The Dome House

Brantfell Road, Bowness on Windermere, Lake District, LA23 3AE. Tel: 01539 447 244

I first saw this place, as I am sure virtually everybody else did, through seeing it on the Channel 4 programme Grand Designs. Angela also loves the Lake District so schemed a plan to book the place for a treat. It took a couple of years to wait for the right deal and I managed to book the huge Dome Suite for my birthday weekend. Being April there was always the chance of rain. It is the blinking Lake District after all.

It doesn't really matter if it is raining or not, I think the only reason you would spend that money for such a large place like the Dome Suite would be to be in it most of the time, having a glass of wine and taking in the beautiful view of lake Windermere for the huge balcony.

It did rain, Ange did want to go out, but in the end we spent a lot of time in the place. A bit of peace and quiet for my birthday just after the business year end.

The big memory was of us with wine opened, lounging on the sofa and Eames chair watching the Grand National. Having downloaded the Ladbrokes app, 5 bets put on, it was time to yell at the screen. For the most part none of our horses were doing anything and it was only at the end of the race we knew that although we didn't back a winner, we had 3 places between us.

Lucky I booked for when I did as we were also one of the last people to rent the Dome Suite because from May 2014 it would be turned into a breakfast area for the rest of the rooms. Being the size it was, it wasn't fully booked so the owners wanted to put it to better use and the people in the rooms wanted a place to have breakfast as well. I am sure they will enjoy the better view from their as well.

Below is the view from the kitchen area at the back. The gas hob was not usable due to insurance we were told but there were a couple of electric hobs that could be used. Large dining table for 6, although we had to wait for confirmation about having guests stay for dinner one night, again due to insurance. A couple of large and comfortable leather sofas.

The bath/shower is just behind the white wardrobe.

This is the view from the entrance to the back of the room.

This is the specially constructed geodesic roof structure. Grass covered on top. For such a large room it was really warm. Helped by the eco design, the "heated" wall behind the bed and the glass windows that would let the heat in.

I loved all the designer furniture touches.

You can see the tall windows with some coloured. Note there are no curtains, hence the curtains around the four poster bed. I really liked the feel of that bed. We didn't get to try the wood burner as the room was warm enough and I don't know if that was for show as well. Big TV and wifi also available.