In a Knights Templar village with a backdrop of imposing Cross Fell mountain, a Georgian mansion and converted coach house are home to a personable small hotel.

Wooded hillside forms a pleasing backdrop to this ‘comfortable country hotel’ in an ‘optimal position’ for exploring the northern Lakes.

‘The valley in which this inn sits seems to me one of the loveliest places on earth; from the back of the inn, the views of fells, river and parkland landscape are just about perfect. And the stillness at night is magical.’

For more than a century, the Baldry family’s ancient farmhouse has stood in this remote, ‘very special setting’, where the ‘fantastic views’ reach over the garden and the sheep-dotted fields to the fells beyond.

‘We love the wonderful views and the air of tranquillity.’

In the Langdale valley, Mark and Ruth Jones’s country hotel is a family affair: daughter Aimee is the ‘charming’ manager; son Edward cooks ‘delicious’ modern European recipes in the restaurant.

A lively spot, this family-friendly hotel on the banks of the River Leven stands in sweeping gardens, and has a cheery mix of colours and prints inside.