Escape to the heart of the Lake District National Park with this delightful Grade II-listed farmhouse in the beautiful Ullswater Valley.
This is a gloriously situated former farmhouse nestled on a working farm amongst the fields and fells of the Ullswater Valley. Sleeping up to six people in four spacious bedrooms and offering unrivalled walking opportunities from the door, this magical world of undulating walls and period details is a perfect place to find complete peace and tranquillity away from the stresses of 21st-century life. The cottage dates from the 17th century and has Grade II-listed status with all the character you would hope for from a traditional building of its vintage. It is warm, welcoming and secluded so that the only traffic you'll find passing the door is the neighbouring farmer occasionally moving animals through the yard outside. Perfect family entertainment.
The farmhouse's position, at the southern end of the Ullswater Valley just as it starts to ascend to Kirkstone Pass, is absolutely stunning. It's a fell walker's paradise with the Helvellyn range, High Street, Dove Cragg and Fairfield are all within range of the cottage. There's also a regular bus service operating between Penrith and Ambleside opening up a vast choice of challenging linear walks after which you can relax on the bus back! If the mightiest peaks aren't on your list but more gentle potters would suit then there is the ancient bridleway (upgraded for wheelchair use) to nearby Brotherswater. This utterly idyllic body of water is perfect for a paddle or a wild swim if you're feeling more daring. Why not pack a picnic and enjoy it on the shore?
Don't be fooled by its remoteness; town and village life is also easily explored from the property. Ambleside, one of the Lake District's most beloved gems, is just a 20-minute drive over Kirkstone Pass while in the opposite direction just a few miles away you have Patterdale and Glenridding, two lovely little villages where you can make the most of the water-based activities on picturesque Ullswater. You could hire a kayak or sailing boat to go under your own steam or take a cruise on Ullswater's heritage steamers where you can take in the stunning scenery that has captivated visitors for hundreds of years. An inn is also just a short walk away from the farmhouse; why not treat yourselves to a pub meal or a pint of local real ale? Whatever you choose to do in this beautiful area, we're sure you'll be captivated by this characterful gem of a cottage
Built in the 1600s, the farmhouse has character in abundance with exposed beams, wood panelling, undulating walls, an open fire and uninterrupted views of the beautiful mountains that surround it.
Guests enter the property via a porch way into the welcoming farmhouse kitchen/diner. There's a substantial wooden dining set and traditional dresser while the kitchen is equipped with an oil-fired Rayburn oven with two hobs as well as four electric hobs and a microwave. The view from the kitchen sink will have you staring out in awe with your morning cuppa. Just off the kitchen is the utility room where guests will find the large fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washing machine. This room is likely to have once been a dairy so makes an excellent cool store with its huge slate block. It also has masses of storage space for all the muddy boots and outdoor bits and bobs you use.
Back to the rest of the house, where the character of the building really shines through. The living room is a wonderfully welcoming space with an open fire set into a stone fireplace, exposed beams and original wood panelling. Clues to the heritage of the building can be found in here too such as the built-in spice cupboard from 1699. The room is decorated in sumptuous warm colours and has three comfy sofas for lounging around the fire and planning your Lakeland adventures or relaxing with a film on the large TV with DVD player built in. Just off the living room is a further small dining space for three which can double up as a study or games room. The owners have thoughtfully left plenty of board games and books to while away your evenings.
Heading through the panelled door from the living room you come to the curved staircase, take a moment to look at the fell view from the landing window. The spacious master bedroom has a king-size bed and a delightful window seat with views across to Brotherswater. There is also an en-suite shower room comprising WC, large hand basin, heated towel rail and large walk-in shower with overhead fixed shower head. The second king-size bedroom has another wonderful view from the deep set window seat, a dressing table along with a wardrobe and dresser for storage. The lovely light double bedroom has a large wooden dresser for storage and two windows looking out onto the fields and fells. Why not enjoy an early morning cup of tea in bed enjoying the view? Next to this is the charming single room, which makes the perfect hideaway for little ones. It has a wooden dresser for storage and the window seat is the perfect place to curl up with a book or watch the farmyard comings and goings. Lastly, on the first floor is the spacious bathroom with massive, free-standing, roll-top bath, large hand basin, WC and two heated towel rails. Please be aware that the water supply at the property is from a mountain spring that is filtered and fills the tank far more slowly than mains pressure water. Therefore it is advisable not to run both the bath and the shower at the same time, otherwise you may create an air lock.
Outside the house has an enclosed patio area immediately outside and the rest of the farmyard to potter about and explore too.