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Force Mill

Lazonby, near Penrith, Cumbria
Sleeps 6
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 2
Change Fri
No Dogs
4 star
Waterside Views
Parking on site / nearby
Highchair available
Travel Cot available
Towels included
Family friendly
Fishing on site / nearby
Internet access
Working farm
Open fire / wood burner
Enclosed garden / patio
Downstairs bathroom
Country houses
13 more

At a glance

  • Riverside holiday retreat brimming with character
  • Relax by the roaring open fire or in the garden with views of the weir
  • Get to know the Eden Valley and stop by Lacy’s Cave and Long Meg
Property code: OC-SZ198

Enjoying an enviable position by the majestic River Eden, it is easy to see why this property has previously been described as one of the most picturesque cottages in the UK. Brimming with charm and character, it is a wonderful home-from-home for six people to enjoy this peaceful corner of Cumbria. The country-style dining kitchen has an electric fire set in a feature sandstone fireplace, whilst there's an open fire in the lovely living room. Also on the ground floor is a handy utility room and shower room. Head up the stairs and you'll find the delightful bedrooms, two twin rooms and a master double along with the family bathroom. Take a seat in the garden to savour a moment of peace and tranquillity, looking out over the neighbouring weir.

There's so much to explore during a stay here that one week just won't be enough! Enjoy a walk through the shared natural woodland or walk down to the river, guests at the cottage can take advantage of the 1.8-mile walk along the private river bank, connecting you to the neighbouring village of Lazonby. Alternatively there is a shorter walk to Great Salkeld along a picturesque footpath, down the lane and across fields. Both of these villages have a pub so be sure to reward yourself with a cold pint or hearty meal before making the return journey. If you're lucky, you'll even get to get to spot some of the resident bird and wildlife on your travels. A trip to nearby Lacy's Caves and Long Meg Stone Circle is a must, you're sure to be enchanted.

With the beautiful Eden Valley on your doorstep and both the Lake District and North Pennines, a well deserved Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a scenic drive away, there's plenty of choice for days out. A day spent exploring Ullswater is never a day wasted; take a walk around Aira Force or enjoy a cruise round the lake from bustling Pooley Bridge. Head west to Keswick for a wealth of outdoor activities or north to the boarder city of Carlisle where you can learn about the rich Roman history of the area.

Inside, this 18th-century Grade II-listed farmhouse is full of charm and character. On the ground floor you'll find the wonderful living room. With original beams and an open fire set in a feature sandstone fireplace, it's the perfect place to relax and recharge. Perch on one of the delightful window seats, the ideal spot for catching up with some reading or simply enjoying a peaceful moment looking out at beautiful surroundings. With the sofas and armchair arranged around the fireplace, making for convivial evenings in in front of the fire. For entertainment, there's a TV and Wi-Fi. The country-style dining kitchen is well equipped with plenty of modern conveniences. There's an electric oven and hob, handy microwave and useful dishwasher. The wooden dining table is perfect for keeping the cook company and for gathering round to recount the day's adventures. A feature electric fire provides a welcoming glow, whilst the dramatic arched window provides the breathtaking views. Also on the ground floor is a useful utility room with washing machine and a handy shower room with WC and shower cubicle.

Head up the stairs to find the sleeping accommodation. The master bedroom is light and airey. With a wooden double bed, chest of drawers and hanging space, it's a lovely relaxing room - perfect for indulging in a long lie in. Next along the landing are the two twin rooms, one with characterful beams and the other with a wonderful feature fireplace. The family bathroom contains a WC and bath; treat yourself to a relaxing soak in the tub, perfect for unwinding after a day out exploring.

Once you've explored the house, head outside as you're sure to be spending a lot of time out here! The patio area is perfectly positioned next to the River Eden, with stunning views of the weir and countryside beyond. The table and chairs here make dining alfresco a dream - talk about dinner with a view! Whilst you're staying herel, you can also enjoy access to a shared natural woodland and are able to walk down to the river, a real treat.

  • 3 bedrooms – 1 double, 2 twins
  • 2 bathrooms – 1 shower room with WC, 1 bathroom with WC
  • Electric oven and hob, microwave, dishwasher
  • Utility room with washing machine
  • Open fire ( logs not provided)
  • Smart TV
  • Hairdryer
  • Superfast B4RN Broadband
  • There is CCTV at the property - this faces away from the property towards the river, and is used to check the river levels
  • Towels included
  • Garden with patio area and furniture and BBQ (charcoal not provided)
  • Private riverbank
  • Private parking to the front of the cottage
  • Shops within 2.5 miles, pub within 1.5 miles
  • Children must be supervised near the river
  • Fishing on the River Eden is available by prior arrangement - please enquire for further details
  • Please note due to the age of the property there are low beams throughout.
  • Arrival: 17:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • Sorry, no dogs allowed

Sarah Thyer

This property is personally managed by Sarah.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 22 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.2 starsOverall cleanliness 4.2 starsOverall cleanliness 4.2 starsOverall cleanliness 4.2 starsOverall cleanliness 4.2 stars4.2
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.5 starsOverall equipment 4.5 starsOverall equipment 4.5 starsOverall equipment 4.5 starsOverall equipment 4.5 stars4.5
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.5 starsOverall comfort 4.5 starsOverall comfort 4.5 starsOverall comfort 4.5 starsOverall comfort 4.5 stars4.5
Overall location
Overall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 stars5

Reviewed by Chris 26th May 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

This cottage is absolutely wonderful in "every respect". Its seclusion, it's peacefulness, it's amazingly helpful owners, and it's proximity to places we love going to like National Trusts Acorn Bank, Hutton in the Forest and Ullswater/Derwentwater, but above all it's old world charm. We just love it as it is.

Reviewed by Paul 12th April 2026

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

We had a lovely quiet week at Force Mill, a mixture of relaxing and exploring. The location is amazing if you want to get away from it all! We saw loads of wildlife, including a kingfisher! The house was lovely and clean, very well equipped, and the dishwasher was a saviour! We were even supplied with logs for the fire. Overall Im very hapRead morepy with our week at Force Mill and would love to return :) Hide

Reviewed by Tara 25th March 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Amazing property and a very special location.

Reviewed by Jane 14th February 2026

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

A lovely cottage right on the edge of the River Eden. The walks up both sides of the river are fantastic and include interesting sites carved out of the red sandstone. The holiday cottage is spacious and well equipped. We really enjoyed our stay.

Reviewed by Gila 31st October 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Enjoyed staying in Force Mill with the sight and sounds of the river being so close in what is a pretty unique setting. The woodland was in full autumn colours too and when it wasnt raining we managed some good local ish walks. The cottage was nice and warm which made for a more enjoyable stay and the open fire (logs not provided) was cosy in the eRead morevenings. The kitchen is fairly well equipped too. We met the owners who live nearby and they were very helpful. We recommend it and would go again. Hide

Reviewed by Elysia 17th October 2025

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

A week-long stay at this beautiful cottage on the river was truly magical. The setting is idyllic, with the soothing sound of the river creating a perfect, peaceful escape. The cottage itself was charming, clean, and felt incredibly cozy. It was the ideal base for exploring the area, yet private enough to feel like a true retreat. Highly recommend Read morethis spot for anyone seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Our 2 little girls loved it. Will be booking again. Hide

Reviewed by Chris 19th September 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

This cottage is clearly and without doubt, the best cottage we have ever stayed at, It has amazing olde world charm and is home from home for us. The setting is simply amazing. If I could give it 15 stars out of 10 I would.

Reviewed by Austin 2nd September 2025

Guest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 stars

Reviewed by Victoria 15th August 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

We had a wonderful stay at Force Mill. The setting by the River Eden is stunning and we enjoyed watching the herons and kingfishers as well as summer evening walks along the river bank. The cottage was cosy and comfortable with everything we needed. The kids loved gently shooing the sheep from the tunnel on the lane to the house. We explored the noRead morerth Lakes and were within easy reach of Ullswater and Keswick. Would love to return Hide

Reviewed by Alanna 8th August 2025

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Beautiful position on the river. We enjoyed watching the local children jumping in when it was hot. We had a comfortable stay. Although, I agree with previous review. Lots of flies and wasps. We all enjoyed our stay and would definitely consider another visit.

Reviewed by Katie 22nd July 2025

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

FANTASTIC location on the river - absolutely amazing the most beautifully breathtaking place and the sound of the river at night made for a the best sleep of my life. You will love it! Its a very old cottage and has character but with it come the usual problems. Its not perfectly clean and there are patches of damp, smell of damp, lots of spiders eRead moretc. if you go ensure you take fly papers, fly spray AND citronella as there is a fly infestation in the house Hide

Reviewed by David 20th June 2025

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

Reviewed by Paul 23rd May 2025

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Stunning property, position and area, the wildlife is abundant and varied. We had many early evening glasses of wine sitting on the rocks looking at the waterfall, very relaxing. Not a property if you are looking for the hustle and bustle of a town. We will be returning, Ohhhh yeah!!

Reviewed by Chris 9th May 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We love coming back to Force Mill, twice yearly since 2020. It is our home form home. The cottage is all about location location location and quite seriosly it is all that in one perfect package. The cottage is pure old world charm, and the owners keep everything within it up to date. Within the last year the washing machine, the dishwasher, the shRead moreower, Internet WiFi and the television have all been upgraded to the latest specifications. If we could, I would give it 15 out of 10 stars! Hide

Reviewed by Nicholas 2nd May 2025

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Such a lovely cottage in an idyllic position on the river. Comfortable, cosy and well equipped. Fishing, lovely walks, otters and regular kingfisher sightings without getting in the car. Lovely pubs and good food in the surrounding villages . Think we will be back ! .

Reviewed by Sarah 19th April 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Ryan 17th April 2025

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

Location, location, location...... the most picturesque and beautiful location I've ever stayed at. Sleeping and lounge accommodation is good. But be warned the cottage is not for the over 5' 6" high, and settled in the nook of the river you have company in terms of wildlife.! Take your own logs for the fire, and if you're wanting to fish do your rRead moreesearch before you go. A very pleasant fulfilling stay.. Hide

Reviewed by Denise 6th December 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Fabulously located . We have visited in early December for quite a few years now and its always a delight. An ideal place for a cosy holiday away from the hustle and bustle. A great place to relax and recharge

Reviewed by Tara 23rd November 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Amazing house everything you could possibly want. Location is out of this world, river setting is so relaxing and fun! Highly recommend this property, LOVED IT!

Reviewed by Chris 20th September 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Force Mill is a lovely characterfull cottage, within a very special area. It has a wonderful relaxed atmosphere, especially with the log fire working. The wild life in the area are amazing too :) 10/10 for cleanliness 10/10 for equipment 10/10 for comfort 10/10 for vaule and 12/10 for location

Reviewed by Stephen 21st August 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

This is a lovely cottage - warm, comfortable and in a unique, stunning location. Comms with the letting agent were excellent. Directions and other instructions were also fine. Everything worked, its well equipped and we loved our few days here (2 adults, 2 kids). There were things to do locally and we also had two days in the northern Lakes (UllswaRead moreter and Keswick). We hope to visit again. Hide

Reviewed by Jannes 26th July 2024

Guest rating 2.6 starsGuest rating 2.6 starsGuest rating 2.6 starsGuest rating 2.6 starsGuest rating 2.6 stars

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Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
Sallys Cottages is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.