Luxury self-catering accommodation in Ullswater
England's second largest lake after Windermere, Ullswater stretches seven and a half miles to sky-soaring mountains in the south and gentle rolling hills to the north. Kayaking, hiking and sailing; adventure lovers will be in their element here.
Tucked into the northeast corner of the Lake District National Park, Ullswater is a magical destination which glistens during the summer months and is surrounded by cascading waterfalls during the wetter ones. For keen walkers, some of the country's highest hills can be found surrounding Ullswater; Helvellyn and St Sunday Crag being two of the most spectacular. Water babies, too, will feel right at home here with boats, canoes and paddleboards for hire all along the shores, while leisure boats offer visitors a gentle way to see the Lakes.
Outdoor pursuits and cosy pubs with hearty helpings go hand in hand, and there is certainly no shortage of those surrounding Ullswater; fine dining can also be found in abundance. Of course, it's not all heart-raising activity here. Red squirrels, otters and peregrine falcons take up residence throughout the Lakes, should one only take a moment to linger awhile. Before returning to your luxury self-catering home, load up on local delicacies from Cranston's Cumbrian Foodhall for an al fresco barbecue feast under the stars.
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: £1,950 per week, £1,450 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
Pets: One small well-behaved dog is welcome
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: £3,695 per week, £2,795 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, 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: £3,750 per week, £2,795 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Fire pit
