Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / United Kingdom / Ambleside / The Samling
The Samling
Ambleside, Cumbria, United Kingdom · Independent · High Luxury
Originally built around 1780 as a private villa named Dove Nest by John Benson, the property has a storied history as a retreat for poets like William Wordsworth and Felicia Hemans. It remained in the Benson family until 1960 and was later rebranded as The Samling in 2002 when it transitioned into a luxury boutique hotel. The estate has since undergone extensive refurbishments, including the addition of a modern glass-walled restaurant designed to maximize views of Lake Windermere.
- 12 rooms
- Opened 1780
- Neighborhood: Waterhead
About The Samling
- Built around 1780 as the private villa Dove Nest by John Benson, it was a retreat for poets William Wordsworth and Felicia Hemans.
- The Benson family held it until 1960; it was rebranded The Samling in 2002, later adding a glass-walled restaurant over Lake Windermere.
- It holds both AA Four Red Stars and MICHELIN Two Keys, ratings awarded in 2025 for its dining and accommodation standards.
History
Originally built around 1780 as a private villa named Dove Nest by John Benson, the property has a storied history as a retreat for poets like William Wordsworth and Felicia Hemans. It remained in the Benson family until 1960 and was later rebranded as The Samling in 2002 when it transitioned into a luxury boutique hotel. The estate has since undergone extensive refurbishments, including the addition of a modern glass-walled restaurant designed to maximize views of Lake Windermere.
The setting
17-minute walk to Waterhead Pier.
Experiences
- Kitchen Gardens — Fellside kitchen gardens with beehives, orchards, a greenhouse and vegetable beds; the chefs pick daily for the amuse bouche.
- Wine Tasting — Bespoke personal experiences including exploring the award-winning Wine Cellar and the curated bar selection.
- Wine Tastings & Dinners — Listed among the hotel's experiences.
Amenities
- Michelin-starred restaurant (The Restaurant at The Samling)
- 67-acre private estate with gardens and lake views
- Award-winning wine cellar (AA Notable Wine List Award)
- Outdoor hot tub and terrace
- Bespoke experiences including wine tasting and glamping
- Valet parking and concierge services
Awards
- MICHELIN Two Keys (2026)
- AA Four Red Stars (2025)
Open The Samling in the atlas for live weekend rates, photos, and the full folio.
More hotels in Ambleside
- Rothay Manor Hotel — Independent · Accessible Luxury