Hazel Bank

‘Relaxing’ and ‘luxurious’ are the oft-repeated descriptions of this small country house with captivating fell views, walks from the doorstep and an intimate atmosphere. Sitting above Rosthwaite village in picturesque Borrowdale, the Victorian house has a warmth that is all thanks to owners Gary and Donna MacRae, who readers say ‘made us feel instantly at home’. The interiors are comfortable, with soft carpets, polished wood and vases of flowers, but not too fussy; after all, why compete with those views! Each of the ‘immaculate’ bedrooms, elegant with pretty wallpaper and top-notch bathroom, looks across the valley and fells. Spoiling touches include sherry, home-made biscuits and L’Occitane products. Donna produces an ‘astonishing’ evening menu that starts with canapés in the lounge and continues with dishes such as home-cured salmon and lemongrass panna cotta, and roast Herdwick lamb (from neighbouring Chapel farm) with slow-roasted lamb-fat carrots. A ‘sophisticated’ wine list, too. Breakfast includes kippers, omelettes and a full Cumbrian (vegetarian option), and maybe a red squirrel sighting in the garden. (CS, and others)