. Since all our summer holiday plans got cancelled, we decided to have a little ‘staycation’ here in the UK. It turned out to be a great decision. There is so much to see here and what’s more convenient than hopping into your car and driving to the next destination. I also managed to discover quite a few new hotels. On our way back from Scotland, we decided to stop over in Lake District to break up our journey back to south. It felt so good to arrive in the beautiful Linthwaite House after a 6 hour drive. Linthwaite House is a stunning country retreat in Windermere, Cumbria. We were travelling with our children (aged 7 and 4) so I booked their Lake Suite that could easily accommodate all of us. Needless to say, Linthwaite House exceeded all my expectations.
Linthwaite House is part of the South African Leeu Collection. They have boutique hotels in South Africa, UK and a new luxury hotel will also be opening in Italy in 2021. They went through a massive renovation back in 2018 which transformed the entire hotel into a spectacular contemporary country retreat. Interior Designer Beverley Boswell, who is also the interior designer for all the Leeu Collection properties, transformed the hotel with her team. Beverley worked with British furniture makers and fabric designers to create a bespoke design with a very luxurious detailing. Sustainable materials were used when possible and the conservatory was extended so guests could enjoy stunning views of lake Windermere.
The Lake Suite we stayed in was slightly different style from the rest of the hotel. Six newly created Lake Suites were added featuring floor to ceiling windows, an open plan living space (including master bedroom, bathroom and living room). There is also a substantial outdoor area for a garden table and chairs as well as an outdoor hot tub. Both the exterior and interior were very well thought out. The exterior reminded me of Scandi style log cabins and villas. All the Lake Suites are in a secluded location only a short walk from the main hotel boasting stunning views of the lake. They do have golf buggies available to take you to your suite if you don’t fancy walking. I personally loved the little walk. It gave me a chance to admire the views and appreciate the surrounding nature.
Our girls loved the outdoor hot tub. I booked the room directly with the hotel as booking.com wouldn’t let me book for 4 people. They asked me if I preferred an indoor or an outdoor hot tub and naturally I picked the outdoor one (it’s summer after all). It was already heated when we arrived and we just had to switch it on. I think the kids were in it within the first 5 minutes! They don’t have a spa, so I guess the hot tub kind of makes up for it. Most spas in Lake District aren’t open yet and there are so many other things that you can do in this area that think I wouldn’t have had time for one anyway. We were so lucky with the weather though. It was about +24 degrees celsius when we arrived, although I’m sure we would have enjoyed our room regardless of the weather.
The entire Suite was decorated with neutral, earthy tones. It felt very minimalist and Scandi inspired. Lots of natural materials, like wood and wool were used throughout. The ceilings were high and the big windows allowed tons of natural light to flow into the rooms. I felt like I was back in Finland for a moment. The Living room had two double sofa beds, but we only needed one as our girls like to sleep in the same bed. 
The contemporary fireplace was a nice touch, although we didn’t get a chance to use it. There were lots of board games available too for families to make most of their stay. You really don’t need to leave the hotel if you don’t want to. It’s perfect for a relaxing break and unplugging from everyday routines. The calming interior definitely helped. All the artwork was carefully selected to suit the interior scheme and the location of the Lake Suites. Framed canvas paintings featured mountains (typical to Lake District) and this particular piece (below) felt very meaningful considering the location.
The master bedroom was very spacious featuring a king size bed and a vanity/desk and some arm chairs. I was glad it was separate from the living room area, so the girls could go to sleep before us. The bed was super comfortable and beautiful fabrics were used in this room from upholstery to cushion covers. All the bedrooms are furnished with furniture from Chelsea Textiles and custom upholstery was by Ridge Interior London. David Hunt table lamps and Tom Raffield lighting pendants added eye-catching accents to the room. I love the contrast of the Lake Suites by the way. The main hotel and the conservatory are a lot more glamorous which is perfect when you’re sipping a cocktail and enjoying the view of the lake and the mountains. I quite like that the Lake Suites are so tranquil and minimalist. This way you get the best of both worlds.
I immediately fell in love with their Leeu signature reed diffuser that was in our room. Luckily they sell them at the hotel, so of course I had to buy one of their diffusers to take home with me. I’m obsessed with this scent! It is very mysterious and a bit citrussy. It’s the perfect holiday scent. Unfortunately they don’t seem to sell them online, so I guess I will need to go back to stock up again. I’m kind of annoyed I only bought one and that I didn’t buy the candle. They were really good value at £25 too.
The bathroom was really impressive and practical as well. Lots of storage space for toiletries and a good size bath and separate shower enclosure. His and her bathroom sinks are a must-have if you are travelling as a family. They also had plenty of Molton Brown toiletries for the guests which was a nice touch. Everything was brand new and clean. They had taken their Covid-protocol to a whole new level by individually wrapping the tooth brush cups in plastic. The bathrobes and slippers were also individually wrapped.
Our short stay at Linthwaite House was absolutely perfect. First of all, the scenery and the grounds are breathtaking. You will spend most of your stay looking at the mountains and lake Windermere thinking you’re somewhere else other than the UK. It was probably the only hotel during our one-week staycation that transported me into another country. A mix of South Africa, Italy and India perhaps. The glamorous and chic interior of the hotel will make your stay feel very luxurious and special. I would also advice you to dine at the on-site restaurant, Henrock, which is a new restaurant by Simon Rogan. The food was Michelin standard and I’d expect them to get their first Michelin star soon. You do need to book it in advance and if you’ve got young children like we do I’d get a baby sitter (we used www.sitters.co.uk) just so that you can fully enjoy your meal. Although younger children are welcome at the hotel, I’d say it’s better for couples and families with older children. Most guests were couples and I only spotted one other family in addition to us.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and if you have any questions feel free to leave a comment below. I hope I’ve inspired you to go on a ‘staycation’ and discover some of the most beautiful spots here in the UK. Lake District is definitely one of them. I can’t wait to go back!
ADDRESS
Linthwaite House
Crook Rd
Bowness-on-Windermere
LA23 3JA
Rooms starting from £234 (2 people)
