Hazel Bank

Gary and Donna MacRae have refurbished and revived this 1840s stone house, approached via a ‘sweet little stone bridge’ across a stream. When the MacRaes took it on in 2013, Hazel Bank had something of the ‘shabby and forsaken’ aspect described by novelist Hugh Walpole, a regular visitor, who used it as a backdrop for his Herries Chronicle. Today, the atmosphere is ‘welcoming and relaxed’; the rural setting ‘magical’. ‘Gary obviously revels in his role as host.’ Bedrooms are ‘well equipped and comfortable’, with sherry, home-made shortbread, fresh flowers; the ‘practical’ bathrooms have ‘generous’ toiletries. ‘Cosy’ evenings are spent by the open log fire in the ‘pleasant’ sitting room. Guests gather in the lounge at 7 pm for canapés; chef David Jackson’s daily-changing four-course menu might include Herdwick lamb, crushed Charlotte potatoes, port pan gravy; Donna’s sticky toffee pudding. Ask for a window seat and watch red squirrels and abundant birdlife in the four acres of garden. Plenty of choice at breakfast, including ‘good’ veggie options. ‘Superb’ walks begin at the front door; packed lunches and drying facilities are provided.