Nestled between the Lake District, Northumberland National Park and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you’re spoiled for choice with stunning landscapes and beautiful places to visit right on your doorstep at Farlam Hall. You can follow footpaths for miles or explore the historical Hadrian’s Wall, which is just a few miles away.
The area is a walker’s paradise with rolling hills and lush pastures as far as the eye can see. It’s a great spot to get outside: venture along the western stretch of Hadrian’s Wall or hit the fairways at one of the nearby golf courses. Just 10 miles from Carlisle, Farlam Hall is set in the heart of the countryside but offers easy access to the hustle and bustle of nearby towns.
Hotel
Farlam Hall is a beautiful and quintessentially British country house hotel that sits in six acres of mature grounds and pretty gardens, on the Milton Beck. The 16th century manor house has been beautifully and respectfully restored and is now a simply stunning bolthole in the English countryside.
The hotel was taken over by an American couple who fell in love with the property and its setting and set about on a multi-million-pound renovation project to restore it to its former grandeur. Today, the hotel offers relaxed country living and classic formal splendour with a refined finish and a resplendent ambience.
Guests arrive along a winding drive that crosses the brook and enter the grand building through a plush but cosy lounge area where they can relax in front of a crackling fire with the aromas of fresh flowers that are arranged in large vases around the room. Friendly staff are quick to greet you and check you in before whisking you off to your room, either up the winding staircase or over to the private stable block.
There are lots of quiet nooks and peaceful spots where you can relax with a coffee or sit and chat with friends dotted around the hotel. Outside, you can enjoy watching the birds and bugs in the gardens or inside you can find a tranquil corner to unwind. The Gun Room is a quiet sanctuary – a mini library – where you can read and while away the day; and the Boot Room has been transformed into a peaceful and private workout suite where guests can book out the space and enjoy yoga and the like.
Room
The main hotel is home to a selection of elegant but cosy bedrooms of varying sizes, from snug standard rooms to large junior suites. We were lucky enough to be staying in one of the stunning self-catering cottages out in the refurbished stable block and coach house, which is tucked behind the main building and opens onto the sheltered walled garden and overlooks paddocks of sheep.
Our home away from home was beautifully designed and decorated in soft and relaxing colours, with sophisticated, classic details. A rustic wooden floor runs throughout the self-contained cottage and the exposed beams overhead are finished in a whitewash to give the whole space a bright and airy feel.
The dual aspect living room boasts large, traditional sash windows which look out over the kitchen garden, and onto the gravel parking area. Arched doors open onto a patio so you can enjoy sitting outside during the sunny weather, or there’s an intimate dining table for eating in your room if you don’t fancy heading over to the restaurant. There is also a cosy couch and formal lounge area, and the TV is cleverly hidden behind a large wooden cabinet.
The kitchen is beautifully finished with traditional Shaker-style cabinetry and wooden work surfaces. The ceramic butler sink looks through a cute peep-hole window and there’s also all the mod-cons needed for a comfortable stay including a full fridge-freezer, oven, hob and toaster.
Upstairs, there’s a sumptuous bedroom with a large comfortable bed embellished with throws and cushions. The vaulted ceiling creates a dramatic space and the double aspect windows flood the space with light, while soft lamps also create a relaxed atmosphere as the sun sets.
Behind the bed is a walk-through wardrobe with bespoke fitted cabinetry and a vanity desk, and there are also tea and coffee facilities so you can enjoy a hot drink in bed without venturing downstairs to the kitchen. The bathroom is a vast space with a huge walk-in shower and a large tub with a TV so you can sink into the bubbles and watch your favourite show.
Food and drink
We enjoyed drinks in the cosy Cloud Lounge – named after the whimsical sky paintings that adorn the walls – sinking into the plush sofas in front of a crackling fire and listening to the tick-tocking of the historic clock. Stephenson’s Clock was donated to the hotel by a bride who visited Farlam Hall in 1889 – before it was a hotel – and it took pride of place in the stables. It stopped in 1959 but was carefully repaired in 1962 and – as part of the renovations – was moved into the lounge for guests to enjoy, now encased in a modern see-through cabinet.
Breakfast and dinner are served in The Cedar Tree restaurant which – striving for a Michelin star – is a classy and stylish dining room overlooking the 100-year-old tree that gives it its name. The menu changes daily, based on the available produce, and the staff strive for high-end silver service at smartly-dressed tables.
We started with bitesize canapes before tucking into a deliciously warm sourdough bread with butter. To start, I chose the Farlam garden salad with tomato, radish, ricotta and herb pesto, which was light and refreshing although did seem a little simple for the £10 price. My husband tried the roasted potato and truffle with cheddar custard which was served with a crunchy charred onion and was a delicious mix of earthy flavours.
For the main course, I tried the squash and potato gnocchi with truffle and kale – simple but packed full of tasty, rich flavour – and my husband opted for the lobster tail in a seafood bisque with purple sprouting broccoli. It was beautifully presented and smelled delicious. Finally, to finish, we chose the chocolate and salted caramel mousse with gingerbread and milk ice cream; and a selection of cheeses with biscuits, neither of which disappointed!
In a nutshell
Farlam Hall Hotel and Restaurant occupies an enviable position in one of the most beautiful corners of the UK. Recently renovated, the beautiful rooms and sophisticated restaurant now match the scenic surroundings and anyone visiting is sure to have a luxurious stay.
Factbox
Amy visited Farlam Hall Hotel and Restaurant in Cumbria. The hotel is a member of Pride of Britain Hotels, a very fine collection of hotels dotted around the British Isles. Accommodation in the hotel’s cottages costs from £310 per night (minimum two-night stay). Contact Pride of Britain Hotels on 0800 089 3929.
Address: Farlam Hall, Hallbankgate, Brampton, CA8 2NG
Phone: 01697 746234
Website: farlamhall.co.uk
