It didn't take long to switch off from a hectic week at the office. Indeed, the moment my hotel room door closed behind me, I entered a world of splendid isolation and comfort.

Beyond the windows a rolling lawn stretched from the gardens to the shores of Lake Ullswater. As if on cue a red squirrel scampered from the bushes to a picturesque fountain and dipped down to take a quick sip, before scuttling back to cover. Then a slither of light cut through the clouds to pick out a whitewashed house in the distance, and as if by magic, the clouds parted to reveal a dramatic rainbow arching across the sky.

It was a room with a view. And what a view.

So began two nights in Macdonald Leeming House, a four-star hotel occupying 22 acres on the west bank of Ullswater, at Watermillock.

The grounds offer direct access to the lake shore, while the hotel features a large outside terrace where one can soak up the sun – weather permitting. In cooler climes, you can retreat to two comfortable lounge areas, where lunch menus, with a selection of light meals and afternoon teas, are available between noon and 6pm. Members of staff are attentive, but never obtrusive.

I had supper in the award-winning Regency Restaurant, which has been given a second rosette under the stewardship of head chef Gary Fisher. The hotel is popular with couples of all generations – though as a single I didn't feel out of place as I settled down for a sumptuous meal.

I started with succulent pan-seared scallops offset by crispy Stornoway black pudding and cauliflower puree, followed by roast of loin and braised neck of Highland lamb with rosti potato, carrot purée crushed peas and rosemary jus. Rich and packed with flavour, it hit the spot. The dessert, a ginger cake parfait, was a work of art.

Having been on a fat-free diet for a year, I cracked and then crumbled when I saw the full breakfast. I was conscious that each mouth-watering bite probably packed more calories that I would normally consume in a day, although I could console myself with the fact that I was going to be burning it all off on the fells in the next eight hours.

Having done a “one potato, two potato, three...” I found myself choosing to walk from the idyllic shores of Brothers Water up to the heights of the Knott and High Street. On my return, I was met I was met by Karen Irving, who has been the in the hotel trade for 20 years, eight of which with the Macdonald group. She was appointed general manager of Leeming House in 2013

"Macdonald Leeming House is a real treat," said Karen. “It’s a relaxing place and the staff help try to give guests the service they want without being in your face. And, obviously, there is the hotel’s location.

Leeming House began life as a private residence 1808 and was owned by three families over the years, before being bought and converted into hotel in 1969. It was taken over by the Macdonald hotel chain 13 years ago and still retains its country house charm.

The historic gardens were described in 1900s as an arboriculturalist’s paradise and likened to a mini Kew gardens. It once boasted up to 160 varieties of rhododendron and many rare exotic trees remain.

The hotel has 41 bedrooms and offers a range of packages. Guests who choose a dinner option can select dishes from the menu up to the value for £40, with any charges over this amount added to the final bill.

For those with pets, there are dog-friendly rooms with patio doors opening onto the gardens. All communal areas are wheelchair-friendly with the option of a ground floor room for disabled access. One of Leeming House’s specialities is accommodating wedding parties, with the bridal couple enjoying the option of being flown in by helicopter.

The 65ft Aira Force is easily reached through woodland and is an ideal site for a picnic. There are plenty of mountains on which to waste calories, but if you are looking for an easy walk, Glenemara deer park is a good option. Grasmere, once home to William Wordsworth and two National Trust properties where he once lived, is just a hop away, while horse riding is on offer at Rookin House Farm.

Many people, though, will probably come and just linger at Macdonald Leeming House – and quietly enjoy the stunning view.

Macdonald Leeming House, Watermillock, Ullswater, CA11 0JJ. T: 0844-879-9142; W: MacdonaldHotels.co.uk/. The hotel is just off the A66 and less than 70 miles from Darlington. For those taking the train, it is a 15-minute taxi drive from Penrith. Name of accommodation:

Autumn Break: The Autumn Breaks Deal includes up to 30 per cent off luxury overnight stays and complimentary cream tea when you stay for two consecutive nights or more. They can be booked until November 29 and children under 12 years of age stay for free.