Get away from it all with a trip to rural Coniston, enjoying a stay in this delectable apartment that’s just metres from the shore of Coniston Water.
A warm welcome awaits at this luxurious hideaway nestled on a delightful private estate in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Dating back to the mid-1800s, when it was once part of a farm and later became a hotel, this beautiful property has been sympathetically refurbished to provide a contemporary, indulgent mood while retaining all its period charm. Stripped original floorboards and feature window sills blend well with modern luxuries to offer an excellent retreat that can compete with any boutique hotel. You'll find leaving the master bedroom difficult, as this relaxing space provides a real sense of indulgence with its contemporary free-standing bathtub surrounded by tea lights and its sumptuous four-poster super-king-size bed. The open-plan living area offers a social space in which to enjoy some quality family time and is the ideal spot to relax at the end of a busy day.
At this property, you can enjoy a car-free holiday in your own piece of the Lake District. The private estate boasts woodland, craggy outcrops and vast lawns with space to sit back with a coffee in the morning sun. Nature-lovers will enjoy spotting the abundance of wildlife that can be found on the estate, the famous Herdwick sheep being a regular visitor. From the doorstep, it is possible to take a gentle stroll down to the shoreline of Coniston Water via a footpath just over the road. Or for a fell top view, Beacon Fell and Beacon Tarn are both accessible from the garden.
Public transport makes it possible to visit Coniston without needing to start the car. From there you can take a trip on the Steam Yacht Gondola around the lake, enjoy a refreshment stop in one of its many cafes, restaurants and pubs, or visit the Ruskin Museum or Brantwood to discover some of the area's past. A little further on, Hawkshead's traffic-free village centre offers a delightful place to stroll, or a visit to Hilltop lets you explore the life and works of the famous children's author Beatrix Potter. South of the property you'll find two traditional pubs ideal for sampling a local ale or some home-cooked food. Other enjoyable days out include the lively market town of Ulverston, a steam train ride at the Haverthwaite and Lakeside Railway, a paddle and play at the Fell Foot Park on the shores of Windermere and a stroll along the promenade at the Georgian seaside resort of Grange-over-Sands.
The private estate on which this property resides has a sweeping driveway, which passes through delightful woodland, lawns and craggy outcrops, on the lead up to the property. Parking is available directly outside the main entrance which makes unpacking a breeze on arrival, and a friendly welcome awaits the moment you step through the door. A warm and elegant hallway offers somewhere to hang your outdoor gear and is immaculately presented throughout; it has exposed original floorboards and doors, alcove shelving stacked with DVDs and books for guests to enjoy, and beautiful furnishings. The wall in the small toilet room is lined with old maps of the area giving it a sense of personality. The shower room with walk-in shower, heated towel rail, wash basin and contemporary vanity unit, is attractively styled with two designs of coordinating slate-effect tiles.
Off the hallway is a chic master bedroom which is boutique in design with its contemporary four-poster super king- size bed, spectacular freestanding bathtub and dramatic black furnishings. Quality elegant bedding, fluffy towels and tea lights around the bath, give this space a restful and indulgent air, and the deep windowsill, rural views over the patio and original wooden floorboards reflect its sense of place in this period Lakeland property. An en-suite toilet and wash basin make this a fully self-contained retreat.
At the end of the hallway is the dual aspect open-plan kitchen diner and living room. The contemporary kitchen-suite and furnishings complement the aged solid dining table, panelled window seat and original alcove cupboards to offer a luxurious, yet homely feel. The kitchen is fully equipped with induction hob, electric fan oven, full height fridge/freezer with water chiller, washer/dryer and dishwasher. The owners' attention to detail is second to none with the inclusion of an espresso coffee maker (complete with a selection of capsules), a slow cooker, juicer and all manner of cooking and baking equipment. The well-stocked glassware, crockery and cutlery cupboards makes it easy for those also booking the next door apartment to dine together. A large comfortable corner sofa and additional seating set around a stunning coffee table complete the lounge area. A wall mounted flat-screen TV, Freesat, DVD player and Bluetooth music system offer entertainment for all ages, and books, visitor guides and games are in plentiful supply. Contemporary ceiling lights and lamps marry well with beautiful cushions and ornate mirrors to create a stylish and comfortable look.
From the front door, guests can enjoy free reign of the majority of the private estate which is shared with the neighbouring properties. Look out for the friendly Herdwick sheep who often roam the grounds, and enjoy the abundance of wildlife that also calls the estate home.
To the side of the property you'll find a dog shower and bath, complete with warm water.