Bowness-on-Windermere

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There aren’t many places that really embrace the away-from-it-all feel of the deepest darkest Lake District, and this one is housed on an estate once owned by the son of William Wordsworth. Fields fringed by drystone walls and hillsides dotted with sheep are home to walking and cycling trails right from your doorstep. The River Rothay flows right past the garden where fairytale-esque stepping stones connect you to the other side of the bank. Following the riverside walk, you’ll end up in the pretty village of Ambleside in twenty minutes where shops and cafés abound and watersports on Lake Windermere are on offer. The home itself is an eco getaway, housed in a circular stone building designed to blend into the fells behind it. Make the most of countryside views from the terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows. The open living room, kitchen and dining room is flooded with light during the day and the high-spec kitchen is a cook’s dream. Plus, there’s underfloor heating and a wood-burning stove to keep things cosy warm. At sundown, there’s no better place than the furnished patio for a tipple or two as the sky streaks orange and pink. 

Viewpoint

This charming apartment is tucked away behind the main market square of Ambleside. It offers the luxury and comfort of a hotel suite with the privacy of a self-catering holiday home – it’s the best of both worlds. The apartment is cosy and warm, ideal for a romantic break in the Lake District. Set off on hikes straight from the front door, and enjoy the convenience of being within walking distance of many of Ambleside’s restaurants, bars, and shops. 

Rest Easy

This contemporary first-floor apartment is the perfect base for a break in the Lake District. The apartment is in the heart of the national park, close to the town centre of popular Ambleside. You can set off on walks straight from the doorstep of this home, which used to be the old sorting office. The apartment is warm and welcoming, with a high vaulted ceiling in the open-plan living and dining space – it feels remarkably roomy. 

Ambleside Retreat

This peaceful apartment was once the drying shed of a bobbin mill. It boasts views over Kentmere and the River Kent from its position in the village of Staverley, just outside of Ambleside and Windermere. The location is ideal, away from the crowds but still within easy reach of the Lake District’s most popular attractions. There are walks and bike rides to discover straight from the doorstep, so you don’t even need a car. The apartment is equipped with everything you might need for a comfortable stay in the Lakes. 


The Old Bobbin Mill

You can't get much closer to Windermere than this – the shores of the mighty lake are right on your doorstep at this elegant five-bedroom country residence. And with access to a private jetty and mooring for a  boat, you can arrive in style here too.

Hidden away in the woodlands of an exclusive 5000-acre holiday estate, this home is perfect for groups looking for more privacy and peace during their Lake District stay. Spend days paddleboarding, lilo sunbathing, or wild swimming – you can always warm up in the hot tub afterward. But if you're more of a fair-weather swimmer, never fear – there's an indoor heated swimming pool (bookable) located on this estate, along with a playground and home farm shop with locally sourced goodies. 

When it's time to explore, there are so many walks in the area you'll be itching to get out. Or nip over to the historical Hawkshead, home to many adored restaurants and pubs – it's just a ten-minute drive away.

Back at home, behind the traditional Cumbrian stone walls, this period home offers pure modern luxury. The made-for-action kitchen has everything you'll need to rustle up a feast (we're talking two ovens, two microwaves, and a welcome hamper stuffed with goodies). And there's room for you all to spill out at that vast dining table overlooking the lake. Or, on warmer evenings, take your meals outside on the terrace – the barbecue, firepit, and hot tub will keep the night flowing. 

Hammer Hole

This warm and inviting home is in the grounds of the old vicarage estate, having originally been the stables. It’s nestled in the heart of the Lake District, between Lake Windermere and Esthwaite. The home boasts beautiful views down the valley towards Sawrey, Grizedale Forest, and the Old Man of Coniston. It’s just a short walk from Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s home, and is surrounded by a wild meadow planted with fruit and nut tree orchards – this is certainly a picturesque spot for a romantic escape. We love the freestanding bathtub and the wood-burning stove of this comfortable, cosy home-from-home.

Walking in the Rain

This comfortable and attractive home is perfect for a family seeking a special base for exploring the Lake District. It’s in the heart of Ambleside, close to shops, restaurants, and pubs, and within easy reach of Windermere. This area is a dream for hikers and when you return home, you can curl up in front of the log burner or soak your aching muscles in the bathtub. There’s even a workspace in the eaves bedroom, ideal for those working during their stay. 

Countryside Tale

Perched on the northern edge of Lake Windermere and cradled by the picturesque Loughrigg Fell, the delightful market town of Ambleside is a fine place to base yourself to uncover the best of the Lakes. And it's where you'll find this immaculate apartment, nestled along a quiet street.

Throw off your walking paraphernalia in the inviting entrance hall and make your way upstairs to discover a contemporary retreat awaiting. Exposed slate stone and lofty gables bring all the charm, while pops of colour and rich textiles add a dash of modernity. Come together in the cosy sitting room and break out the home's games. Or take pre-dinner drinks onto the sunny outdoor terrace – the views over the higgledy-piggledy rooftops are charming.

Friends or family coming together will love the extra privacy the two ensuite bathrooms bring, with power showers ready to kick start your day. 

And you won't have far to go when it's time to soak up Ambleside's gentle hustle and bustle. You're just moments away with its many bars, restaurants, and shops, including the beloved local landmark, Zeffirellis (one minute away), for its quality pizza and pasta. 

And once you're suitably watered and fed, head for the hills for bracing walks around the spell bounding lakes – there are trails starting just an eight-minute hop, skip, and a jump away. 

The Dancing Beck

Drystone walls snake across emerald-green fields and heather-clad hills dot the landscape of the Lake District. This old stone cottage is in the middle of it all, with walking trails across hills and fells leading right from the doorstep into the great outdoors. If you fancy heading for civilisation instead, Grasmere is a twenty-minute walk away with its selection of bars, restaurants and traditional country inns. After a day in your hiking boots, there’s nothing better than returning to the crackle of the wood-burning stove in this quaint little cottage, while admiring the timber-beamed ceiling above you. The kitchen is fully equipped to whip up any meal of the day, and there’s a bench outside for a sunny morning coffee. The real highlight here is the view. Stepping outside you’re surrounded by fields and fells, with nothing but the sound of sheep bleating in the distance and birds in the trees. Should the weather turn, you can enjoy this vista from the comfort of the living room, where a window seat makes for the ideal reading spot and underfloor heating keeps toes toasty warm.  

Fields & Fells

It’s the personal and thoughtful details that make a home special. And this stylish home in the Lake District has been designed to fill your stay with ease and comfort. 

Located just five–minutes from the Southern shores of Lake Windermere, it’s the perfect setting to retreat into the heart of nature. With views across leafy treetops, it’s the kind of space that feels relaxing and invigorating. And anyone looking to connect with the natural world will love this home.

Open the doors and step onto the balcony – this is a wonderful place to start your day with a coffee whilst listening to the sound of the river below. When you feel the call of adventure, take to the road – this area is filled with opportunities for hiking, cycling and ambling through lakeside towns and villages. 

Whether you’ve been climbing a mountain or kayaking along the river, you’ll love the feeling of walking into this home. Take a long soak in the bath and come together for an evening of relaxation. 

The River Blue

This charming home is in the Falls development in old Ambleside, just a five-minute walk from Ambleside yet in a remarkably peaceful setting. The home overlooks the Stockghyll Gorge, so the sound of water cascading down the rocks becomes the soundtrack to your stay – there are two terraces to enjoy this from, one of which has a barbecue. There are many delightful walks that you can set off on straight from the front door, so you won’t need to use your car much after your arrival. We love this home and think you will too. 

Kingfisher Blue

In a part of the UK with such stunning scenery, it really pays to have a home with some outdoor space here. Luckily, from this apartment's balcony, you get beautiful views of Lake Windermere and the hills surrounding the waters.

If it's ever too cold to use this space, you can head back inside and sit by the bay window, from which you get a similarly swoon-worthy panorama. Once you can tear your eyes away, you'll probably notice that the interior looks pretty modern — that's because it underwent a complete refurbishment in late 2021. The large kitchen and its collection of top-of-the-range appliances are particularly impressive, as are the pristine bathrooms.

When you're in the mood to see what the Lake District has to offer, you're in an excellent position to do so. Stock Ghyll Force waterfall is half an hour's walk away, while Rydal Cave can be reached in under ten minutes' drive. The nearby town of Ambleside has a cinema, cafes and even a Roman fort to explore, too.

Kendal Mint Cake

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