The approach to Lake Country House and Spa takes you across the MoD firing range in Powys and the beautiful but desolate windswept Brecon Beacons. Thankfully we made it, however, and our welcome was far more cordial at the Lake Country House.

Set in 50 fabulous acres of tended garden and wild woodland with facilities in abundance to keep you entertained during your stay. There's a 9 hole golf course to infuriate and delight, the lake where fishing is allowed (not sure if you're able to cook what you catch - best ask the chef!) and walks through the mature woodland. If this all sounds far too strenuous, however, then the newly built Kingfisher Spa is available for treatments, and use of the generously sized pool, hot tub and sauna.

The rooms in this former hunting lodge are all different; from quintessential British country manor house to those with a more contemporary feel. All are well appointed with the luxuries that one would expect from a hotel of this standard. L'Occitane products are in the bathrooms reflecting the fact that the Spa has recently become the only one in the UK to use their products and treatments. Other nice touches are the bowls of fresh fruit and homemade shortbreads in your room and with a turndown service provided whilst you are enjoying a meal in the superb restaurant.

With 2 AA Rosettes under their belts you know that the dinner at The Lake Country House is likely to be special. There’s no need to go to the formality of making a reservation if you're a hotel guest, just arrive when you are ready between 7pm and 9pm and your table is waiting for you. This arrangement epitomises the relaxed and friendly service that guests are used to receiving here.

Locally sourced ingredients and a daily changing menu meant it didn’t disappoint. Choose from a set list including a full vegetarian option. You could be tempted by succulent venison, guinea fowl or a fantastically moist John Dory. Don’t be afraid to ask if you can swap options as the staff are happy to accommodate personal preferences where they can. The green pea bavarois with asparagus and artichoke on the vegetarian menu was the starter that my wife fancied and it was no problem at all to change - and it was declared a success!

Dessert followed accompanied by dessert wines by the glass, again a nice touch as some restaurants just don’t cater for this option. We took our coffees in the relaxing and elegant lounge to finish and then paid the extensive wine cellar a visit. We were shown around by Luke Marriott, the front of house Manager, who couldn't contain his obvious pride at the list of bins that he has compiled. A selection that comprises decent house wines at reasonable prices and rising to some of the best that money can buy - wines for the serious connoisseur.

Breakfast is served in the dining room, which, again, is very relaxed and informal. A cold selection of fruit, juices, cereals and bakery, with a choice of full Welsh breakfast (Laver bread included), kippers or haddock to start your day.  If you're feeling energetic why not take full advantage of the Spa facilities and have an early morning swim to work up an appetite?

We left reluctantly after breakfast and the warm welcome that we received on arrival was mirrored in our departure with best wishes and a promise to return to this wonderful lodge and its warm and friendly staff. The Lake Country House and Spa is a wonderful mix of old and new with the 18th century lodge and the modern Spa building looking out over the lake that justifiably has won the AA Hotel of the Year and Johansen’s Most Excellent Spa. As the accolades mount, surely a 3rd rosette for the restaurant can’t be far behind? What more do you need to pay this stunning property a visit, good food, a warm welcome and superb facilities and one more added bonus - for a small additional fee they accept our four legged friends! A truly cosmopolitan hotel.

For more information and for details how to book, visit the website: http://www.lakecountryhouse.co.uk/

 

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