‘They just keep making it better every year,’ writes a trusted correspondent, of this luxurious country house hotel in Lakeland countryside. It is 30 years since the Cunliffe family opened what was a modest B&B, and they have never stopped innovating. ‘The decor is creative, from the wonderfully restful sitting room to the second restaurant, Gilpin Spice, in three rooms, each with modern Asian style.’ Accommodation ranges from bedrooms in the Edwardian main house, to spa lodges with outdoor hot tub, and open-plan garden suites with a lounge, feature fireplace, decked garden and hot tub. Lake House, a satellite operation, is fully staffed, with a residents’ lounge, a spa, and chauffeured lifts to home base. Chef Hrishikesh Desai holds a Michelin star for his ‘excellent modern British cooking’ in HRisHi restaurant, perhaps roast Cartmel valley venison, glazed dumpling, beetroot Tatin, savoy cabbage, caramelised hazelnuts, blackberry jus. Gilpin Spice serves less expensive, more exotic fare. ‘The very different food shows his versatility.’ The extensive grounds include a llama paddock. Staff ‘could not be nicer’. ‘It really is quite exceptional.’ (Stephanie Thompson, JC, and others)