Guest testimonials
The property was very well equipped; I loved that the extras you usually have to pack were all catered for, such as tea, coffee, toilet rolls, body wash, milk, eggs, etc. The welcome pack included a lovely variety of produce and thoughtful touches. There was an abundance of lovely candles to light in the house, and fresh flowers were greatly appreciated.
We came to Winterfell to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary with friends and family. From the moment we were welcomed by the housekeeper and the incredible log fires, a week of enchantment began. A fairytale setting for happy times and the creation of very special memories. We highly recommend the Buttermere Lake walk with pie and chips to follow at The River Inn. Thank you so much for everything! We couldn´t have wished for more!
Magical! We have so much gratitude for allowing us to experience such a wonderful environment. It was beyond our expectations. We will definitely return!
Our second year staying at Winterfell - it was wonderful to return and stay here again! Thank you for sharing your perfect home, and thank you to the staff there too. We all had a fabulous time!
We´ve had a fantastic stay at Winterfell and enjoyed every moment. Fabulous house and we even had spectacular weather too! Perfect house for birthdays, parties, anything really!
We very much enjoyed our stay to celebrate two special birthdays. The house is beautiful and we all had a lovely time!
Thank you so much for an absolutely magical week. The house is beautiful and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. We´re going home with tired legs and tired paws.
What a beautiful house! We didn´t want to leave! The kitchen is amazing and there is so much space. The children loved the garden too. We hope to be back again soon to make more happy memories!
We have enjoyed a fun and fabulous Easter together at Winterfell - along with an egg hunt in the wonderful gardens. Thank you for opening up your home, complete with fairy lights and candles! The hamper was a very welcome treat. This was our first time experiencing this part of the Lakes and we were certainly not disappointed. Nicely chilled and relaxed and wishing that we were staying longer!
I just want to thank the owners for opening up their home. It is such a stunning house. I think what struck me the most is the energy of Winterfell. It is just such a loving, beautiful environment to be in.
Gorgeous house, stunning location, the weather was amazing. We don´t want to leave!! See you next year!
Very much enjoyed our stay, the bird table was a great hit! The stunning location and the garden are a dream!
We fell in love with Winterfell and booked it for our wedding. I believe we are the first to get married here and I hope there are many more to follow. What a fabulous place! We had tipi´s in the beautiful garden and the whole place was filled with love. Winterfell will forever be in our hearts and we hope to stay here again one day! Thank you so much!
A fabulous family week in a truly lovely house. Crisp, cold, sunny Autumn weather made dog walking a pleasure and log fires truly welcoming to return to.
Perfect place! It´s as if all of the happy times here have soaked into the walls and it´s so lovely and welcoming! Thank you all!
It was great, such a lovely home. It was so wonderful to get away as a family and reminded us how important it was to get together like that. Thank you for an amazing holiday.
The house is beautiful and provided everything that would have been needed for a family gathering. The quality was exceptionally good. Thank you.
The house was absolutely beautiful and the facilities provided were wonderful. The beds were comfortable and luxurious and we all had a truly marvelous time!
Your home was absolutely amazing – truly inspirational! The setting is breath taking and the interiors stylish but very homely. This was a very special house for a very special occasion, thank you!
Read more reviews on TrustPilot and Google or hear from the owner
Winterfell
Windermere, The Lake District, Cumbria, UK
Up to 12 guests
Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Children and babies are welcome.In a land far, far away, nestled between the majestic mountains and forested hills of the Lake District lies Winterfell, a beautiful old stone hunting lodge set within six acres of enchanting private grounds. Bordering Lake Windermere's sparkling southern shoreline and with only singing birds and regal stags for neighbours, this luxury self-catering country house promises a truly spellbinding escape. Read more...
Allows babes in arms
Allows children
Two well behaved dogs welcome
Wi-Fi
TV
Real fire
Barbecue
Pub within walking distance
Cot
Highchair
Garden games
Sound system
Firepit- More
Introduction
Occupying a secluded location just a short drive from Lake Windermere, this stunning luxury self-catering country house is in the most magical of settings. Surrounded by woodland and draped with ivy, Winterfell will entice goose bumps from the moment of arrival. Explore by day and relax by night; flaunting panoramas to stir the emotions of even the most seasoned travellers, the Lake District will not disappoint. Whether reliving childhood stories discovering where Beatrix Potter took her literary inspiration, or embracing a wild adventure with gorge walking, rock climbing or sailing, experience moments to cherish forever.
Inside
Inside this luxury country house, rustic French flourishes melt into a snowy white colour palette, evoking an ambience of Narnia-esque magic. A paradise in summer and haven in winter, enjoy the light-filled living areas in summertime (French doors flung open), whilst the farmhouse kitchen and library with open fire are welcome spaces in cooler months. Admire the owners’ striking collection of black and white photography as you wind up the staircase to reach the first floor where rolltop bathtubs, ornate fireplaces and Rococo beds dressed in crisp white linens await in six decadently dreamy double bedrooms.
Outside
Like all the best fairy-tale homes, Winterfell is surrounded by beautiful walled gardens which spill out onto four acres of private meadows. Children will love to play games on the lawn and pluck apples from the fruit trees, truly embracing the rural idyll of country house living. Balmy summer days are best spent with a good book in hand, toes dangled in the cool, trickling stream with a melody of birdsong. Winterfell's library has a collection of books detailing the best walking routes in the area, for those wanting to explore. Pick from two al fresco dining areas for evening feasts in the great outdoors, before finishing the day snuggled up by the embers of the fire pit under a blanket of tiny twinkling stars.
Winterfell has six bedrooms, two of which are en suite.
Bedroom One
First Floor Double Bedroom with En Suite Bathroom
The master features a king-size bed and en suite bathroom complete with rolltop claw-foot bathtub, separate shower cubicle and Jack-and-Jill sinks. This bedroom also benefits from a flat-screen television with its own Skybox.
Bedroom Two
First Floor Double Bedroom with En Suite Shower Room
The second bedroom at Winterfell has a double bed and enjoys views over the garden, a flat-screen television, feature fireplace and boasts a luxurious en suite shower room.
Bedroom Three
First Floor Double Bedroom
The third bedroom at Winterfell flaunts a double bed, feature fireplace, flat-screen television and shares the family bathroom with separate shower and the family shower room with bedrooms four, five and six.
Bedroom Four
First Floor Double Bedroom
This bedroom has a double bed and flaunts a wall-mounted television and shares either the family bathroom with its separate shower or the family shower room with the other bedrooms.
Bedroom Five
First Floor Double Bedroom
Mirroring the other bedrooms with its garden views, feature fireplace and flat-screen television, the fifth bedroom has a double bed and shares access to the family shower room or family bathroom with separate shower.
Bedroom Six
First Floor Double Bedroom
A wall mounted television with its own Sky box and two doubles together create a large bed, perfect for the younger members of the group. This bedroom shares access to either the family shower room or family bathroom and can be accessed via the spiral staircase from the kitchen or through bedroom five.
- PricingFrom £3,750 per week, £3,195 per short break for up to 12 guests
An alternative group size of up to 8 guests is available during selected periods at a reflective rate
Day hire options are available - FeaturesFire pit
- PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £90 per week or part thereof - FamilyChildren and babies are welcome.
- PracticalitiesThere is private parking for six cars. The well-equipped farmhouse-style kitchen has a double oven Aga, microwave, fridge and dishwasher plus a washing machine, tumble dryer and American fridge-freezer in the utility room. There is also a dog washing station for those with pets. Please note that mobile signal can be patchy due to the secluded location, but there is a landline for emergency calls
- Private cateringWhether you're looking for a fully catered stay or a one-off meal for a special occasion, discover your bespoke catering options
Explore private dining - RetreatsFrom surf lessons to dawn yoga and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, we work with the most inspirational of experts to ensure a truly tailored stay. On confirmation of booking, these details will be shared within your house book
- RestrictionsParties considered on prior permission from the owner
Arrivals & departures
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
Other information
Fresh produce
- Freshly baked loaf of bread
- Milk
- Free-range eggs
- Butter
- Fruit juice
- Croissants
- Local biscuits
- Lake District relish
- Local crisps
- Cartmel sticky toffee pudding
Please note - the owners strive to source the best produce for your welcome hamper, however, the contents may vary slightly depending on the season and amount of people comprising your party.
Those all-important little luxuries
- Freshly cut flowers
- Luxury soaps
- Scented candles
- Luxury bed linen and towels
- Pool/beach towels
- Fluffy bathrobes
- Firewood, coal and kindling to get you started
- A selection of teas
- Ground coffee
- Instant coffee
- Olive oil
- Magazines
- Board games
- His & Hers Hunter wellies
- His & Hers wax jackets
- Charcoal BBQ
- Wi-Fi
- Hairdryer
- Condiments, dried herbs and spices
- Dog biscuits, bowls and towels
- Recipe books
- Stairgate
- Children´s story and nursery rhyme books
- Crockery and cutlery for infants
- Highchair and travel cot
House book - your property and destination guide
Together with the owners, we've collated everything you'll need to make the most of your experience, from insider tips on local gems to practical property information, all in one digital house book, shared the moment you book.
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.
Getting there
- On the map This luxury private country house is located 500 yards from Lake Windermere within the Lake District National Park, North West England.
- By train Windermere train station is 11 miles away; London Euston station has regular services to Windermere with a journey time of around four hours.
- By car Windermere is approximately four and a half hours from London, one and a half hours from Manchester and two and a half hours from Glasgow.
- By air Carlisle airport is just over an hour from the property, Manchester airport is one and a half hours away.
“My wife was born near the Lake District and spent many happy days here until she moved to London in her teens. We continued to visit with our children and realised our dream in 2007, buying our own holiday home near Lake Windermere.”
Originally dating back to the 1750s, Winterfell was enlarged to its present size in around 1850. We purchased the house in December 2007 and for the next two years it became a labour of love, transforming what was a rather sad and neglected country house into a warm and comfortable, modern home. We decorated the house with a mixture of antique and contemporary pieces of furniture and artefacts, reflecting our taste in sumptuous luxury and an emphasis on simple comforts.
Placed within two acres of mature walled gardens and surrounded by its own six acres of private fields and woodlands, Winterfell is very private and quiet. The house is ideal for a relaxing time in the Lake District but is also well located for quick and easy access to Lake Windermere. The surrounding fells are perfect for short or long walks, leading to some spectacular vantage points overlooking the property. In the library, there are numerous specialist books listing more walks further afield in the Lakes for the more adventurous.
Discover the best destinations, experiences and restaurants to visit during your stay in Windermere. A larger selection of recommendations will be available in the property's digital house book.
To Do
On the Literary Trail
No visit to the Lake District is complete without Swallows and Amazons-esque adventures and a visit to the the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, complete with Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck, Squirrel Nutkin and all the gang.
To Do
Fishing
The Lake District offers great fishing opportunities with breathtaking scenery. An SSSI, Esthwaite Water has a large population of wild birds and in summer the fisherfolk among you could be competing with the visiting ospreys.
To Eat
L´Enclume Restaurant, Cartmel
Famous chef Simon Rogan has received two Michelin stars for his L´Enclume restaurant, recently voted the best in the UK. It is now a well-known destination for an incredible dining experience, host to an impressive tasting menu.
To See
Tarn Hows and Coniston
Enjoy scenic walks around the picturesque Tarn Hows and lakeside strolls around Coniston. Whether you are playing games under the sun, dipping your toes in the cool water or tucking into an al fresco picnic, you are sure to be spellbound.
In the heart of the Lake District, Winterfell is a fairytale country house wedding venue that’s as suited to intimate elopements with 12 guests as it is to celebrations of up to 70. Weddings at Winterfell unfold within their own secluded rural idyll, close to Lake Windermere.
The venue
Draped in ivy, this enchanting country house is surrounded by walled gardens, fruit trees, a trickling stream and four acres of private meadow – offering idyllic spots for wedding photographs and ample space to light a firepit for late-night celebrations. Inside, rustic French style meets a snowy-white colour palette, with roll-top bathtubs and ornate fireplaces. Six double bedrooms, complete with Rococo beds, allow close family and friends to stay on-site and help bring the wedding festivities to life.
The celebrations
Guests can meander across the sun-dappled lawn with welcome cocktails in hand before gathering in a hired marquee, aglow with fairy lights, for a seasonal farm-to-table feast. Children will delight in the freedom of the gardens, darting between apple trees in a game of hide-and-seek. To ensure every detail runs smoothly, we can recommend trusted local caterers, marquee providers, portable WC hire and the region’s finest florists, helping you craft a celebration that feels effortlessly bespoke.
The practicalities
Winterfell does not hold a civil ceremony licence, but the surrounding area has a number of beautiful churches and chapels, with St Peter in Finsthwaite a two-minute drive away. In addition to standard rental charges, there is a venue hire fee from £4,000 for up to 70 guests, including the standard group size. For smaller gatherings of 12 guests, the fee is £1,000 – available only for those staying at the property and excluding marquee setup or WC hire. All wedding bookings require a minimum seven-night stay. Private parking is available for 10 cars, with additional field parking on request. Please note that fireworks are not permitted and amplified music should be switched off by 11pm, with carriages by 11:30pm.
Read the Traveller's Tale by Silver Six Pence Films, sharing their experience photographing an outdoor humanist ceremony at Winterfell.
Whether you're curious about pet policies, the nearest walkable pubs, or wild swimming spots, we have the answers to common property-specific queries here. For everything else, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Are there any boat trips nearby?
There is a ferry point next to the Lakeside Hotel, just a mile away.
Can I land a helicopter here?
It isn't possible to arrive via helicopter at Winterfell, but it can be arranged through The Swan Hotel as they have a helipad.
Is the garden enclosed?
There is over an acre of walled gardens, however a determined pet may find its way out. Please supervise children and pets at all times.
Can you walk to a pub?
Yes, The Lakeside Hotel and Spa is under a mile away.
Is there direct access to the lake?
It isn't possible to access the lake directly from Winterfell, though the shoreline at Bowness-on-Windermere is only a mile away.
Below are a selection of features in which Winterfell and Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request
Seven Places to Stay in the Lake District
House Beautiful
July 2019Stuff The Turkey. Let´s go!
The Standard
December 20165 waterside stays to book
Country Living
August 2026Time to cool off
The Times
July 2026Broad horizons
Harper´s Bazaar
July 2026The Times art critic’s favourite holiday homes with artful interiors
The Times
July 20265 beach houses to book
Country Living
July 2026How to spend a long weekend in the Cotswolds
SheerLuxe
July 2026
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Luxury Self-Catering Cottages > UK > Cumbria > Windermere > Winterfell
