Cool Place of the Day: Randy Pike, Cumbria

Every day, a new place to discover or explore from coolplaces.co.uk

There are boutique B&Bs – and then there’s the glorious, one-of-a-kind Randy Pike, the designer bolthole that’s also the home of local restaurateurs Andy and Chrissy Hill. Three suites have been carved out of their Victorian gentleman’s residence, and they are stunning ensembles, featuring hand-carved beds, designer fabrics, rococo touches and absolutely massive luxurious bathrooms (variously described as nearly the size of Belgium, Luxembourg “or another small European principality” – you get the idea: these are big bathrooms).

All have wonderful wooden floors and great views out over the woods that surround the building. Andy makes his fab music collection available on the in-room iPod sound systems, there are drinks on arrival and private gardens to stroll in; and transfers are offered down to their excellent Grasmere restaurant, the Jumble Room, which serves up an intriguing seasonal menu of global dishes in a relaxed and rather bohemian environment.

Not only are you within reach of plenty of attractions including National Trust properties and outdoor activities, but also Randy Pike is within easy reach of the magnificent Lakeland fells, which offer some of the best walking routes in the UK. There are plenty of B&Bs to be found around Ambleside but Randy Pike really does stand out from the crowd.

Cool Places is a website from the creators of Rough Guides and Cool Camping, suggesting the best places to stay, eat, drink and shop in Britain (coolplaces.co.uk)