There’s beauty in simplicity and The Samling hotel near Windermere exudes it for miles. An elegant stay from start to finish, if you love a sense of exclusivity, a dose of serenity and just the right dose of gluttony with your staycations, then it’s time to pack the suitcase. Sophie Ritchie shares more:
There are some hotels that merely ‘do the job’. A room for a few nights, a pillow to rest upon at the end of a busy day. And then, there are those glitteringly magical properties. The ooh la la anniversaries, birthdays and special occasions properties. The kind you never want to leave, that provoke a forlorn last lingering look when you hand back over the key at checkout. The Samling, a former private house turned boutique hotel near Windermere is one of those gems.
Private and secluded, The Samling sits elevated above Lake Windermere. It’s ruggedly enchanting from the outset, found at the end of a winding uphill drive that leads steeply towards the property. By the time you’ve arrived at the entrance to this historic Georgian building (where swish valet parking awaits) you’ll have left the below bustling world below far behind.
First built as a villa in about 1780 by John Benson (who was also the landlord of the great Romantic poet William Wordsworth) following his death his wife decided to rent it out to wealthy tenants. The ownership of the house remained with the Benson family until about 1960, following which it eventually became a private house that was rented out for much shorter durations.
The Samling changed its original name from Dove Nest in 2002, became a fully-fledged hotel and has never looked back. With such mesmerising unspoiled surroundings, it’s unsurprising that many famous faces have pulled their rolling suitcases over the entrance over the years.
This property brims with unique tales and history, such as once serving as Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise’s two-week honeymoon haunt whilst still in its Dove Nest era – as well as being a firm favourite of Winston Churchill.
The Room
With just 12 abodes in total, split into categories of rooms, suites and cottages (each named after somewhere in the surrounding Lake District area) a number of The Samling’s most luxurious accommodation options are located outside the main building. It’s within one of these that I dwell for the night, the gorgeous Windermere cottage.
Tucked away towards the top of the estate, the split-floor suite feels more like a fully-fledged apartment thanks to the vast space and lavishly comfortable feel. With soft silver colour schemes, grey carpet and plenty of places to lounge, it’s a neutral result that makes it easy to unwind.
The silver furnishings are offset by pops of calming shades of nature-inspired blue and green, creating an elegant and simple result. A wrought iron staircase leads to the upstairs bedroom (and also creates the dreamiest of Instagram backdrops).
Over in the huge bathroom awaits any pamper queen’s dream – a copper-clad freestanding bath – as well as his ‘n hers sinks and a large walk-in shower, plus oodles of fluffy white towels. Outside, the cottage also boasts its very own private patio overlooking the below lake. Should you climb up a few more stone steps, you’ll also stumble across The Samling’s private hot tub, where the dreamiest of bubbling sundowners can be booked in advance.
As always when it comes to outstanding stays, it’s the small touches that leave the biggest impression. Tiny details make this such a memorable stay – hand towels carefully folded in the shape of an envelope, ‘real deal’ Nespresso coffee machines, luxurious toiletries and a turndown service so thorough I’m almost embarrassed at my packing ability.
It’s worth knowing that due to The Samling’s petite size, it can also be hired exclusively too – hint hint, brides-to-be.
The Food
It’s not simply the surrounding landscape that draws such keen guest appeal. Within The Samling nests its very own Michelin-starred restaurant – and the quality that emulates from this restaurant will impress even the pickiest of foodies.
Many of the ingredients are sourced via The Samling’s greenhouse, gardens and woodland – and if not, they’ll be from a local producer or simply the very best the UK has to offer.
Pristine, poised… and somehow, it’s an atmosphere that’s still highly approachable. There’s no haughty service here – simply welcoming, kind and extremely knowledgeable staff. When it comes to dishes and drinks, it goes without saying that they’re all connoisseurs of their craft.
This goes well beyond anything edible however, with the team offering me helpful tips and must-sees without making me feel ignorant. Their hospitality and lack of snobbery is just as impressive as the fine dining creations themselves.
On the food front, the intricate six-course tasting menu is sublime. Yes, it’s expensive – with prices starting from a steep £150 per head – but it’s also incredibly worth it. Led by seasonality, I spend the evening devouring the likes of Alba White Truffle, an unusual Quince creation and melt-in-the-mouth buttery Monkfish. Simply thinking about the final chocolate and cardamon dessert, a heavenly creation topped off with a gold Samling seal, has me deliberating hopping in the car and driving another six hours to snag another bite.
The only downside from The Samling’s dining experience is that I’ve now been thoroughly spoiled – how will one cope when future petit fours are no longer served from a miniature version of the building I’m staying at?
Boasting 67 acres of land across the estate, with such beautiful panoramic views from the restaurant thanks to its floor to ceiling windows, a morning coffee at The Samling feels rather Mount Olympus-like the following morning. If Zeus was fond of a frothy cappuccino, I’m sure he’d be very satisfied here.
The Wordrobe Verdict
There’s beauty in simplicity and The Samling absolutely exudes it. An elegant stay from start to finish, if you love a sense of exclusivity, a dose of serenity and just the right dose of gluttony with your staycations, then it’s time to pack the suitcase.
Start the adventure
Where: Ambleside Rd, Windermere LA23 1LR
How: Find out more and make a booking via thesamlinghotel.co.uk
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
