Jamie and Jenna Shail continue to make improvements to their early 19th-century manor house. It stands in wooded grounds on the edge of Ambleside, with views to Wansfell Pike. ‘Comfortable, well-equipped’ bedrooms have modern decor, seating area, smart toiletries; the best balcony rooms have an espresso machine, mini-fridge, Herdwick wool carpet, handmade bed, bespoke bathroom. In the ‘modern grey, minimalist, smart and cool dining room’, new chef Daniel McGeorge works with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create such dishes as Herdwick lamb loin and shoulder, Jerusalem artichoke, Cévennes onion, globe artichoke, cured spinach; turbot, fennel, haricots blancs, bitter lemon, camomile beurre blanc. Simpler fare – burgers, salads, sandwiches – and afternoon tea are served in the lounges, while dogs can join owners chowing down at breakfast and dinner in the Brathay lounge. Under the steady management of Peter Sinclair, service remains ‘attentive and friendly’. Outside, a murmur of traffic can be heard from the road, but it dies down at night. Special-interest breaks – bridge, chess, painting, garden visits – are a regular feature. (P and SG)