OPENED earlier this year after a £750,000 transformation, The Lawrence Hotel would not seem out of place in some of the country’s swankier tourist destinations, writes Neil Athey.
This grade-two listed 19th century building – formerly the Trevelyan guesthouse in Padiham – was originally built as a doctor’s surgery.
There for a night away with my fiancée as a guest of the hotel, we were keen to see what all this boutique hotel business was all about.
For a start, all the rooms, and there are just 14 of them, are unique – and while this maybe a 200-year-old building, sympathetically restored, you are not deprived of all mod cons (think fully enabled Amazon Echo smart speakers, a fancy coffee machine and Netflix on tap, plus Samsung tablets and ultrafast WiFi).
We were put up in the rather grand-sounding Aya Suite, which as well as a super king size bed – Alexa, play Barry White – had one of those trendy, free-standing roll-top baths in its mezzanine bathroom, set in the eaves of the historic building.
Huge chunky wooden beams are on display throughout the hotel. You can see how much attention to detail went into the refurbishment.
There is a luxurious lounge, filled with large leather sofas and a private garden where guests will be able to unwind with a well-earned pint in the summer months after a trek up Pendle Hill.
We fuelled up for said trek with a cracking full English the morning after the night before, and were joined by the hotel dog – owner Michael Huckerby's pet sprocker Hettie – who sat eagerly and patiently beside my other half while we ate.
Hettie was allowed half a rasher of bacon for being so well behaved, while I was allowed two sausages and a fried egg for similar reasons.
READ MORE: Padiham boutique hotel's £750,000 makeover
Although Padiham might not be your first pick as a weekend getaway, it’s geography is such that you are a stone’s throw from a glut of great walks and some stunning country pubs in the Ribble Valley and Pendle… i.e. it’s a great base.
READ MORE: Our top 6 luxury hotels in East Lancs
The Lawrence is just what the doctor ordered for a relaxing weekend away – Alexa, you can stop playing Barry White now.
THE IMPORTANT STUFF
Prices which may vary on the day of your stay and time of year range from a night in the snug room from £75 to a night in the Aya Suite from £189
The hotel is two miles from junction eight of M65 the and parking is available
For details visit www.thelawrencehotel.co.uk, call 07921 684742 or email hello@thelawrencehotel.co.uk
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