You can’t beat a stay in a manor house in the beautiful English countryside, no matter what the weather. But when the service is second to none at a place like Farlam Hall, covered in ivy and climbing vines, and complete with its elegant decor, it’s pretty hard to leave.
This 12-acre estate in Cumbria’s border country near the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage site, was just the escape our reporter, Sabi Phagura, needed from the daily humdrum of city life.
Attention to detail is what sets Farlam Hall apart from most other country style houses. And this was evident from the moment Richard and I drove into the grounds. After a swift check in, we were taken to our room and offered homemade cakes and a cup of tea. The Quinions, who own and run the hotel, make you feel special from the moment you cross the threshold.
With 12 individually styled-bedrooms, a two-bedroom cottage, two drawing rooms and an elegant dining room with views of the ornamental lake, the house combines a homely atmosphere with class in equal measure. Some parts of the building date back to the 17th Century when it was used as a family home. The house itself is surrounded by beautiful grounds and sheltered by magnificent trees over 100 years old. We felt as though we had arrived at Downton Abbey.
Our exceptionally large bedroom decorated in traditional English Country House style, boasted patterned wallpaper, good sturdy furniture from yesteryear and an ensuite bathroom complete with a Jacuzzi and a large walk-in shower. The cushioned window seat was a great place for admiring our beautiful room and the stunning views over manicured gardens.
When we could tear ourselves away from the comfort of our room, Richard and I made full use of the lounges, both equally warm and inviting, as we sipped tea while flicking through books about Farlam Hall, and enjoyed a pre-dinner drink. But it’s not just about the surroundings. The Quinion family has been welcoming guests to their creeper-clad retreat since 1975, and it is they who really make the whole experience something special.
Barry Quinion oversees the kitchen, while his wife Lynne and sister Helen run the front-of-house. We were welcomed as old friends and made to feel as comfortable here as if we were in our own home.
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