On arrival we were surprised it was so near the main road and not down a winding tree lined driveway to a country estate. However once inside the outside world melts away and relaxation can begin in earnest.
The small numbers of rooms means that you are met with friendliness by all staff and they are attentive to each couples needs.
The room itself was large and spacious with fabulous little touches. Although at first it seemed quite dark, I eventually felt it was cosy rather than gloomy. In contrast the bathroom was light and airy and had a large bath and separate shower unit and underfoor heating. I did notice a couple of corners where the wall paper had started peeling away above the bed, although my husband didn’t notice this.
Some of the extravagant touches that made a five star stay were fluffy dressing gowns, toiletries worthy of spa treatments, free soft drinks in the fridge, special teas, chocolate and coffee as well as the regular English Breakfast varieties. The most romantic of all for my husband and I was the small patio with table and chairs looking out over the Lancashire hills. Even though it was February we sat outside with our tea and got out the wooden games compendium which was supplied in the room and had a game of backgammon before getting changed and heading to the bar for canapes and drinks.
The bar was elegant, modern yet retained some of the features of this 19th century residence. The restaurant was comfortable and not too cramped with tables. Of course, as is to be expected from a Michelin starred restaurant, the found was outstanding. At £75 per head for 5 course meal it feels expensive but the quality was well worth it, and when you included the canapes and the coffee and petit four in the bar before and after the meal, we felt that we enjoyed the experience enough to warrant the £75 cost.
