Cedar Manor, Windermere, Lake District, England - Explore & Book
"Cedar Manor seems to have found the perfect balance between B&B and hotel. Like the best B&Bs, it's run - with impeccable service and inexhaustible energy - by its owners Jonathan and Caroline. They know the area inside out, greet guests by name, and are helped by excellent staff. And, like all good B&Bs, it serves a great breakfast, be it the 'full Cumbrian' or healthier options like eggs royale. But it also has a dash of boutique hotel about it. The bedrooms - 10 of them - come with vivid designer wallpapers, Egyptian cotton sheets, waffle robes, perhaps a canopied (or four-poster) kingsize bed: not your average B&B. The building, a handsome 1850s greystone house with big arched windows and neatly striped lawns, can fairly be called a manor. Certainly, relaxing by the ancient cedar tree and pink rhododendrons, with a classy cream tea and glass of fizz, you feel like the lords of one. Indoors are 2 guest lounges, a well-stocked bar and delicious snacks (brought to your room if you prefer). The result of all this is a truly spoiling Lake-District hideaway with an intimate and attentive atmosphere; a place where discerning guests mingle happily, and return year after year. Highs An excellent location: 5 mins' walk from the town centre and 5 mins' drive from the lakeside (cruises, watersports)Beautiful leafy gardens make it feel very secluded and specialTruly warm welcome and firsthand advice from Jonathan, Caroline and staff, including great hiking and restaurant tipsEverything is spotlessly clean, and nothing is too much trouble for the staffIf you want more privacy, there's a smart little 1-bedroom cottage with its own living-dining space (and a very snazzy bathroom!) Lows No children under 10: this is a tranquil placeNot pet-friendlyBedrooms vary: some have better views, others bigger bathrooms (but all have their own character)Windermere is one of the Lake District's more touristy towns" - Kate Parsons
