The lake District – Broadoaks Country House
The lake District – Toutbeck, UK: A short drive from junction 36 of the M6, UK.
Area famous for: Romantic escapes, walking, fishing, lush green landscapes and of course the lakes themselves.
Broadoaks Country House: Circa 1830, A stunning stone built country house, steeped in history and set in the most stunning of countryside.
The hotel itself sits above the river affording breathtaking views of both the river and the lakes beyond and the minute you enter the hotel itself – it feels like home. Warm and woody, the interior of the hotel is instantly welcoming as are the team who welcome you. Wood paneling and open fires are everywhere you look with plenty of super comfy couches and chairs to sink into. This gorgeous venue makes you want to take time out to relax in every room. Check out the music room with it’s unique William Morris features…
Bedrooms: Each room is individually styled and each holds a charm and distinctive personality of its very own. The owners, Tracy and Jo have managed to perfectly combine traditional charm with modern comfort without compromising the heritage of the building. Four poster beds rub shoulders with wrought Iron bedsteads all with sumptuous fabrics and furnishings – our advice
is to take your time and choose your room carefully.
If its peace and quite you crave, there are a number of detached rooms set in the grounds of the house, that offer complete privacy but within easy reach of the hotel (we bet you won’t be able to resist a return trip just to see what the rest are like…).
Restaurant: The food here is glorious, tasty and well presented, with something on the menu for everyone and whatever you do, don’t miss breakfast, anything you could want is cooked to perfection and sets you up for a wonderful day of exploring the surrounding areas, or not after all the house is so lovely, you could be forgiven for just staying put!
The Broadoaks team: I can honestly say that the team are possibly the friendliest and most helpful team I have every met. They are consistently attentive but unobtrusive and nothing seems to be too much trouble for them. Our stay here was definitely enhanced by the team who looked after us.
What to do: Well, the world it would seem, is your sandy bottomed molusc! Go walking in the surrounding areas, simply chill out, explore the beck below the hotel or wander a little further to walk the lakes. There is plenty to do here and if you want to do more, the hotel can organise fishing and clay pigeon shooting for you and your party if that’s your bag. You won’t be bored, but you will be relaxed, whatever you choose to do.
When to go: There doesn’t seem to be a ‘season’ as such here, walkers arrive all year round and I am sure the scenery is as beautiful in the Spring and Summer as it is in the Autumn and winter. Of course, be prepared for rain, you don’t get countryside this green without a healthy dose of the wet stuff.
How to get there: The local train station is Windermere which is only a short distance from Broadoaks, alternatively the distance from the M6 makes it easy to find and drive to. However, if you really want to go all out, then they do have a helipad, so maybe it’s a good excuse to dust off the chopper and fly direct?
What can you expect: Expect a real treat and a true escape from the rat race. Broadoaks is a haven which I could certainly do with on a weekly basis. They provide broadband for the technology addicted, but to be honest it was nice not to have the distraction. You can expect to be thoroughly pampered, plus, if you have a four legged friend, they will be welcomed and spoilt as much as you (they even have a doggy menu!). All in all you can expect the best treatment in the most gorgeous surroundings and you won’t be disappointed.
Check out the website here…> and whatever you do, make sure you book yourself a little Broadoaks luxury as soon as you can. I can’t wait to go back!