Contemporary design meets Edwardian elegance in Gossel Ridding, a very special and upmarket Arts and Crafts mansion near Lake Windermere. The house stands in eight acres of grounds and has spectacular views of mountains and water. Whether covered in snow, daffodils or sunshine, its mix of terraces, lawns, woodland and meadows makes its an ideal country house party venue.
A big group booking at Gossel Ridding can enjoy a full concierge service, a cool cinema room, hi-tech entertainment, a state-of-the-art kitchen, blazing open fires, indulgent bathrooms and sumptuous bedrooms and reception rooms. It can be booked on a self-catering basis or you can request the services of a chef. Full catering for small groups of business leaders can also be arranged, and now fully licenced for civil wedding ceremonies.
A group of 12 has more than enough space for relaxation, with a cinema room , a piano room and formal dining room in addition to a generous sitting room and huge kitchen.
The décor throughout is a stunning blend of contemporary design and original wood panelling, ceiling beams, oak doors and polished floorboards. Huge 'B and B Italia' sofas and chairs in neutral tones are grouped around a magnificent slate and copper fireplace in The Billiard Room, while anyone in search of a snooze can slope off to the chaise longue in The Adam Room.
For formal meals, there's a main table in the dining room for 14; otherwise everyone can eat together in the enormous white kitchen, sitting around the original cooks’ tables in front of an open log fire. The kitchen is inspirational, with all the latest equipment and under floor heating.
There are five double bedrooms, one twin and one single, four of which are ensuite. All have gorgeous views, big soft beds, White Company bed linen and robes. The largest of them all, the Guest Room, has curved walls lined with gathered French linen, mahogany furniture and a seven-foot Emperor bed. The study, a peaceful room for work or quiet contemplation, is big enough to double as an extra twin room for camp beds or cots.
The five bathrooms are treats in themselves – all have under floor heating, luxurious contemporary fittings and l’Occitane bath and shower products. The Heliotrope bathroom deserves special mention, clad in mirror and pale limestone, with a double shower, a freestanding oval bath, under floor heating, soft lights and candles.
Entertainment facilities include Bose sound systems, a study with wireless internet, a piano room and a cinema room. The grand piano in The Adam Room is tuned to concert standard and loves to be played. The concierge can arrange a pianist for special occasions. Meanwhile, those in movie mode can chill out in the cinema room on the enormous daybed in front of a log fire, watching big screen TV or selecting a film from the DVD library. Blackout blinds, slate, rustic wood and charcoal linen create a sensual, comfortable mood.
The cloakroom and pantry are beautifully kept and, should you need them, have two washing machines and tumble dryers. Two hours’ housekeeping per day is included in the hire price.
A full concierge service is available, offering a range of services from a visiting pianist, a chef and hot air ballooning over the lakes to in-house spa treatments.
A ten-minute walk from Bowness-on-Windermere, with all its shops, restaurants and pubs and its cinema. Shopping can be arranged by the house concierge.
Airport: Manchester (100 miles)
Station: Windermere (5 minutes)
Situated in the heart of the Lake District, Gossel Ridding is ideal for the energetic. Walking, lake swimming, fishing, boating on the lake in a private hired yacht, horse riding and quad biking are all popular with big groups here.
Fine dining in Michelin-starred restaurants is available nearby, and there are various excellent pubs.
From £3,750 to £7,995 per week S/C
3 night breaks from £288 per person, based on 13 sharing.
3 nights minimum stay