‘Kevin and Nicki Winsland, with their daughters Charlotte and Bex, have created a hotel of great charm and warmth.’ Readers enthuse over a stay at this small Victorian country house with gardens running down to the River Rothay, in a village for ever associated with Wordsworth. ‘From the moment we were greeted by Charlotte, we felt we were welcomed into their home as guests.’ The bedrooms, each named after a Lake poet, are smart-contemporary, with bath or shower. ‘Ruskin overlooks the car park at the front with glorious views to Helm Crag and the hills beyond.’ It has ‘a well-equipped bathroom’, plenty of hot water for a soak after a hike. Log fires burn in a ‘comfortable lounge’ where drinks and canapés are served before a four-course dinner cooked by Kevin, with local, seasonal ingredients. ‘We particularly enjoyed oak-smoked wild Lakeland venison, celeriac, apple slaw, dressed with chocolate vinaigrette. Roast breast of corn-fed guineafowl, black garlic, salsify, kale and wild mushrooms were cooked to perfection.’ Breakfast ‘is the same high standard’. Now, ‘One question: why is the hotel on the Shortlist?’ Answer: it no longer is. (Bob and Jean Henry)