Tr avel report LAKE DISTRICT S

AY the words Laura Ashley and a quintessentially British scene of plush cushions and floral wallpaper springs to mind. The retailer, founded in the late fifties, has been a high street staple for more than 60 years. But in an age where brands are encouraged to diversify, the company is branching out – to luxury boutique hotels and tea rooms.

The brand began its journey into hospitality with the opening of the first hotel in Elstree, Hertfordshire in 2013.

The first tea room opened in nearby Solihull in the West Midlands only last year, with more locations expected to follow.

We visited the second to open, The Belsfield Hotel in the Lake District, to see if the design brand can do overnight stays as comfy as its sofas.

Sitting on the edge of the beautiful Lake Windermere, in Bowness-onWindermere, the hotel has views that take your breath away.

Opened in 2014, it has 62 stunning rooms and sumptuous suites, with beds dressed in luxury Egyptian cotton sheets and bathrooms warmed with underfloor heating.

It has been fitted throughout by the Laura Ashley Interior Design Service using the company’s famous fabrics, furniture and fittings.

Every room feels like it could be in a catalogue or glossy magazine.

But although the hotel is as lavish as you would expect from an interior design brand, it’s the lake that is the star of the show here.

The rooms on the front of the hotel have gorgeous large Victorian windows, which bring the beauty of this location into every room.

The Belsfield was built in 1845 as a private residence for the Baroness Von Sternberg. It was acquired by the steel magnate Henry Schnieder in 1869 and converted to a hotel in 1892.

Now, it has been completely refurbished with classic prints, cream furnishings and all you would expect from Laura Ashley.

It’s dangerous for the wallet though – every room is equipped with a catalogue in case you see anything you like around the hotel.

The Lake District is a part of our country that it’s hard to imagine being only a few hours drive away.

Breathtaking landscapes wherever you turn, amazing hikes and beauty spots aplenty. There’s a great deal to do as soon as you step outside the hotel.

A wander down the manicured gardens leads to the lake where there are plenty of boat trips to choose from.

We picked the 45 minute Blue Islands Cruise around Windermere – a stunning circular route – but you can venture further afield to visit the beautiful lakeside towns of Ambleside and Brockhole during your stay.

Bowness itself is a joy to wander round, with all the gift shops, cafés and tourist havens you would expect from a lakeside resort.

It’s also home to the World of Beatrix Potter attraction, which explores the life of the famous local author and brings to life the tales of Peter Rabbit. Ambleside is also well worth a visit. For the adventurous, there are plenty of walks locally.

Our restaurant manager recommended a short one to Orrest Head, famous for being Wainwright’s introduction to the Lake District.

Described as a “modest uphill walk”, you are rewarded with amazing panoramic views.

Other places of interest include Rydal Mount and Gardens, which lies between Ambleside and Grasmere. It was the historic family home of William Wordsworth from 1813 until his death in 1850 at the age of 80. You have to pay to enter the attraction and there’s a small tearoom there too.

For evening meals, we opted for the hotel’s restaurant and brasserie, although there are lots of eateries within walking distance of the hotel too.

The AA-rosette restaurant is more formal and not unreasonable at £40 for five-courses.

Tempting dishes like spiced crab, sticky short rib of beef, brill and venison all adorn the menu.

For those wanting a more relaxed experience, the Brasserie serves classic British dishes and has views over the terrace.

Laura Ashley has really put its stamp on this hotel, with dedadent chandeliers, long draped curtains, plush velvet sofas and classic decoration.

But, with a sprawling lake as captivating as Windermere at the bottom of the garden, it is in the best company.