Applegarth Villa, Windermere, Lake District

In Windermere town, just off the main drag, it's nicely central but on a quiet road. The turn-off from the main A591 (which links to the M6, 20 minutes away) is around 150 metres while Windermere station, which connects to the main west coast route, is a five-minute walk. Windermere Lake and popular Bowness are just over a mile, or Windermere Jetty Museum, a modern museum of watercraft, is closer and on the more attractive route into Bowness.

By car: around 1 hour 30 minutes from Manchester, 3 hours 15 minutes from Nottingham and 5 hours from London. Free parking on site.

By train: there are direct lines to Oxenholme Lake District Station from Glasgow Central (1 hour 45 minutes) and London Euston (3 hours). The hotel is around a 20-minute drive from Oxenholme Station. Book trains to Oxenholme.

The leopard print chairs and burnt orange sofa in the wood-panelled hall is a clue that you can expect some bold design statements in this Victorian villa. Rich wallpapers, chandeliers and contemporary furniture - more leopard print stools in the clubby bar - marry surprisingly well with original wood panelling and stained-glass windows, all carefully jazzed up with a dash of bling.

Run by two generations of the Mumford family, the place has a personal and relaxed feel with guests often becoming friends. All staff have good knowledge of the area and readily advise on shops, walks and restaurants, often with insider tips. As well as a sitting room with a fire there's a wood-panelled bar with guide books and maps, plus a west-facing terrace for chilling out.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Adults-only
• Pet-friendly
• Garden
• Terrace
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms are interiors-magazine-perfect with feature walls, chic furniture and pops of colour in eye-catching places. Expect dazzling wallpapers, bold headboards, glitzy light fittings and ultra smart bathrooms. The suites turn everything up a notch with sweeping spaces, bolder designs and hot tubs on private decking.

Room types: Deluxe, Superior, Luxury, Ultimate Luxury, Hot Tub Suite

Key amenities: ensuite with shower, bathrobe, Bluetooth speakers, DAB radio, tea and facilities

Modern British food is confidently cooked with some nice twists; perhaps scallops with turmeric cauliflower, followed by a homemade game burger, or sea bass with clams and samphire. Breakfast is waiter-served, and a feast with porridge with whisky, hot dishes including eggs Hemingway, kippers and a full grill.

The Villa Restaurant: formal fine dining, modern British cuisine. Open for breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner. Mains from £19.95.

The Villa Bar: elegant, sophisticated, extensive wine, whisky and cocktail menu.