This is a traditional Cumbrian farmhouse set up a winding lane high above Matterdale End. Its enviable position gives it stunning uninterrupted views over the surrounding fields and fells. The cottage sleeps up to eight people in three doubles and one bunk bedroom with an additional single bed, all of which have their own en-suite shower room. This comfortable house boasts two living rooms with wood burners, a light airy garden room and a wonderful warm farmhouse kitchen with a handsome green Aga. It’s also blessed with a delightful garden which is perfect for sitting outside with a glass of wine admiring the magnificent surroundings.
Matterdale is a tiny hamlet set less than 3 miles from Ullswater Lake. Widely thought to be one of the most beautiful of the Lakes, Ullswater affords fabulous opportunities for walking, cycling, eating out and messing about on the water! It is also only a short distance from Bank House to the neighbouring hamlet of Dockray where you’ll find a hotel offering excellent pub food, local real ales and a warm welcome. If you'd like to venture slightly further afield the vibrant Lakeland towns of Keswick and Penrith are both only 20 minutes' drive from the cottage.
The area is a haven for walkers and cyclists where you can access the mighty fells of the Helvellyn range as well as enjoying many lower-level trails such as those around Matterdale Common. You can easily walk to the beautiful Aira Force which makes a great potter out with children. Why not catch one of the stately Ullswater launches from nearby Glenridding and let it transport you around the lake taking in the glorious views? Or, if you’re feeling more energetic, you could hire a boat or kayak for a more hands-on approach to the water. Whether you'd like to make the most of all the adventurous outdoor opportunities the area has to offer or just enjoy the glorious views in absolute tranquillity, this property makes an ideal base.
On entry to the property, there's a handy porch through which leads to the spacious hallway. It has a very warm and traditional feel to it as soon as you enter. You first arrive at the dining room which has a large table and wooden sideboard an ideal room to sit around after your day's exertions and chat over a lovely meal.
This house is blessed with a lounge and reading room, both with gorgeous wood burners. The living room has a television, DVD and VHS player. In here you can lounge on one of the two large leather sofas and choose from a selection of DVDs. Alternatively, you can relax in the reading room which has something of the air of an old-fashioned parlour. This has a huge range of books and encyclopedias , not to mention the lovely view through the traditional sash window out onto the rolling north Cumbrian fells.
Mobile signal is quite limited at the property, so it is the perfect place to escape the pressures of modern life. You can usually find a signal outside the property. Similarly, the internet provision is not super-fast however it is more than sufficient for checking emails and browsing the internet.
The homely farmhouse kitchen boasts a French kitchen dresser, a beautiful large green Aga, microwave, dishwasher and an electric oven with halogen hobs in case you're not confident with using the Aga for all your party's cooking. This room also has a breakfast table for sitting and having a natter while in the midst of preparing meals.
The kitchen also leads through to the beautiful bright airy garden room. This has a small table which is perfect for a morning cuppa while watching the abundant bird life or just taking in the stunning views. Why not curl up on the sofa in here and lose yourself in a good book! Through the garden room there is the door to the utility room which has a large freezer. There is also a handy downstairs loo through here.
Onwards and upwards to the first floor; here you'll find the four bedrooms. The first is a double room with a large wardrobe and a window seat and, as with all the bedrooms, you have your own en-suite shower room. The second is the four-poster double room with a wardrobe and dressing table. The third double is charmingly furnished and very light. These two rooms look out of the front of the house and they really are rooms with a view, you could happily sit in bed with a morning cuppa and enjoy the views out over the fields and fells beyond. Lastly there is a bunk bedroom with an additional single bed and en-suite shower room which overlooks the garden and out to the fells beyond.
The garden really is a treat. The elevated position of the house means there are unrivalled views around the area. The mature garden has archways through well-kept hedges revealing many nooks and crannies where you can enjoy this glorious view or even just have a great game of hide and seek! There's a bench hidden through one of these archways that would make the most perfect place for a peaceful evening glass of wine.