I stayed here in October of 2005 with my boyfriend. we had a wonderful three day break and will certainly be going back. Our room was comfortable, but we could see that much redecorating was happening throughout under the new ownership. The views were breathtaking and the food was excellent. All the staff were very friendly and it felt like home from home with non of the usual 'country house hotel' stufiness. Perfect for people who want to get out walking and return for a warm relaxing rest.

Beware of booking this hotel on the net. Instead of getting a cheaper rate - you are likely to be charged more than what you would be charged if you turned up at the door. Certainly the prices in the leaflet 'on the gate' were far cheaper than what I paid.
Beware also of booking a superior room with "lake, fell and garden views" - when I questioned the room I was given they said it was a "garden room" - it was a basement room, that had a very unpleasant smell, and it was quite difficult to see out the window at all - the window was so high.
They did offer another room for my second and third nights - but by then disappointment had set in.