Dale Head Hall

Dale Head Hall, set in beautiful gardens, dates from the 16th century and was, for over 100 years, the Lord Mayor of Manchester’s country retreat. It occupies a stunning, isolated position on the shores of Thirlmere, one of Cumbria’s most central, tranquil lakes, and provides a central base for exploring the entire Lake District. Marie, Philip and daughter Jane offer a warm welcome. On a February 2008 visit we found the family in the midst of redecorating: removing wallpaper from the bedrooms and replacing it with painted walls, replacing flowery fabrics with those in solid colors. They were in a quandary as to whether to paint the hall purple and considering carpets to replace the acres of bold blue Axminster that was commissioned by Manchester City council. Lakeside bedrooms offer fabulous views and tend to be on the more spacious side while those in the Elizabethan part of the house, at the rear, have period features. One room has a small cradle room snug above the Inglenook fireplace. The beamed Elizabethan dining room becomes a cozy lounge in the summer when the restaurant is moved to one of the lake-view lounges. For a week’s stay, Dale Head Hall has apartments in the adjacent stables.