BROWNBER HALL, CUMBRIA
Nestled in the rolling hills of the upper Lune Valley in Cumbria, hidden from the main road and accessed by a single-track lane, charming Brownber Hall is a truly welcome sight following our five-hour car journey from London. The Victorian country house, built from local limestone in the 1860s, is surrounded by lush green fields and woodland, and smoke drifts from the chimneys, inviting us in. Inside, Peter, the custodian of Brownber Hall along with his partner, Amanda, offers to put the kettle on. As we settle down in front of the log burner, he tells us to make ourselves at home. It’s not a difficult task; the gorgeous interior, all William Morris wallpaper and reclaimed furniture, gives the place a stylishly cosy feel, and the sumptuous sofa envelops us. While devouring delicious slices of freshly baked cakes from the cake stand in reception, we spot a selection of board games and the honesty bar – that’s our evening plans sorted, then.
Once thoroughly warmed, we head upstairs to our room, which is relaxed and thoughtfully appointed and looks out across fields to the spectacular Howgill Fells. The cast-iron four-poster bed is piled high with beautiful cushions (which, we later learn, were handmade by Peter’s mother) and Anglepoise lamps illuminate the bedside tables – it’s the perfect reading spot. The bathroom is stocked with divine-smelling products from 100 Acres Apothecary, and the waterfall shower soothes my travel-weary limbs.
The next morning, breakfast is served in the retro-chic dining room, which is filled with a delightful array of mismatching upcycled tables and chairs, and has walls dotted with pretty framed prints. I order the scrumptious waffles and streaky bacon with berries and maple syrup, and together, we also polish off a few slices of toasted sourdough (made on site) with tangy orange marmalade (made by Amanda, using her grandmother’s recipe), which sets us up well for a day of rambling across the neighbouring fields. Located between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, Brownber Hall is a wonderful base from which to explore the beautiful English countryside, but it’s even more wonderful to return to. CALLIE GREEN