Paul Rhind and the Bankfield House staff operate on the of the best-kept secrets in the Southern Lake District.

My family of four along with two of our teens' friends traveled there for a horseback-riding vacation in July, at the nearby (and equally outstanding) Murthwaits Green Stables. We had been advised that the weather is not great there that time of year, but coming from the oppressive heat of the US East Coast we found the cool temps and occasional rains to be quite refreshing.

To stand on the front lawn of Bankfield is to stand in a postcard, no doubt about it. The landscaping and gardens around this historic English house are gorgeous, and there are many patios scattered about to sit and chat on.

The rooms are clean & large, and the baths clean & well-equipped. The beds are a bit worn and springy but comfortable. The housekeeping was responsive and did an excellent job.

Now to the best part: the food and service. When you are a... more