This luxurious countryside retreat in Cumbrian is one of three similar holiday homes within an impressive, Grade II-listed mansion at Armathwaite, 10.5 miles from Carlisle. Sleeping eight guests across four bedrooms, this impressive hideaway puts you right on the doorstep of the magnificent Eden Valley – wonderful for exploring on foot or by bike. It’s ideal for a family get-together or a group holiday, especially if you’ve got something to celebrate.
Entry is through a private electric gate and up the driveway to your own parking area for five cars. Your private garden leads to the front door, where the two-storey property awaits with plenty of luxurious touches. The well-equipped kitchen/diner comes with everything you need for prepping slap-up meals, with two ovens, a wine fridge, a coffee machine and a long central island with breakfast bar where you can perch with a drink. Enjoy leisurely dinners in the spacious dining room, complete with a long table, then retire into the splendid lounge – this has comfortable seating for everyone, a wood burner and Smart TV for film nights or games. A ground-floor WC adds convenience. Climb the ornate staircase to reach four super-king-size bedrooms, all with en-suites – one has a stunning copper bath and shower, another has a contemporary free-standing bath and the other two have shower rooms. Three of the bedrooms have zip-and-link beds that can be twins if arranged at booking. Outside, your private courtyard includes seating and dining areas for al fresco meals, plus a hot tub for some next-level relaxation (robes provided). You’re also welcome to explore the beautiful shared landscaped grounds.
Armathwaite is famous for five faces carved into its sandstone cliff. You’ll have plenty of pretty natural areas nearby, including the picturesque North Pennines (5 miles) and the Lake District National Park (12 miles). Ullswater (18 miles) makes a brilliant day trip at 18 miles – take a steamer ride, hire rowing boats or canoes at Pooley Bridge, or tackle part of the 20-mile Ullswater Way footpath hugging the lakeshore.