An ancient house offering a new style of hotel for the English Lake District – more a restaurant with rooms in an outstanding historic building – fully opens to guests today, Thursday 10 April 2014.

Askham Hall, which is set in the unspoilt Lowther valley, dates back to the late 1200s and has been within the Lowther family for 200 years. It opened for overnight stays two days a week late last year, but from today, it is now fully open every Tuesday-Saturday.

The project is the culmination of six years of work by Charles Lowther, who grew up in Askham Hall. It follows his successful transformation of the George and Dragon country inn in nearby Clifton, which specialises in delicious produce from his farm, his family estate, woods and moors.

The antithesis of the traditional country house hotel found in the Lakes, Askham Hall really is a bohemian-style 'home from home' with a wonderful vegetable patch, fields and ponds with animals, set right in the heart of an incredibly productive area for wild food, game and meat. The focus is very much on the connection between the kitchen, the seasons and the local ecosystem. Head chef is Richard Swale (la Maison de Marc Veyrat, Annecy, Noma, and a protégé of Anthony Demetre and John Burton Race). His menus are inspired by his time at Noma and la Maison, both of which are run by pioneers of finding delicate flavours from local wild herbs and plants and balancing them with the best meats and vegetables.

Richard works closely with head gardener Colin Myers, who ensures an abundance of fresh produce throughout the year from the extensive kitchen garden. And to complete the golden triangle team is Charles, who has a passion for livestock and keeps a herd of pedigree beef shorthorn cattle, rare breed pigs, meat goats, sheep, ducks and chickens.

The creative, artistic and unpretentious style of the food is repeated in the style of the house. Open roaring fires, comfy sofas and intimate areas create a warm, relaxing and luxurious feel. Charming original features compliment stylish fittings and design. There is no formal service, just an invitation to relax and unwind and feel totally at home. The main restaurant, which overlooks the private garden, has colourful Spanish floor tiles, rustic style wooden tables and an open kitchen. The 13 bedrooms aren't themed, more up-cycled than overtly designed. Each one of them is equally as luxurious and comfortable as the other, with its own style, lovely views and individual décor. All are en-suite – some with big roll-top baths and some walk-in showers.

A small spa is also available to guests, which includes a Swedish sauna, an outdoor swimming pool and treatments.

Room rates start from £150 per night including breakfast for two. A three course dinner, including pre and post dinnertreats and coffee costs £45. www.askhamhall.co.uk

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For further information please contact:

Heather Sewell

Tel: 01539 822222

Email: hsewell@cumbriatourism.org