This is a stunning property enjoying a tranquil setting in the rural hamlet of Knipe in the beautiful Lowther Valley. Renovated and decorated throughout to an exceptionally high standard by a local interior designer, it is a characterful and luxurious Lakeland farmhouse with every modern comfort and convenience you could wish for. With a fantastic dining kitchen, two living rooms, five bedrooms (there is an additional charge to book the fiftth bedroom in the annex), four en-suite bathrooms and a large and peaceful enclosed garden with wonderful views over the surrounding countryside, it’s the perfect place for family and friends to get together. The property welcomes two well-behaved dogs but the owners ask that they are kept downstairs.
The property is around 3 miles from the picturesque village of Askham, where you’ll find a well-stocked village shop and two popular pubs serving real ales and good food in a friendly atmosphere. Askham Hall has a café to enjoy within its beautiful grounds, as well as a Michelin-starred restaurant if you wanted to treat yourselves to a fine dining experience. There are lots of local footpaths to explore straight from the front door, or bring your bikes with you for an adventure on two wheels. Lowther Castle and its grounds can be found on the edge of Askham and has a wealth of walking and cycling trails to explore as well as a fabulous café and adventure playground for the children. Visit Haweswater Resevoir, just a 15-minute drive away, the most easterly of the lakes created in 1929 by flooding the valley of Mardale. A remote and mysterious area, Haweswater is a haven for wildlife and those looking to escape the crowds.
A 20-minute drive will bring you to magnificent Ullswater, the perfect place for spending a day at, or on the water. The shores of Ullswater are also reachable on foot from Askham via the ‘Lowther Loop’ of the Ullswater way. Enjoy a stroll along the lakeshore before finding a peaceful spot for a picnic lunch. A barefoot paddle in the lake is a must, whilst the well prepared can indulge in a spot of wild swimming. Walk from Howtown to Glenridding and then hitch a ride back on the majestic Ullswater Steamer – one of a multitude of walks in the area, Alfred Wainwright called this south-shore walk the most beautiful and rewarding in Lakeland. Why not spend a day exploring the bustling market town of Keswick? Indulge in some retail therapy in the independent and outdoor shops or sign up for an activity with one of the local adventure companies. Have a go at raft building, canoeing and ghyll scrambling - or the brave can take on the Via Ferrata at Honister Slate Mine.
The bright, spacious entrance hall of this property leads through to the stunning dining kitchen, the real heart of this home-from-home. The fabulous kitchen is bright, airy and well equipped with everything you could need for a self-catering holiday. In here you'll find a large Smeg fridge-freezer, microwave, range cooker with induction hob, dishwasher and a beautiful dining table which seats 10 in comfort. A useful utility room off the kitchen houses the washing machine and tumble dryer, should you need to make use of these during your stay. It's also the ideal place to leave wet coats and boots muddy from all your adventures.
A cosy and stylish snug is the perfect place to snuggle up and relax. Unwind with a good book, compare notes on the day's events or sit back and watch some television; there is a Smart TV with Netflix available (remember your own logins). On the ground floor you'll also find a charming twin bedroom (which can be made up as a super-king on request), complete with its own en-suite shower room (WC, washbasin and shower cubicle). There's also a handy extra WC downstairs too.
Up on the first floor are three beautiful bedrooms. First up is a king-size bedroom, decorated in calming blues and with lovely views over the surrounding countryside. This bedroom has its own en-suite shower room with a WC, washbasin and shower cubicle. A second king-size bedroom is decorated in delightful green tones. Again, there are beautiful views so why not indulge in a long lie in and enjoy your morning cuppa from the bed? This bedroom has a fabulous en-suite bathroom complete with WC, washbasin, separate shower and luxurious roll top bath, also with countryside views! Last but by no means least is the delightful twin room. Another fantastic bedroom, this room can also be made up as a super-king upon request.
At the end of the landing, you'll find the fabulous first floor living room. Calm and luxurious, with a vaulted ceiling and wonderful views over the garden and surrounding countryside, it really is a beautiful space to relax in. There's a TV for entertainment, or simply enjoy a peaceful moment in beautiful surroundings.
Also on the first floor is the wonderful family bathroom. As well as the expected WC and washbasin, there's a separate shower enclosure and feature sunken bath - perfect whether you prefer an invigorating shower or a relaxing soak in the tub.
Outside is just as delightful as inside at this wonderful farmhouse. Across the courtyard from the main farmhouse is The Annexe; once a barn, it’s now where you’ll find the fifth bedroom. On the ground floor of The Annexe is a charming sitting area, prefect for catching up with a good book. Upstairs on the first floor of The Annexe is a cosy king size bedroom with its own en-suite shower room. As you might imagine from a former barn, the accommodation in here is quirky and full of character, with a sloping ceiling upstairs - tall members of the group will need to watch their heads. (Please note, there is an additional charge to book The Annexe.)
The large, enclosed garden wraps around the sides and rear of the property, meaning there’s plenty of space for everyone to make the most of their time out here. Children will love running around in this space. Off the kitchen is a generous patio area; with garden furniture, a firepit and delightful views over the surrounding countryside, it’s the perfect place for dining alfresco with a beautiful backdrop.
Within the five-bar gates, there’s ample parking for three cars in the courtyard in front of the farmhouse. If you do need more space, you can also park a car outside of the gates but please be careful not to block access for other vehicles including farm traffic. There's also plenty of space to store bikes under the car port (please remember your own bike locks) if you prefer getting out and about and exploring on two wheels.
With all this on offer, this property is certainly not one to be missed.