DOOR handles, bell pushers and window fasteners don't usually attract much attention in our homes, but at the Holbeck Ghyll Hotel even the smallest features have been lifted out of the ordinary.

The beautiful country hotel boasts some fabulous examples of architecture and furnishing which slot into the distinctive look known as the Arts and Crafts Movement.

Guests, and in particular those from the United States, are always keen to talk about the house and its features, and the hotel must be a fantastic source of inspiration for those who want to recreate an Arts and Crafts look at home.

The extraordinary quality of the house, at Holbeck Lane, Windermere, was only driven home to owners Patricia and David Nicholson at the end of their first year when a firm of architects came for a Christmas function, and the specialists were knocked out by what they saw, touring the hotel transfixed by the original characteristics.

"They were architects who were in awe it opened our eyes," said Mrs Nicholson.

The first thing visitors notice the front door is itself a stunning feature. With beautiful stained glass featuring tulip and heart motifs, and an extraordinary shape with curved sides, the door is unique.

"Look at the shape of it," said Mrs Nicholson. "Who makes a front door like that? It's absolutely solid."

The tulips and hearts theme continues throughout the house in wood carvings and stained glass, and even in beautiful brass and copper door plates. Even the railings on the stairs feature little tulips cut out of the wood.

In the restaurant, oak panelling creates a soft light, while an incredibly detailed plaster frieze around the top of the room is a reminder of the house's hunting lodge past. Deer, hounds, wild boar, foxes and rabbits chase each other around the frieze in a stunning display of intricate carving.

The ornamental window catches are said to be particularly akin to the style of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's work. The Scottish architect, painter and furniture designer was one of the foremost exponents of the Arts and Crafts Movement, and American guests in particular are bowled over by the deceptively unimportant catches.

Upstairs, a spectacular room that was reportedly once a snooker room, but is now often used as the honeymoon suite, even features hearts carved into the balcony railings and again in the stained glass.

The house was built in the 19th century and was bought by Lord Lonsdale, the "Yellow Earl", in 1888 to use as a hunting lodge. He lived in it until the 1930s.

David and Patricia Nicholson believe that Lord Lonsdale a very wealthy man - commissioned the costly Arts and Crafts features such as the stained glass and oak panelling, although the identity of the architect is not known.

The Nicholsons are hoping to employ an historian to come and stay at the hotel to research its history because the house has always been full of surprises. Even 15 years after buying Holbeck Ghyll, which now has a Michelin Star, the couple are still unearthing new features.

Mrs Nicholson said: "When we were looking to buy a hotel we thought this was nice, but it's not until you live in a place that you find things. There are still little things now we find or discover."

They have done everything they can to retain the original features, even though it can be an expensive business.

"Anything we have done we have kept in keeping, and we have even restored some of the stained glass, even though it's cost us a lot more money to do it that way," said Mrs Nicholson.

The Arts and Crafts Movement grew out of a desire to embrace more simple styles, and to seek inspiration from nature, avoiding anything that was too elaborate.

Mrs Nicholson believes the look weaves its magic at Holbeck Ghyll: "Everyone who walks in here starts to relax. It's a very happy sort of house.

"Running this has been 15 years of passion."

April 16, 2003 14:30