A Vroom With A View

Toyota’s new retro-styled Land Cruiser is soon to be offered with a hybrid system for the first time. Jeremy Taylor and Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby head off on a Lake District adventure.

Romantic Lake District Adventure In The Toyota Land Cruiser

J-TP – The Victorians knew how to build a mansion, didn’t they? Langdale Chase was originally a private house, commissioned by a well-heeled widow who obviously had a romantic streak. Check out the views!

JT – Yes, just imagine what Donald Trump could do with such a slice of prime real estate on the shores of Lake Windermere! At least there’s not enough surrounding parkland for a golf course. The eye-catching gardens were created by prolific Victorian designer Thomas Mawson – and they’re currently being restored to their former glory.

Epic topiary – good job. A private jetty is available for launches but during our stay over the winter months, the view from the bedroom, across Windermere towards Langdale Pike beyond, was mesmerising enough.

And while oak panelling and wood fires remain, Langdale has been sensitively modernised in recent years. In a romantic hotel like this, you want to make best use of the location, which is why the glass-walled restaurant is such a hit with guests.

The food is excellent – no surprise, as the Lake District is awash with great eateries these days. Expect a flamboyant afternoon tea that will likely require a doggy bag. If you want to enjoy a tearjerker in the private cinema (movies are screened every evening), then a bento box of goodies is available.

Listen, following a Langdale Chase afternoon tea, there won’t be much room left for a snack! Although, you may want to leave space for a lobster roll with Morecambe Bay shrimps, in front of an open fire in the drawing room.

The eye-catching turrets and elaborate gables suggest Langdale might be a riot of swirly carpets and tapestries but far from it. The interior of this rebooted hotel has been reinvented with a modern twist. 

A bit like our Toyota Land Cruiser, just the right motor for a waterlogged Lake District lane but also a thoroughly modern take on an off-road icon. The retro styling harks back to the original and much-loved Land Cruiser – still doing sterling service with the UN at trouble spots around the world.

Every new off-road SUV seems to feature the design cues of a former model, from the Land Rover Defender to the Jeep Wrangler.

Toyota killed off the Land Cruiser a few years back but hey presto – it’s back! This fifth generation model is much more focussed on road use but also exceptionally capable off-road. And I love the styling, it’s cooler than the Defender and has seven seats as standard.

Shame Toyota only offer a 2.8-litre diesel engine but there’s a hybrid on the way, right?

Yes, an electrified Land Cruiser is imminent. The mild-hybrid set-up won’t boost economy much but should offer a quieter and much smoother driving experience.

The interior is a big step up from the previous, rather utilitarian model too. Lots of easy to use dials and buttons, a great driving position and plenty of safety features, plus electronic wizardry for serious off-roading. The Land Cruiser lacks quality materials like the Defender though – just doesn’t have that classy feel.

Price?

You may have to settle for a smaller Valentine’s Day gift this year. The latest Land Cruiser starts at £75,000! Our First Edition model is £80,000 but does feature a panoramic glass roof, 14-speaker JBL sound system and head-up display. 

At least the Toyota has a feel-good factor missing from so many cars these days. And who doesn’t love a Land Cruiser?

BOOK IT

Rooms at Langdale Chase can be booked at langdalechase.co.uk 

Discover more about the Toyota Land Cruiser at toyota.co.uk