Augill Castle

Heaven in the tranquil Eden Valley – luxury B&B in a Victorian castle in remote Cumbria

Take two feuding brothers, add in a small fortune, stir vigorously, allow to simmer and hey presto! – you get a folly castle. Augill was built in 1841 by John Bagot Pearson in a bid to outdo his younger sibling. He succeeded in some style, commissioning the castle as a weekend haunt in which to entertain his friends. It is a triumph of vanity over common sense: turrets, mullioned windows, castellated towers, wonderfully ornate lattice windows – the usual castle fare. It is also a trompe-l’œil of sorts: the house is mostly one room deep.

A longish drive leads up from the lane. Lawns and meadows encircle you, beyond the Pennines rise majestically. Inside you find enormous rooms, creaking floorboards, vibrant colours and an easy-going house-party feel. The music room has an open fire, red leather armchairs, several sofas and a grand piano. The décor is ‘country house’, reassuringly traditional, but without the chintz.

Highs

• An impressive folly castle with imperious countryside all around
• A relaxed, easy-going feel
• Spoiling bedrooms and fantastic breakfasts
• Wendy and Simon are very friendly hosts
• Some of Britain's most unspoilt walking; the Pennine Way and Coast to Coast footpaths pass close by

Lows

• No midday meals; dinners available Fri/Sat only (advance booking required), but you’ll eat well locally
• Minimum 2-night bookings at weekends
• No smoking anywhere in the house