Barton Hall Country House

Fabulous old building and wonderfully old fashioned inside. The owner and staff are lovely and the breakfast exceptional. Just half a mile from the centre of Pooley Bridge.

Lovely place, nice and helpful host. Staff were friendly too, fab breakfasts

No locks on the doors was a bit strange at first

The house and grounds are stunning, and it was a pleasure and privilege to stay. The atmosphere is more "house guests in a country house" than hotel, and it works really well. We felt at home, and unrestricted. The children were able to play in the gardens, and the guest kitchen was perfect. The sitting room and dining room are both lovely, with high ceilings, and the house feels welcoming. The doors are never locked, and for us this added to the positive experience, by making us feel at home, and emphasising what a safe community we were in. The staff were helpful and kind.

Most of the rooms are exceptional, as shown in photographs on booking sites and the website. However, there are three very different rooms in the roof, at the top of the back stairs (originally, presumably, accommodation for servants). We were booked in one of these, and it was a disappointment. The booking process needs to make this distinction much clearer. We were not aware, until we arrived, that we were in the servants quarters! However, with greater clarity on this, we would certainly book again (for a different room). The breakfast is good, but would benefit from some 21st-century upgrades, such as a potato product and pastries (both of which I heard other guests requesting also).

We liked the old building and it’s original features

No security. No keys at all ! Not for the front entrance or for the rooms.