Review: I checked into Storrs Hall and found one of the best views in the Lake District
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Set on the shores of Windermere, this elegant Georgian hotel pairs spectacular lake views with luxurious accommodation, exceptional food and an atmosphere that makes it easy to slow down
The view. That's what we're here for. And it's every bit as spectacular as we'd hoped.
The owners of Storrs Hall Hotel know exactly what their guests are looking for, and they provide it in abundance.
People come to the Lakes for the scenery, and few hotels make more of it. Sitting directly on the shores of Windermere, Storrs Hall enjoys uninterrupted lake views, 17 acres of beautiful grounds and a real sense of tranquillity despite being literally minutes from bustling Bowness. We’d seen the aerial shot of the hotel when the booking was made and couldn’t wait to see it with our own eyes.
Before we'd even checked in, we found ourselves wandering onto the terrace to take in that view.
Occupying a Grade II-listed Georgian mansion, Storrs Hall, an AA Red Star hotel, strikes a lovely balance between a traditional country house hotel and a relaxed lakeside retreat. With just 36 rooms and suites, it feels much more intimate than many of the larger Lake District hotels.
Steph in reception gave us the warmest of welcomes and waited for our reaction as she showed us round our incredible Lakeside Hot Tub Suite. Whooping didn't quite seem appropriate but I came close.
Mallard is one of six Hot Tub Suites set on the shoreline just a short stroll from the main house. And it ticks every box: from its super-comfortable super-kingsize bed, a feature fireplace, two huge daybeds and floor-to-ceiling windows.
The luxury theme continues in the cavernous stone tiled bathroom, where you can even sit in the tub and watch TV (if you peel your eyes away from the lake) while slathering on the Molton Brown products.
But we made a beeline for the Japanese cedar hot tub on the terrace, thoughtfully warmed for our arrival, and sipped on complimentary drinks from the minibar while watching the endless activity on the lake. Total bliss.
The hot tub turns off automatically at 10.30pm, giving plenty of time for a post-dinner dip under the stars.
And what a dinner it was. Back at the main house we were served a standout meal in The Bistro, cooked to perfection by Martyn Young, and even got the chance to thank him in person after devouring three exceptional courses. I'm not entirely sure he relished being dragged from the kitchen but felt the need to lavaish praise on him. Guests at neighbouring tables grabbed hin to do the same.
Our starters of scallops and potatoe soup were followed by mains of cod and a duck salad that everyone should enjoy at least once in their lifetime. Desserts were also works of art. This is a chef who knows what he’s doing. And Ildiko looked after us wonderfully throughout.
As well as The Bistro, Storrs Hall has the Lake Edge restaurant, where fine dining wows guests at the weekends.
The public areas of this gorgeous Georgian property are ideal for pre-dinner drinks or simply reading a book for an hour, and the lake somehow always manages to stay in view through the hotel's large windows.
We did breakfast a little differently here. Choose to eat it at Lake Edge or, as we did, have it delivered to your room. Just put in your food and drink requests the night before, and in the morning you’ll be unpacking the tastiest breakfast - including a full English if you fancy - from a wicker basket, all while watched the lake wake up.
What struck me most was how easy it was to settle into the slower pace of life here. Some hotels encourage you to fill every minute with activities. Storrs Hall does the opposite. This is somewhere that invites you simply to relax. If you do want to move about a little, the grounds are well worth exploring. Look out for the most ginormous monkey puzzle tree!
Storrs Hall is successful because it doesn't try to compete with larger resorts offering sprawling spas or endless entertainment. Instead, it focuses on what it does best: providing a beautiful place to stay in one of the finest locations in the Lake District.
In a region blessed with exceptional hotels, that's enough to make it stand out. It isn't simply a base for exploring the Lakes. It's the sort of place that encourages you to switch off and remember why so many people fall in love with this corner of Cumbria in the first place.
At Bowness, just around the corner, you can browse the many shops or hop on a boat for a different perspective on that fantastic landscape. We bought a walker’s ticket which allowed us to travel from Bowness to Ambleside , then on to Wray, followed by a five-mile lake-side walk to Ash Landing before a final boat ride home. Well worth the £19 ticket price, and if your legs get sore you know there’s a warm hot tub waiting for you back at the hotel.
- Rooms at Storrs Hall Hotel start from £248 per night including breakfast. The hotel is also offering 20% off selected two-night bed and breakfast stays during June, July and August when booked directly, subject to availability.