The Haven is a Grade II listed, mid-17th-century holiday home set within its own gardens at the very heart of the Lake District. Sympathetically restored to respect its listed status, it now perfectly combines original features with a mix of traditional and modern décor to create the ideal holiday base. Enjoying stunning views over the fells and yet just a short stroll from the centre of Ambleside it offers something for everyone.
Enter the spacious kitchen/diner with its original slate floor, exposed wood beams and large four oven AGA. The original bread and spice cupboards dating from the mid-1600s are complemented by the antique Georgian dresser and the large oak dining table which comfortably seats eight. This is the perfect place to share a meal with family and friends in the oldest part of the house. The bespoke handmade kitchen is well equipped and three slate steps take you down into the subterranean dairy with its original slate slab and wine store and period features.
The Minton tiled hallway is bright and airy with the original functioning Victorian doorbell. A grandfather clock ticks away calmly in the background, with chandelier light fittings and antique bookcases creating a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere.
There are two spacious, beautifully furnished living rooms, both with plenty of seating, lake district slate fireplaces, log burners and smart TVs in each, so there’ll be no fighting over what to watch on those nights spent wrapped up by the fires. Downstairs is there a modern and spacious Burlington Victorian-style bathroom with the original slate floor, a shower and rain shower head over bath, WC and a basin.
There are fourteen wide carpeted stairs with a handrail up to the first floor giving access to the four bedrooms, study, and family shower room. The staircase has a wonderfully high ceiling and is lit by a magnificent modern six-light chandelier and original window with views over the garden. Each of the bedrooms has been beautifully decorated, a mix of modern and antique furniture complement the house and much attention has been lavished on the details and soft furnishings. The bedrooms are bright, spacious and all provide drawers wardrobes and mirrors.
There are two further bathrooms upstairs, an ensuite to the master bedroom and a family shower room both with Victorian-style Burlington suites.
Outside is a patio area with ample table seating for eight, a lovely space for al fresco dining, and a cosy conservatory with two chairs and a fantastic view of the surrounding fells. The glorious gardens feature a broad range of shrubs and trees, with flowerbeds, an orchard, a water feature leading to the pond, and seating throughout. Follow the garden path around to the front of the house where you will find a further enclosed, private lawned garden.
Accommodation Summary
Spacious kitchen with a dining table for eight. A four oven Aga with additional warming ovens and plate, modern induction Neff hob and cooker, dishwasher and fridge, four-slice toaster, kettle, main sink and separate prep sink. Guests benefit from an additional fridge, freezer, wine rack, microwave, iron, ironing board, and washer/dryer in the pantry.
Two living rooms. The first is more formal with three sofas, a log burner, bookcase, smart TV with aerial, sash window, ceiling lighting on dimmer and table lamps. The second is a cosy red room, with two large Duresta sofas, a log burner, smart TV with aerial, sash window with window seat, and two reading lamps with dimmers
Ground floor bathroom with window, shower and rain shower head over bath, WC and basin.
Separate cloakroom off the hallway.
Private garden with patio with seating for eight and lawned areas, with stunning views from the conservatory.
Locked store for bikes and small canoes.
Boot wash sink in the conservatory.
Fourteen carpeted stairs with handrail to the first floor
The Master bedroom has a Super-king size bed, two swivelling chairs, coffee table, wardrobe, dressing table, full-length mirror, chandelier lights, and feature fireplace. Ensuite bath with shower attached, and a separate shower cubical with rain shower head attachment, window, skylight, WC, and basin.
Study room/office with desk, office chair, sofa, and feature fireplace.
Bedroom two is a King size double with drawers and wardrobe, mirror, and feature fireplace.
Bedroom three is a double bedroom with a dressing table, wardrobe, drawers, and sash window with window seating.
Bedroom four is a Super-king zip and link bedroom, double as standard can be twin on request, a feature fireplace, wardrobe, full-length mirror, drawers, two chairs, and sash window with window seating.
Main bathroom with window, standing shower cubicle with rain shower head, WC and basin
Things to Note
Air source generated hot water and central heating throughout the house. The radiators can be individually controlled with thermostatic valves upstairs.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for guests and there is also generally good mobile phone reception.
The house has one dedicated free parking space available. Additional free parking is available on the street on a first come first serve basis. There is also a Pay & Display car park less than two minutes’ walk away with weekly permits available for further vehicles.
Dogs/pets are not permitted at The Haven.
Unfortunately, this property is not suitable for young children. Due to the property’s age, the building and its surroundings are uneven and have steep steps and drops. The layout of the garden is irregular and has a pond. There is a low garden wall with a very steep drop to the lane below.
A £200 good-housekeeping security deposit is required.
Location
Ambleside is located at the heart of the Lake District National Park at the northern tip of Lake Windemere England’s largest lake. It is the quintessential Lake District town with an extensive range of unique shops, bars, restaurants, art galleries, and an independent cinema.
The larger towns of Windemere, Keswick and Kendal are only a short drive away as are the smaller picturesque villages of Grasmere, Hawkshead and Elterwater in the stunning Langdale Valley.
The Haven enjoys an enviable position on a quiet lane overlooking Loughrigg Fell whilst still being in the heart of Ambleside. It provides the perfect base for exploring the national park whether that be walking on the fells or the plethora of other attractions. Numerous walks can start from the doorstep including Jenkins Crag (730ft), Loughrigg Fell (1099ft) and circular routes around Loughrigg Tarn and the Fairfield Horseshoe. There is an abundance of cycling routes and water sports throughout the Lake District in addition to the many historical landmarks and visitor attractions.
For the less energetic, there are strolls along the shore of Lake Windermere, boat trips on the lake, or perhaps just a potter around the many shops and galleries, before a bite to eat in one of the pubs, cafes or restaurants that are literally all on your doorstep.
Ambleside is well-serviced by the local bus service with links to Windermere, Kendal, Grasmere, Coniston and Keswick. Well worth a visit is Stagshaw Gardens, an informal woodland garden with colourful floral displays set on a steep hillside overlooking Lake Windermere with walks leading through Skelghyll Woods to the fells beyond. For lovers of the Arts and Crafts movement, Blackwell is a Grade I listed house just outside Windermere, a rare architectural gem with stunning views over the lake and Coniston fells.
About Herdwick Group:
Herdwick Cottages is an independent family-run business offering self-catering holiday rentals in the Lake District and surrounding areas.
Choose from Cottages, Pods, Lodges and more.
Phone:
01539-312290
Email:
hello@herdwickcottages.co.uk
