Enjoying an enviable position on Windermere, this Georgian hall has a relaxed country-house feel, with formal and casual dining options, and bedrooms ranging from family friendly to seriously swanky. Public rooms are 'a delight', say readers; they are furnished with a mix of contemporary velvet seating, display cabinets of curios, gilt-framed art, and make the most of gorgeous lakeside views. The light-filled restaurant, with its smart napery, offers well-executed dishes such as Morecambe Bay plaice with mussels and N25 caviar, 'perfectly cooked halibut', as well as grills and vegetarian options. For casual dining, the Bistro has dishes to suit all tastes. Storrs Hall Gin, wines and cocktails are served in the fire-warmed bar with its deep-blue walls and high Victorian carved bar fittings reclaimed from Blackpool Tower. Spacious bedrooms, most with lake views, share a modern country-house style of statement wallpapers, oversized headboards, upholstered armchairs, contemporary bathrooms. 'A standard room had everything we needed: a wonderful view to the lake, large and comfortable bed, a good bathroom with a proper bath and walk-in shower'. For romance, the vast Lakeside suites and Boathouse spoil with hot tubs and freestanding baths. (Simon Tonking, Ralph Wilson)