Luxury self-catering accommodation in Windermere
Occupying a central position in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Windermere is a popular spot for mint cake-munching school trips and walkers enjoying the stunning lakeside scenery.
Say ‘Lakes’ and Windermere is one that comes instantly to mind, a ten-mile-long strip of sparkly blue banked on both sides by rolling greenery. At one mile wide and 220-feet deep, this is the largest natural lake in England and it's no wonder that the waters are full of boating activities, from kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to canoeing enthusiasts oaring for miles. Whether you carry out your activities here or on nearby Coniston Water the views are unrivalled, and the same can be said from the surrounding peaks, also popular with sporty visitors.
Walking is a key past-time here and the numerous kit shops in town are a testament to the area's popularity. Trails and tours cater for all abilities. Orrest Head is the route for a short but hardy ramble, while Brant Fell heads instantly out of town, up dusty tracks to brilliant views. Ambleside, to the north of Windermere, is a popular spot for stop-offs, full of yellow-stone buildings and good eateries; in summer, guests can take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the centre of town as a welcome break from all that walking.
Aquila
Bampton, The Lake District, Cumbria, UK
Aquila is a modernist lake house with a seductively clandestine appeal, set right on the sparkling Haweswater shoreline within the tarns and fells of the Mardale Valley.
Sleeps: Up to 6 guests
From: £1,795 per week, £1,395 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Features: Tesla Powerwall home battery system and electric car charging point
Figtree House
Farleton, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, UK
This exquisitely interior designed luxury self-catering home stay is set within 17 acres of rolling Cumbrian countryside, not far from the historic town of Kirkby Lonsdale and the Lake District.
Sleeps: Up to 10
From: £2,195 per week, £1,650 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 & Up to 4 guests
Pets: One well-behaved dog is welcome on prior request
Features: Luxurious snug with TV and Blu-ray player
Skyline
Kendal, Staveley, The Lake District, Cumbria, UK
Perched high above the village of Staveley with breath-taking views across the valley, Skyline is a truly unique luxury property with tennis court, grand piano and 11 acres of woodland.
Sleeps: Up to 10 guests
From: £3,500 per week, £2,650 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome on prior request
Features: Tennis court, Steinway grand piano, a helicopter can land on the drive (with prior arrangement), hot tub hire is available (by prior arrangement)
Winterfell
Windermere, The Lake District, Cumbria, UK
In a land far, far away, nestled between the majestic mountains and forested hills of the Lake District, lies this luxury private lake home near Lake Windermere in Ulverton.
Sleeps: Up to 12 guests
From: £3,895 per week, £3,150 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Fire pit
