'Having now spent two years in my role as Tourism Liaison Executive for The Lake District, Cumbria, with the enviable task of travelling through and round the Lake District, meeting with the whole range of Tourism related businesses from B&B to hotels, the end of 2010 causes me, as countless others, to reflect on the year gone by. I have been fortunate to overview a whole range of accommodation providers offerings in this wonderful County. Some leaving memories of huge disappointment, where the property, owners and website have failed to meet my expectations, to those establishments, with people and service that have delighted and filled me with prideful enthusiasm. In all this time however, there is only one business that sticks in my memory that has met/exceeded my expectations and given that WOW factor! Hidden in the hills surrounding the Caldbeck Fells of the Northern part of the County is Banks Farm, home to the Fisher family. This is a small holding with two newly created B&B bedrooms Daffodil completed in 2009 and Daisy finished in 2010. David and Teen (Catriona) Fisher have left no expense spared in creating a "lost for words" haven. The accolades achieved perhaps tend to speak for themselves with a 5 star GOLD rating and a breakfast award by Enjoy England, however, I was fortunate enough to spend one night as their guest in Daffodil and I struggle to find sufficient superlatives to describe the environment and the experience. In my view, this is the best B&B on offer in Cumbria! Teen believes that her vision for the rooms has been accomplished.

You can check out their website at www.daffodilbanksfarm.co.uk but that doesn't give you the whole picture. They describe it as unique and contemporary and that is absolutely true.

They have used quality original furnishings, providing practical luxury and retained character with exposed beams and features. There are few B&B's that can give you your own personal dining area. This is understated luxury, Crazy Daisy Porthmerrion crockery, solid oak breakfast table, thoughtful provision of the picnic blanket, torch and a brolly, all add those extra touches for a perfect stay.

It is all ground floor, light and spacious, with ambient lighting, variable seating areas and a workspace with wifi available. The bedroom is wonderfully comfortable, with super king size bed and luxurious bedding. Elegant touches abound. The bathroom has Italian marble flooring and tiles with under floor heating, a magnificent double sized shower with "Cowshed" and "Faith" products provided and giant, ultra soft, luxurious towels and robes.

Teen provides an honesty bar for a G&T or some Damson Gin or perhaps a Bowmore Islay Malt whisky and maybe a glass of Brewery Hill Shiraz with dinner. Ah yes - true to the mien host tradition, dinner can be booked in advance. Good wholesome excellence here too, served in the privacy of your own dining area.

Breakfast? No wonder they have the breakfast award, but this is the best breakfast I have ever eaten. Juice and cereals, fresh fruit platter, Homemade bread, HOT toast as you like it, ground coffee and a choice of teas, local jams & marmalade, and a Banks farm platter of, home reared and produced sausages (mmmmm), locally smoked bacon, Charley Barleys black & white pudding from Stornoway, fresh tomatoes and mushrooms and Banks Farm free range eggs. Or maybe you fancy pancakes with smoked bacon served with fruit and warmed syrup? Or smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, or even Rancheros eggs with Salsa. The quality and quantity is guaranteed.

The gardens are prolific, by design, with an Eco friendly wood burning hot tub with a stunning view. The perfect place to while away an evening with some sparkling.

The ambience is completed by the ultimate of service from Teen - unhurried, unrushed, tranquil, down to earth hospitality! Maybe the fridge magnet says it all - "May this house to every guest, be a place of peace and rest". Have Teen & David thought of it all? Well according to the visitors book and my experience, the answer is yes! If you make your judgements by seeking value for money, experiencing Daffodil will certainly meet that expectation.'

Raymond Chandler

'Daffodil is a beautiful place to stay and get away from it all. Teen and David are perfect hosts - nothing is too much for them and their attention to detail is second to none. The food is fabulous together with the treats and champagne picnic provided. The bed is a must with electric blankets turned on - a welcome extra on arrival on a dark rainy autumn evening. A must for an idyllic retreat to share with someone special. We will return and take our two children too who will delight in the farm and the hospitality here. Good luck to Teen and David in all that they do.'

Lisa Bhatti