Sitting on a hilltop above Lake Windermere, Linthwaite House has become one of the Lake District’s most talked-about addresses—not just for its 36-room boutique scale and 14 acres of gardens, but for the restaurant run by three-Michelin-star chef Simon Rogan. This article explains who owns the hotel, how Henrock restaurant fits into Rogan’s portfolio, and why the property attracts a celebrity clientele. All facts are sourced from the hotel’s official operator, the MICHELIN Guide, and editorial reviews.

Last checked: 2026-07-18

Location: Windermere, Lake District, Cumbria, England · Owner: Leeu Collection · Dining: Henrock (on-site restaurant) · Grounds: 14 acres of hilltop gardens overlooking Lake Windermere

Linthwaite House at a glance

1Owner & operator

• Owned by Leeu Collection, a South African hospitality group (Leeu Collection factsheet)

2Restaurant

• Henrock, run by Simon Rogan, opened October 2019 (Leeu Collection press release)

3MICHELIN status

• Listed in the MICHELIN Guide without a star (MICHELIN Guide)

4Rooms & rating

• 36 rooms; 4.7/5 from 407 reviews on SLH; 13th best UK hotel in 2025 Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards (Boutique Handbook; Condé Nast)

Who owns Linthwaite House Hotel?

Linthwaite House is owned by the Leeu Collection, a South African hospitality group that also runs properties in Franschhoek and Mauritius. The group acquired the hotel and operates it as part of its small portfolio of luxury retreats. According to the official Leeu Collection factsheet, the property sits on a hilltop above Lake Windermere with 14 acres of gardens and private woodland.

The hotel’s history is documented in a blog post on the Leeu Collection site titled “The History of Linthwaite House,” which traces its origins as a private country house before being converted into a hotel. The group has invested significantly in the property, most notably by bringing in Simon Rogan to oversee the restaurant in 2019.

The Leeu Collection

Leeu Collection is best known for its hotels in South Africa, including Leeu Estates in Franschhoek. The group’s foray into the UK with Linthwaite House signals its ambition to expand into the European country-house market. The property is the group’s only UK outpost, according to its website.

History of the property

The original building dates from the early 20th century. It was converted into a hotel in the 1970s and underwent a major refurbishment after Leeu Collection took over. The group’s press release from July 2019 describes the property as “a contemporary country house hotel” that blends original features with modern design.

Does Linthwaite House have a restaurant?

Yes, Linthwaite House’s on-site restaurant is Henrock, run by Simon Rogan. The name comes from Hen Rock (also known as Hen Holme), a rocky outcrop in Lake Windermere that is sometimes visible from the hotel’s terrace. The restaurant opened in October 2019, replacing the previous dining concept.

Henrock is listed in the MICHELIN Guide but does not currently hold a Michelin star. The guide describes it as “elegant but minimal and cosy” with plain wooden tables, colourful dishes and warm, friendly service. The menu showcases natural, seasonal ingredients, many sourced from Simon Rogan’s Our Farm estate in Cartmel and other local Cumbrian suppliers.

Boutique Handbook notes that Henrock offers a three-course tasting menu at £75 per person and an eight-course menu at £95 per person. The cooking style departs from Rogan’s strictly British focus by incorporating techniques and influences from his international restaurants in Hong Kong, Malta and Phuket, according to Luxury Restaurant Guide.

The bottom line: Henrock is a signature dining experience that elevates the hotel beyond typical country-house restaurants, but it is not a Michelin-starred venue—it is part of Rogan’s more informal “informally elegant” concept.

Henrock: The on-site dining experience

The Evening Standard review called Henrock “wonderful” and emphasised that the food was “thoughtful, painstaking and delicious,” positioning it as the most memorable aspect of the hotel. Great British Chefs describes the restaurant as “informally elegant,” offering the chance to experience Rogan’s signature style next to Lake Windermere.

Linthwaite House also has a Bar & Conservatory that serves craft cocktails, all-day dining and afternoon tea, open from 11:00 to 23:00. This provides a more casual alternative to Henrock.

Michelin recognition and awards

While Henrock is included in the MICHELIN Guide, it does not hold a star. Rogan’s flagship restaurant, L’Enclume in Cartmel, has three Michelin stars. The hotel itself is not a MICHELIN Key property (the MICHELIN Guide’s hotel rating system). The distinction is important: Henrock is a guide-listed restaurant, not a starred one.

How many rooms does Linthwaite House have?

Linthwaite House has 36 rooms, confirmed by the Leeu Collection factsheet and the MICHELIN Guide. This makes it an intimate boutique property, smaller than many Lake District hotels. The room categories include Classic rooms, Superior garden-view rooms, and “View” rooms that overlook the lake.

Classic rooms start at about £320 per night, according to Boutique Handbook. TripAdvisor lists a range of €320–€728, which roughly equates to £275–£625 at current exchange rates. The hotel’s small size may contribute to a high staff-to-guest ratio, which editorial reviews link to its reputation for personalised service.

Room count and types

The Leeu Collection factsheet specifies that the 36 rooms are spread across the main house and garden cottages. Some rooms have private terraces or balconies with lake views. The hotel describes its style as “contemporary country house” with neutral tones, natural materials and curated art.

Boutique atmosphere

The property’s size and design create a sense of exclusivity. The Evening Standard review noted that “the hotel feels like a private home” rather than a large resort. This boutique atmosphere is a key selling point for luxury travellers seeking privacy.

Where do celebrities stay in the Lake District?

Linthwaite House is known as a celebrity hotspot, though specific guest names are rarely confirmed in public sources. The hotel’s hilltop location, 14 acres of grounds and private dining options make it appealing for high-profile visitors who value discretion.

One of the most frequently asked questions is whether Tom Cruise stayed at Linthwaite House. According to multiple reports, Cruise stayed at The Samling, another luxury hotel in Windermere, during his visits to the Lake District. Linthwaite House is often mentioned in the same breath as The Samling and Gilpin Hotel & Lake House as a celebrity-favoured address.

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House has a Michelin-starred restaurant, something Linthwaite House does not currently have. The Samling is a smaller, 12-room property with a similar hilltop vantage point. All three are within a few miles of each other in the Windermere area.

Why this matters: For travellers who enjoy the possibility of spotting a famous face, Linthwaite House offers a credible setting, but the real draw is the quality of the accommodation and dining, not a guaranteed celebrity sighting.

Linthwaite House as a celebrity hotspot

The hotel’s press releases do not name specific celebrity guests, but travel journalists have noted its popularity among “the rich and famous.” The property’s combination of privacy, lake views and a celebrity-chef restaurant creates natural appeal. The Boutique Handbook review mentions that “the hotel is a favourite with those looking for a discreet luxury escape.”

Other celebrity-favored hotels (The Samling, Gilpin)

For context, The Samling is a 12-room hotel with a 2-AA-Rosette restaurant, and it was where Tom Cruise reportedly stayed. Gilpin Hotel & Lake House has a Michelin-starred restaurant (HRiSHi) and is part of the Gilpin family. Both are alternatives for travellers who want comparable luxury in the same area.

Linthwaite House: Key facts table

Attribute	Detail
Location	Windermere, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Owner	Leeu Collection
Number of rooms	36
On-site restaurant	Henrock (Simon Rogan)
Restaurant MICHELIN status	Listed in guide, no star
Grounds	14 acres of hilltop gardens and woodland
Guest rating	4.7/5 (407 reviews on SLH)
UK ranking	13th Best Hotel in the UK (2025 Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards)
Price range (per night)	€320–€728 (TripAdvisor)
Check-in / check-out	14:00 / 11:00 (Leeu Collection factsheet)

Pricing and value

Price range (per night): €320 – €728 (TripAdvisor). At current exchange rates, that is approximately £275–£625. The lowest rate is for Classic rooms in low season; top-tier View rooms and suites command the higher end.

Henrock tasting menus: Three-course menu £75 per person; eight-course menu £95 per person (Boutique Handbook). These prices are typical for a top-tier Lake District dining experience, though less than Rogan’s L’Enclume tasting menu (around £195 per person).

The hotel does not openly list dynamic room rates; prices vary by season and availability. Booking directly through the Leeu Collection website may offer the best inclusions (breakfast, afternoon tea packages).

Location and getting there

Linthwaite House is located on a hilltop above Lake Windermere, in the village of Windermere, Cumbria. The postcode is LA23 3JA (though not hardcoded; the address is Windermere, Lake District). The property is roughly 90 minutes from Manchester by car, and 2.5 hours from London by train to Oxenholme or Windermere station, then a short taxi ride.

Being the highest hotel in the Lake District (per Boutique Handbook), the views are panoramic. The grounds include a private woodland and an 18-hole golf course adjacent (not owned by the hotel). Activities include rowing boats on the lake, boules, and a giant outdoor chessboard.

Alternatives to Linthwaite House

For travellers who want a similar luxury Lake District experience, consider these hotels:

• Gilpin Hotel & Lake House – Windermere. 6 miles from Linthwaite. Michelin-starred restaurant (HRiSHi). 30 rooms. Spa and private hot tubs. Higher price point.
• The Samling – Windermere. 12 rooms. 2 AA Rosettes. Known for celebrity stays. More intimate and exclusive.
• L’Enclume Hotel – Cartmel. 12 rooms. Three Michelin-starred restaurant. For food-focused travellers who want the full Rogan experience.

Each alternative trades off different features: Gilpin has a spa and Michelin star; The Samling offers more privacy; L’Enclume is the ultimate food destination but is farther from Windermere.

Our pick recommendation

“Henrock will showcase natural, seasonal ingredients in a relaxed and elegant setting.”

– Leeu Collection press release, Hotel owner/operator communications

“Not only does it overlook Lake Windermere, it has a restaurant from triple Michelin‑star chef Simon Rogan.”

– Boutique Handbook, Travel journalist

Frequently asked questions

Sources cited

• Boutique Handbook review
• Evening Standard review
• Luxury Restaurant Guide – Henrock
• Great British Chefs – Henrock
• NovaCircle – Henrock pricing
• Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards