Jo Spencer discovers a hidden gem in the heart of the Lake District
Just minutes from the shores of Windermere and tucked away down a side street is where the very first of a number of private Lakeland ‘boutique houses’ can be found. The Hideout, opened in April, and has caught the attention of those seeking a quiet, private and intimate stay in lavish surroundings. The brainchild of The Cranleigh Boutique owner, Stephen Hargreaves, this five star property can be rented by the night and offers couples an opportunity to close the door on the world. ‘I like to think of the Hideout as a sanctuary,’ says Stephen. ‘You would never find it if you didn’t know exactly where to look and this obviously adds to the intrigue.’
Set over three floors, the Hideout is a successful blend of luxury, bespoke design and a wealth of hi-tech features. No expense has been spared in creating the product of Stephen’s extraordinary vision, with the ‘Cinema Wellness Room’ on the ground floor costing an astounding £40,000 to design. Comprising a super-sized air spa bath for two, including underwater lighting, mood creation intelligent ipad-controlled lighting, a 65-inch hidden cinema screen, a large chromotherapy shower enclosure and a complimentary cocktail bar, it is little wonder that the Hideout has been fully booked since it opened, despite the cost for a single night ranging from £460 to £600. There have even been some famous faces to stay in the short time that the Hideout has been open, although Stephen won’t be disclosing any names. ‘We don’t talk about the guests who come to stay,’ he says. ‘That’s what the Hideout is all about.’
It’s not merely about the privacy afforded by the Hideout that appeals to those who come to visit but the quality of the establishment itself. The first floor bedroom presents a sumptuous kingsize four posted bed, luxury bedding and unique décor, with the third floor comprising an open plan cinema lounge and fully equipped kitchen, a 55-inch Sony smart 3D television with Blu-Ray DVD player linked to a Bose surround sound Lifestyle system, remote control mood lighting and a balcony on which to enjoy champagne. There is also a concierge service available to those requiring something extra special, be it a booking at a Michelin star restaurant or private yacht hire on the lake.
The launch of the Hideout has come hard on the heels of his other 18-bedroom establishment, The Cranleigh Boutique, also in Bowness, awarded the most romantic venue in the UK and third in the world by TripAdvisor in February. ‘We were stunned by that accolade,’ says Stephen. ‘Since then, our feet haven’t really touched the ground! We were placed ahead of worldwide destinations such as the Maldives, which is incredible. The Lake District is a very romantic place and we have worked hard to replicate the elements of that romance inside too. Clearly, that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the couples who have stayed with us.’ The five star venue has drawn comparisons with some of the London’s finest boutique hotels and is the setting for, on average, more than 100 engagements each year.
With the success of The Cranleigh Boutique and the Hideout, you might be forgiven for expecting Stephen to ‘put his feet up for a while’, but he is already planning his next project – a large and ambitious development on the shores of Windermere, set to open in 2014, and of course, another boutique house.
‘We know we have created a unique offering with the launch of The Hideout.’ he said. ‘There is little doubt that this is an exceptional accommodation experience and, in terms of originality in the Lake District, it is unrivalled. We strive always to create a memorable and outstanding product and with the Hideout, I believe we have achieved this.’
To find out more about the Hideout see www.thehideouthouse.com or call 015394 43293.
