With walks and trails from the door straight to Aira Force, Gowbarrow, Dowthwaitehead and Helvellyn, this large, open property is the ideal place to find some peace after a day our exploring. Overlook the landscape above Ullswater from every window whilst you plan the day's adventure.
Looking out over nothing but a glorious panorama of fields and fells high above the Ullswater Valley, lies this impressive holiday home. The cottage is a very special place for a family or small group to visit, with walks straight from the door. The cottage has been lovingly restored to a very high standard with antiques and modern appliances elegantly blended to provide comfortable and stylish accommodation. Exposed stone walls and graceful hallway, with a timber staircase lead up to four beautifully appointed bedrooms. Downstairs offers plenty of relaxing socialising space with log burning stove, spacious kitchen and an invaluable laundry and boot room. Guest comfort and needs are considered throughout. The harmonious decor brings a cosy warmth from which to admire the dramtic views from the windows, making this a most welcome holiday home. You'll feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of 21st-century life here, amazing to think you are only a 15-minute drive from the M6.
The property is set in the tiny hamlet of Matterdale just 2 miles from the shores of Ullswater. Widely thought to be one of the most beautiful of the Lakes, Ullswater affords fabulous opportunities for walking, cycling, eating out and messing about on the water! The cottage offers exceptional walking from the door with Matterdale Common right outside with a wonderful network of footpaths that could even lead (for the fit and well prepared walker) to the mighty Helvellyn range. There's also a fantastic choice of lower level trails if you're not feeling quite so adventurous. You can easily walk to the beautiful Aira Force which makes a great potter out with children. It's less than a mile from the property to the neighbouring hamlet of Dockray where you’ll find the Royal Hotel offering excellent pub food, local real ales and a warm welcome.
Why not catch one of Ullswater's splendid steamers from the new Aira Force Pier just down the road? These gorgeous heritage vessels wind their way around this gem of a lake allowing visitors to take in the majestic scenery in a very relaxed way. If you'd rather try a more hands-on approach to the water then why not hire a boat or kayak from nearby Glenridding and find your perfect picnic beach around its shingle shores? For adventurous types, Rookin House Farm activity centre is a 5-minute drive away and offers a multitude of activities including horse riding, quad biking, go-karting and archery. If visitors would like to explore life in the wider area around the cottage then the delightful Lakeland towns of Keswick and Penrith are just 20 minutes’ drive away while nearby stately homes such as Dalemain, Hutton-in-the-Forest and Lowther Castle offer a peek into the rich history of the area. Of course, guests might just enjoy making themselves a cuppa or pouring a glass of wine and taking in the staggering views from this delightful, well-appointed home.
On arrival at the house guests first enter the large porch. There's plenty of space in here and the main hall for coats, shoes and all the muddy paraphernalia of fell walking that you're sure to accumulate. The main hall is a wonderful space with exposed stonework and a magnificent staircase. From this room you enter the living and dining area. This was once the old school room and the large space has been well used to make two distinct halves. The living area has stately high-backed leather Chesterfield sofas and armchairs arranged around a magnificent fireplace with wood burner and a large television with DVD player and stereo. It makes a wonderful place for your group to socialise. To the other side of the room is the dining area, there's a large dining table with ornate antique chairs and a wonderfully carved dresser. It really makes a stunning setting for a special family dinner.
To contrast with the elegantly old fashioned dining room then take the three steps up from the dining area to the bright modern kitchen. It's very well equipped for a large group with a range style Belling oven with five ceramic hobs, a substantial fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave and all the crockery and cookware you will need for your stay. The windows and door in here look out to the fellside to the rear of the house, an ideal place to spot visiting wildlife over your morning cuppa.
Back through to the main hallway. There are three steps up to the rooms at the rear of the house. Firstly is the modern ground floor twin room. (This can be made up as a super-king bed if you would rather. Please advise on booking if this is the case.) It has a built-in wardrobe, a desk and a fellside view. Next to this is the downstairs shower room, this has a curved enclosure with mixer shower. On this floor there's also a large utility/drying room with sink, iron and ironing board, washing machine and tumble dryer.
Upstairs to the mezzanine landing where there is a perfect place for someone to commandeer for a moments peace and contemplation. There is a huge window taking in the magnificent view and a comfy chair for enjoying a good book if you can tear your gaze away from what's outside. There are several steps up to the landing with the remaining bedrooms. Two of the bedrooms have been cleverly configured to make the space as flexible as possible. They have inner doors for privacy and outer sliding doors which can make them en-suites or keep sliding doors open for everyone to access the bathrooms.
First is the en-suite double room. This has sumptuous floor-length curtains framing a window seat with that glorious view. Between the inner door and sliding door is a large built-in wardrobe and the en-suite shower room with its curved enclosure and mixer shower. Next is the lovely twin room. Ideal for adult use but absolutely magical for children or teens with another window seat, perfect for losing yourself in a good book. Lastly is the spacious master bedroom. This has a king-size bed, a comfy armchair and built-in wardrobes. Between the sliding door and the inner door is the entrance to the bathroom. Hence this can be the family bathroom or the en-suite for the master bedroom if preferred. This has an over-bath mixer shower and a lovely view out to the fellside.
Outside there is an enclosed garden with seating just over the lane from the cottage. As the lane ends just beyond the next property there should not be any through traffic, but nonetheless care should be taken with small children if they are going out to the garden alone. At the rear of the property is an enclosed gravelled area with seating, this is a sun-trap in the evenings, ideal for summer cocktails! There’s also an outside table and chairs for dining on fine evenings. A stream runs through one end of the garden so it is fenced off for safety although still available to use. There is ample gravelled parking to the side of the house and four wall mounted bike racks at the back of the house. Guests will need to provide their own bike locks.