There aren’t many places where you’ll find a four-poster bath, but then Augill Castle isn’t like most places.

This Victorian folly, completed in 1841 to give John Bagot Pearson a weekend retreat to play at medieval banqueting with his friends, certainly doesn’t look like your average B&B.

Rolling up to the wonderfully over-the-top stone composition with lots of turrets, Gothic windows and a crenelated roof, it’s hard not to be overwhelmed. Especially when you find out that it was once a correction facility for boys and home to a suspect in the Jack the Ripper case.

But inside, the atmosphere is easy going because owners Simon and Wendy Bennett do everything they can to make staying here like spending a weekend with friends.

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The experience starts in the hall, where, instead of a reception desk, you’ll find leather sofas made for sinking into, walls bedecked with copper warming pans and stags’ heads, and the mesmerising tick of a clock.

This is a real home to relax in — the 15 acres of grounds aren’t manicured to perfection and you won’t feel obliged to pick up your book every time you get up from a quiet read. Return from a walk in the country — and Augill, in the Eden Valley, is surrounded by Britain at its scenic best — and you can kick off your wellies by the door without causing a scandal.

The heart of the castle and the place to gather after a long day exploring is the enormous music room, with its wood floor, oak panelling, brick fireplace, piano, and more than enough chairs for everyone. It’s one of four magnificent public rooms, all large and opulent, with old books scattered around, and lots of antiques and artefacts.

The dining room has the most striking decor, with its blue-panelled ceiling. At weekends, meals that are big on locally-sourced produce are served house-party style on the long wooden table here.

Breakfast, which rarely starts before nine and continues until the last person struggles downstairs, sees the table groaning with homemade bread, the best Cumberland bacon, local oak-smoked salmon and free-range eggs from the farm next door.

It’s hard to choose between the 11 bedrooms that are mostly filled with antique furniture and furnishings to match, which is why this is a great place for a house party - take over the castle and have the run of them all. Expect turrets for wardrobes, stained-glass windows and acres of wood panelling.

Oh, and don’t forget that four-poster bath.

Details 01768 341937, www.stayinacastle.com, £80pp in a double or twin room, B&B

Jane Knight is co-author of The Big House Party, which details properties that can be hired in their entirity for celebrations. The book costs £14.99 with free P&P and can be ordered on www.thebighouseparty.com.

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