Lakes and Dales Co-operative

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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

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

With jaw-dropping views over Lake Ullswater and a private shoreline and jetty, it's clear what caught our eye about this 1900s gatehouse. There's an alfresco terrace to soak in the lakeside views with barbecues. But should the weather turn, the vistas are just as impressive curled up beside the wood-burning stoves indoors, and the games room will keep little ones busy. Set in the sleepy hamlet of Watermillock, besides two traditional pubs and a watersports centre, little else is within walking distance. However, the village of Pooley Bridge, with a cluster of shops and restaurants, is just a 3-mile drive.

The Lake Gatehouse

Some of the Lake District’s most striking scenery can be found at Ullswater, with its mountainous landscape and unusual z-shaped, ‘ribbon lake’, which is the second largest in the region. But even better than simply visiting this beautiful spot, you can see it all from the windows of this lakeside home. Although it’s just a five-minute drive from the quaint town of Pooley Bridge, this home feels truly rural and isolated. Park up the 4x4 in the gravel drive and head into this warm and welcoming abode. Light up the wood-burning stove in the plush lounge, with its horseshoe sofa that can fit the entire family. Or you can even have your own private hideaway in the second sitting room, with yet another fireplace – this time a sleek, modern hearth set into the wall. For balmy English evenings, another space can be found outdoors, with your very own patio complete with comfy garden furniture. Alfresco drinking and dining will certainly be on the cards out here. While you can see the water from the comfort of your own home, it’s just a seven-minute walk down to Ullswater Marina.

The Ribbon Lake

It’s no wonder that this home, in the heart of the Lake District National Park, has been nominated for Cumbria's most stylish two-bedroom retreat. A lot of thought has gone into the design of this home. There’s a Morsø log burner and designer furniture in the Scandinavian-style living room and luxurious beds with Egyptian cotton linen. Sliding doors from the living space lead to a fantastic social outdoor area with seating and dining, as well as a fireplace and barbecue. You can’t come to the Lake District without exploring the area – so have a stroll around Bowness-on-Windermere’s streets filled with boutiques, cafes, and pubs. Or go for a boat trip on Lake Windermere, less than 200 metres away.

Waterside Serenity

Can’t decide which scenic corner of the country to visit during your English getaway? Why not combine three destinations in one – this gorgeous home is perfectly placed between the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the Lake District and the Pennines. Whether you’re hankering for a day out in Wordsworth Country, a ramble through the wilderness or even a spot of mountain climbing, Brockram Barn is the place for you. Inside, you’ll discover a sleek, steel-and-stone aesthetic, with enormous windows affording a great view of the countryside no matter where you are in the house. The home is also child friendly, with plenty of games to keep them occupied, including foosball and table tennis. And if all else fails, there’s always the wi-fi.

Brockram Barn

With stunning lake views, this home is a gem. There’s a private south-facing garden and a roof terrace for relaxing in the sun, while inside, the designer high-quality furnishings create a luxurious retreat. We love the living space with its wood-burning stove, and the kitchen is equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, while all three bedrooms have en-suites. The location is a delight too – this home is a mere 200 metres from the shores of Lake Windermere. Guests can enjoy picturesque hikes, boat trips on the lake, and visits to local attractions such as the World of Beatrix Potter.

Lakeview Luxury

It's easy to forget you're in North West England from this stunning home in Bowness-on-Windermere, as its modern mid-century interiors look straight out of '70s Hollywood. The grand living room is undoubtedly one of its main highlights as the pentagon-shaped window wall invites in floods of natural daylight and frames the backdrop of whimsical Lake Windermere in the distance. Here, you can kick back here in front of the fireplace, after fun-filled days of hiking, cycling or relaxing by the lake. When the weather is kind, take yourself outside on the balcony for some afternoon tea in the sunshine. 

While the Lake District presents a vast array of shops, pubs and restaurants to try out (the nearest pub is just 500 yards away), you won't find bars and clubs open until the early hours. That's why the entertainment features of this home have been carefully selected to ensure guests are having fun around the clock. From the basement spa and games room, you'll find not only a pool table but a private hot tub jacuzzi and an old school home cinema too.

With both spaces for relaxation and socialising, this home is sure to appeal to everyone in a large family or group of friends – there's even a secluded home study in case you'll need to work from home at all. Although with so much to see and do in and around Windermere, the best experiences had here are when work is left behind. Set off on walks amidst nature, knowing that there'll be plenty of lakeside cafes and restaurants en route for leisurely pit stops. And since the rest of the Lake District can be explored by car or by buses running regularly from Bowness Bay pier (just a ten-minute walk away), there's room to make your stay as active and adventurous as you please. 

Take Me to the Lakes

Just a thirty-minute drive from the bustling market town of Kendal, retreat into rural isolation in this wonderfully remote farmland. As you’ll be busy exploring the Lake District’s striking scenery of rugged mountains, gentle hills, and the largest freshwater lakes in England, you’ll need a cosy cottage to return home to. Kick off your hiking boots and prepare for some unexpected, countryside luxury.

From the outside, this restored farmhouse is everything you’d imagine from a rustic home. We love the traditional masonry with chunky grey stones, a slated roof, and a dry stone wall around its perimeter. This continues inside, with a warm living space featuring carpeted floors – plus underfloor heating – solid hardwood furniture, tweed sofas, and a wood-burning stove. Of course a range cooker and sloped ceilings complete the look upstairs, as you explore the bedrooms through gorgeous barn-style doors. But tradition ends there.

Outside, after a barbecue on your private patio, head into the secret outhouse. In here you’ll find a full spa with its own dressing room, showers, sauna, and steam room. Or if you fancy a challenge, there’s also a games room with a pool table and darts. Rural luxury at its finest.

Starling Murmurations

This charming barn conversion in the peaceful village of Orton is ideal for anyone looking for a restful escape in the Cumbrian countryside. In the living space, there’s underfloor heating and a wood-burning stove for warming up after long walks or bike rides – while outside, you’ll find a picnic bench – the perfect spot to enjoy a light lunch on sunny days. If you’re staying with furry friends, you’ll need to keep an eye on them in the garden due to the livestock in the adjacent field.

Wild Lily

Place yourselves in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park at this Victorian former mill owner's house. Kitted out with eleven bedrooms (ten en-suite, plus a large house bathroom) and a made-for-action kitchen (we're talking three ovens, two large induction hobs, two dishwashers and two wine fridges), it's prime for a large multi-generational family gathering. Add to that a cinema room, a snooker room, and a leisure suite with two side-by-side hot tubs outside, and there are plenty of reasons to linger here. Should you fancy a change of scene, the local village pub and shop in Sedbergh are within walking distance (half an hour on foot), and there are hiking trails, waterfalls, and caves begging to be explored.

The Fell View

This delightful apartment is perfectly placed in the heart of Ambleside, just a short walk from the shops, restaurants, and bars. The apartment was once a bank that has been lovingly converted into a cosy home-from-home, ideal for a couple. We love the views of Ambleside that can be admired from the living space and bedroom. Set off on walks straight from your front door, or drive to some of the Lake District’s most loved spots. 

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