The Ashton

A superbly stylish stopover in the oft-overlooked town of Lancaster, near the Lakes and the M6 motorway

An unusual place in an unlikely location. If the inside of this handsome Georgian house looks like the set of "Lost in Austen" (with a dash of 21st-century flair), it’s no coincidence: owner James was the set decorator on the ITV period drama. Theatrical this hotel certainly is, with dramatic colour schemes, beautiful lighting and top-notch bathrooms and bedlinen. Enjoy the house party atmosphere and original art in the candlelit lobby and dining room, or retreat upstairs to your room and revel in space and luxury. While the house is old (1834 to be precise), furnishings are strictly contemporary, with clean lines and sensuous silks and suedes, and the odd antique chair judiciously thrown in for fun.

As well being as the artistic talent behind this gem, James is the perfect host, a great cook and ever attentive to the details that make this a really special place. Swathed in 3/4 acre of grounds, the Ashton feels both isolated and ideally located: 5 minutes from the centre of Lancaster, great countryside and the M6. The perfect stopover.

Highs

• Easy access to the M6 makes it a convenient stopover between London and Scotland; business people love it, but it’s also a great base to explore the Lake District and the Forest of Bowland
• Despite its proximity to road and town, it is quiet and peaceful
• The small touches, like homemade biscuits and fresh flowers in the rooms, make this owner-run boutique hotel stand out a mile from the big chains
• Take relaxation further and book yourself a massage – there’s a treatment room inside the hotel

Lows

• It's not really for children – but if you’re here for business or a romantic getaway, that may be no bad thing
• The colour schemes of some rooms may not be to everyone's taste, but we found the dark greys and greens quite seductive
• Given the attention to detail lavished on everything else, and if we're being really picky, the breakfast orange juice could be freshly squeezed (but there are some fab hot dishes)