The Samling, Lake Windermere, United Kingdom
The Samling 3 Stars
"This charming, country-chic inn was frequented by Wordsworth in his day and offers suitably poetic views and cosy rooms with fireplaces."
Hotel Overview
Review of The Samling, by Fiona Duncan
The Samling on Lake Windermere can be rented out in its entirety or by the room. It offers great views, privacy and exclusivity, as well as a less formal management style that intentionally contrasts with the habits of more traditional country manors. This, of course, will suit some travellers down to the ground, while others may crave for by-name greetings, butlers and pillow menus.
The turning to The Samling is an abrupt one, veering steeply uphill from the A591 that hugs Lake Windermere, and, after a tiring journey, we overshot more than once before finding the twisting drive. High on the hillside stood our goal, the prettily gabled 18th-century house to which Wordsworth would walk to pay his rent. We parked the car and found our companions, Julian and Julia, clad in frighteningly efficient outdoor wear (this was a walking break) already installed on the terrace for a midday drink.
"Wow, look at that view," we said, gazing at the distant sheep-flecked hills and the lake shining below. The Samling's views over Lake Windermere and the mountains are, indeed, spectacular.
The hotel's restaurant dinner was rather minimalist and pricey, but very much better was the elegant white-clothed breakfast tray brought to our room next morning. It has homebaked breads and excellent bacon and black pudding, and kept us dawdling in our room far longer than we ought.
The ten rooms turned out to be comfortable, spacious and harmonious. Our room was on three levels: handsome black slate bathroom at the bottom, bedroom at the top, with sofa, cosy fireplace and stunning views in between. Each of The Samling's rooms (except Yan) has a view over Lake Windermere and the mountains beyond. Most are suites or duplex junior suites. Five rooms (Yan, Tyan, Methera, Pym and Tethera) are in the main house, the others are in closely connected buildings set into the hillside. Each room has a large bath and a power shower.
Facilities
Hotel Policies
Rooms
11Awards
The restaurant holds a Michelin starWho stays here?
Nicole Kidman once booked the whole house for friends; David and Victoria Beckham have also checked in.
Come for...
- Romance: lavish suites, outdoor hot tub, privacy
- Proper fireplaces in rooms
- Gorgeous Lake District views
Not Suitable for...
- Small budgets: big prices
- Fans of big-hotel services; this is run as a homey country inn
Children
Children are welcome to stay at the hotel. They can provide a baby cot in the room, or an extra bed for older children. There is a kids' menu, but children are not allowed in the restaurant after 7:30 pm.
Eating in
Breakfasts are delivered to your rooms, by a train of waiters with silver salvers and hotplates. The restaurant is Michelin-starred and strictly fine dining.
The Press Say
"The Samling – in the heart of the Lake District National Park – feels more like staying at some affluent friend's country abode." The Guardian 10
Reviews
Review of The Samling, by Angela Moore
A weekend in the Lake District is always romantic, rain or shine, when you're staying at The Samling. The atmosphere here is serene and hushed, like the stunning surrounding landscape, and the service is formal and mollycoddling.
The cream-coloured house perched low on a hill but with good lake views. Facilities stretch to an excellent restaurant (three rosettes and counting) with an acclaimed wine-list, a small sitting room with fireplace and an outdoor hot tub. All essential for indulgence before or after a ramble or hike in the Lake District. And for the seriously indulgent, breakfast in bed is not to be missed
The eleven rooms are The Samling'ss real strength. The higher category rooms are undoubtedly expensive but, with their space and lush décor, they are a soothing cocoon whatever the weather.There are five rooms in the main house (charmingly named for the ancient way of counting sheep) and six suites/junior suites in outbuildings. Each room is different but all have working fireplaces and excellent bathrooms.
The Bothy is one of the best rooms as it feels like a little cottage, with a romantic, beamy little bedroom, a separate little conservatory-style sitting area and a private terrace. It also has a great bathroom with a charmingly rickety old-fashioned rainshower bath, which the boutique hotel says was once owned by Churchill.
Manmire has handsome, masculine décor, a bed on a mezzanine level, slate walls, a smart bathroom and a sofa in front of the fireplace. Its expansive views are The Samling's best. The Dovenest is very different with Asian-inspired décor; sexy but quite dark.
In the hotel's main building, Tyan will be overpowering for some; fussily matching toile walls, all very blue. Pym has a charming attic setting and views from your bed. Yan is the littlest room, with no view and the lowest rates.