Set in a tranquil spot amid glorious countryside, this spacious 18th-century farmhouse has been lovingly restored to provide fabulous accommodation for experiencing the south of the Lake District.
Happily situated in the glorious rolling countryside of South Lakeland you’ll find this comfortably refurbished, 18th-century farmhouse for up to nine people. With five welcoming bedrooms, extensive gardens, wonderful views and plenty of socialising space, it makes the perfect place to kick back for a family gathering or a small group visit. Retaining much of its original character alongside furniture and homey touches, it's the perfect place to settle down and enjoy your surroundings.
Witherslack is made up of a scattering of hamlets in the delightful area between Windermere and Morecambe Bay. The distinctive limestone topography makes for some wonderful walking and quiet cycling while wildlife enthusiasts are spoiled with the wealth of nature reserves on the doorstep. Why not hire an e-bike and explore Foulshaw Moss to spot the visiting ospreys or to Meathop Moss in the hope of spotting red deer? Alternatively, visit Witherslack Riding Centre to enjoy the area on horseback. Spring is a magical time in the nearby woodland as a profusion of violets, bluebells, daffodils and primroses attract a wealth of butterflies. If history is more to your taste then short drives will take you to Levens Hall, Holker Hall and Sizergh Castle.
Having retained the character of the house, its owners have brought it to life with 21st century comforts such as underfloor heating, high spec appliances, luxurious modern bathrooms and indulgent mattresses, as well as a high level of energy-saving devices. Added to which they have kept the period feel of the house with well chosen antiques, a subtle palette of heritage colours and nods to the rich history of their family on the walls and bookshelves.
On arrival at the rear of the house, guests enter into a stone-flagged utility area with several rooms including a downstairs WC. There’s plenty of room here for everyone’s coats and muddy boots while also being a spacious haven for dogs if you happen to be bringing them along. One of the utility rooms houses the washing machine, tumble dryer and a handy ceiling airer while the main room has a built-in freezer. Through from here you step into the magnificent kitchen/diner. This is a wonderful, sociable space with a deep sofa and armchair arranged around a wood burner at one end of the room, a farmhouse dining table with ample space in the centre and a cook’s paradise of a kitchen at the other end. The room has period details such as exposed beams, ceiling hooks and the original wooden floor which now have the benefit of underfloor heating.
The kitchen has been designed to keep its farmhouse feeling while being very well equipped for the modern cook. There’s a large built-in fridge, dishwasher and double Belfast sink along with a handsome 'Everhot' range (which is powered by solar panels during the day) with three ovens, two range hobs and two ceramic hobs. The owners have also provided some kitchen extras such as a hand blender and bread maker along with ample crockery and cookware for any large group meals. Just off the kitchen is a large walk-in pantry where you’ll also find the microwave.
Take a step up into the stunning main living room, which is a relaxing haven with original flagstone floor, a Regency-style sofa and two armchairs for lounging in front of the wood burner or the Smart TV. Why not enjoy a book in the lovely window seat, which looks out to the delightful front garden? Beyond here is the delightful snug with a stove, two armchairs, a further small television, a charming window seat and shelves bursting with books on local and historical interest. This wood panelled space is ideal for anyone who’d like to escape into a good book or for teens and tweens to commandeer as their own.
A doorway from the living room leads to the staircase, which opens out onto a lovely landing with a window seat looking out to the gardens. To the left of the staircase is a corridor with a shower room which has a large curved enclosure housing a mixer shower with an aerated, water-saving drencher head. The corridor leads off to the delightful dual aspect twin room, which has a dresser and hanging hooks for storage.
Moving back along to the main landing you come to the first of the pleasant king-size bedrooms, all of which have been furnished and decorated with great care to reflect the period of the house. The first has a grey upholstered bedstead and a traditional built-in wardrobe. The second also has a grey upholstered bedstead, a dresser and hanging space. The third king size room is the master bedroom. This has traditional built-in wardrobes and drawers along with a cuddle chair and a lovely view to the gardens.
The delightful single room has a three-quarter double bed making it rather more spacious than the average single room; there's also a dresser for storage and a wonderful view to the fells. The corridor, which leads to the single room, has further hanging space. Here you’ll also find the family bathroom which houses a beautiful claw-foot bath with a shower attachment and a corner shower enclosure. There’s also a further shower room with a mixer shower and drencher head.
Lastly to the extensive gardens: guests are treated to a peaceful haven with magnificent views of the surrounding fells and rolling farmland. The front garden has a formal feel with a sloping lawn and mature shrubs lining a pathway to the arched entrance gate. To the side of the house the lawn continues and leads round to the back of a former smokehouse where there is a further small garden area with dining furniture for making the most of sunny days. There is a large barn for storage (guests are required to bring their own lock if they would like to secure bikes etc) and ample parking with room for three at the rear of the house where guests enter and a further two at the front by the arched garden entrance.
To conclude, if character, tranquillity, beautiful views and understated luxury would suit you then this property will certainly fit the bill.