A beautiful boutique hotel in the Lake District has just been named one of the top three in the UK – and it’s easy to see why.
Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, near Windermere, is one of only two properties in the north of the country to make the top 10 in the prestigious list.
The stunning hotel and spa has just 39 rooms, including its staggering spa suites, which are build on top of a natural pond with their own stone-built hot tubs on the decking.
It’s also home to two renowned restaurants – Michelin-star SOURCE, which has Ollie Bridgwater as executive chef, and Gilpin Spice.
The Gilpin Lake House. Credit: Ben Barden Photography Ltd. 2009
And now the Gilpin Hotel & Lake House has landed itself in third place in the Top 50 Boutique Hotels. Quite the accolade.
It’s climbed nine places since last year, and was beaten only by The Newt in Somerset and Lime Wood in Lyndhurst.
The team at the Gilpin says its new ranking in the list is down its ongoing renovations and improvements, which have included a new Spa Space at Gilpin Hotel, a Vertical Farm, more Spa Suites and the appointment of two new chefs.
Image: Supplied
The hotel is operated by Barney and Zoë Cunliffe, who worked alongside Barney’s parents John and Christine until their deaths in 2020 and 2022 respectively.
The Top 50 Boutique Hotels is curated by and voted on by leading industry experts, hoteliers, travel writers and influencers.
Barney and Zoë said: “We are so very proud to be in this year’s list, and chuffed to bits to be so highly placed.
“We’ve worked together as a family and team for 35 years to create Gilpin, and it has always been our aim to create a luxurious sanctuary – one that is filled with love and laughter, without any pretentiousness.
Image: Supplied
“We want our guests to feel at home here, to feel loved, and we hope that that is what our guests feel.
“It’s with great sadness that we can’t celebrate this award with Mum and Dad, but we know that they would be absolutely delighted. As always, we would like to say a massive thank you to Team Gilpin, who all work so hard and with incredible passion. Thank you.”
Also featuring on the Top 50 Boutique Hotels list in the north west were Another Place in Ullswater, Moor Hall in Lancashire, Hotel Gotham in Manchester, Rothay Manor in Ambleside, and The Samling Hotel in the Lake District.
The full list from 1 to 50, including special awards for food and drink and best service is available to view here.
You can find out more about Gilpin Hotel & Lake House and book a room here.
There's a gothic hall in the heart of the Peak District where you can enjoy a staycation with a difference - because it's completely TV-free.
Get ready to cosy up by the fire while soaking up everything this screen-free property in the Peak District has to offer.
This two bedroom, three bed gothic hall looks out onto some stunning views through its unique framed windows.
If you're up for a stroll, this staycation has many popular walking routes to the unique village of King Sterndale, Cheedale Stepping Stones and more.
There's a gothic hall in the Peak District that's completely TV-free / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
Only 10 minutes from Buxton and 15 minutes from Bakewell, this historic property is the perfect location for anyone wanting to explore more of Yorkshire.
Pictor Hall has a gorgeous landscape that can be enjoyed simply by opening the front door with an abundance of foliage and greenery surrounding the property.
And if you're still worried about the idea of being stuck without a TV, the Airbnb host has noted that the property has a variety of board games, books and free wifi.
Although, with Pictor Hall dating back to the 1700's, you'll probably spend a considerable amount of time gawking at all the impressive features and characteristics throughout.
Pictor Hall is an impressive 1700s property where you can have your own Yorkshire staycation / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
There's striking wooden beams, a vintage writers' desk, tables with old-timey carvings etched into the side, an array of big clay pots and a carved log that greets you upon arrival.
Previous visitors to this property have commented on Pictor Hall's "peaceful location", listing it as "amazing spot for a woodland getaway" and labelling the property as a "storybook cottage".
If you're up for staying in this gorgeous gothic Airbnb property while also having a mini digital detox, you can find out more and book your stay HERE.
Struggling to book a date? It's probably because our whole office is scrambling to enjoy their own staycation in this gothic hall.. sorry not sorry.
You can stay in a converted barn loft apartment in North Yorkshire
Thomas Melia
There's a converted barn staycation in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside that also double as a loft apartment which you can try out.
Ever wanted to live out your loft apartment dreams? Ever wanted to trial out rural country living? Well now you can in this converted barn which also doubles as a loft apartment.
This gorgeous staycation is situated in the cosy and quiet hamlet of Azerley in North Yorkshire just a one hour drive away from Leeds city centre and 40 minutes from the North York Moors National Park.
The holiday home has everything you could possibly wish for, from a perfect balance of rustic and modern elements with its interior to impressive views of the picturesque green landscape.
Inside the converted barn loft apartment situated in Azerley, North Yorkshire / Credits: Airbnb (via Supplied)
If that wasn't enough, there's a covered balcony at the front of the converted barn meaning you can enjoy sitting outside regardless of the weather, and being in North Yorkshire this is handy, especially if there's a downpour.
Inside you're spoilt for choice when it comes to cushions and throws with an array of these cosy companions adorning every piece of furniture waiting to provide you with the ultimate comfort.
This rural rental barn is suitable for two guests as it has one bedroom which has its own attached en-suite bathroom and due to its limited bed options is not suitable for anyone with children.
On this staycation's description, the host Jo mentions that she has her own sheep and hens meaning you might get to admire some adorable animals during your time at Chequer Barn Apartment.
The living space and en-suite bathroom at Chequer Barn Apartment / Credit: Airbnb (via Supplied)
One previous visitor even mentioned, "[I] loved sitting on the balcony with a glass of wine while watching the chickens run around in the garden, thanks Jo we had a great time".
If you want to stay in this converted barn loft apartment, Chequer Barn Apartment is available to book whenever and you can find a range of dates and more information HERE.
Featured Images: Airbnb (via Supplied)
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Daisy Jackson -
4th December 2023 
