The property
This luxurious cottage is a sympathetically converted portion of historic former farmhouse Hill Top, once the home of Arthur Ransome, famous for his series of children's stories and most notably “Swallows and Amazons” set in the Lake District. Dating from 1680, this stunning Lakeland cottage occupies a sublime setting within gorgeous countryside close to the southern tip of Lake Windermere. Set in over 9 acres of outstanding gardens and exquisite woodland, it commands a stupendous panoramic vista across the wonderful Rusland Valley to the magnificent Coniston Fells. For a holiday with 'wow factor' this is a special place and one to spend your precious time soaking up Lakeland's luxuries.
Hill Top was said to be Ransome's favourite home and we can easily see why. Step inside and take pleasure in the outstanding features echoed throughout. Its secluded and idyllically rural Lake District atmosphere blends effortlessly with 21st century life. With its French doors and picture windows offering far-reaching views simply to die for, Hill Top takes full advantage of what is unquestionably one of the finest settings of any house in the Lake District.
Leave aside the 'million dollar views and setting' for a moment and wander into the beautifully landscaped courtyard garden with extensive lawn beyond. What a great place to unwind and enjoy alfresco Lakeland life. Then there's the purpose-built Pavilion Games Room with verandah from which you can also admire the views. The Pavilion is a real indulgence with its large snooker table, table tennis, darts, and display of “Lakeland Luminaries” - a unique collection of memorabilia signed by famous people connected with the Lake District, as well as actors and directors of all major films shot in the Lakes, commencing with “Brief Encounter” in 1945. There's even a kitchenette and cloakroom facility.
Whether you are celebrating a happy event or just spending time with your favourite people, The Cottage at Hill Top is a magical treat delivering sheer luxury and matching your high expectations. The chic bathrooms, sumptuous bedrooms, well-equipped modern kitchen, a relaxing living room featuring French windows looking out at the view, are but a few things to mention. A perfect and idyllic escape for young and old. A true Lakeland experience.
The sleepy hamlet of Lakeside and Lake Windermere with its cruises is only a short distance away, as is the Swan Hotel. The White Hart Inn at Bouth is also well worth the 1.5 mile walk for food & drinks - if you can tear yourselves from Hill Top!
Unfortunately we cannot accept bookings with children under the age of 10 years old.
Accommodation in detail
Pull up onto the driveway and park two cars right outside. Wander through the garden and enter the cottage from the rear (via a few steps) but stop and gaze at the view first – it's impossible not to!
Into the entrance hall with its access to the open-plan living area and French windows facing the wonderful view. This is a great place to relax and spread out, with the very well appointed kitchen making the perfect sociable space. On the ground floor is a utility/cloakroom in which is also located the washer/dryer. Also on the ground floor is one of the sumptuous king-size bedrooms with en-suite bathroom complete with shower cubicle and corner bath, a great place to soak away any walking aches of the day. Upstairs to the second king-size bedroom also with en-suite luxury bathroom, both with wonderful views. The landscaped gardens are a true delight and many a day will be spent sitting here admiring the far-reaching views. From here you enter the Pavilion, the games room complete with snooker table and table tennis. Guests can also wander through Hill Top's seven and a half acres of exquisite hillside woodland.
The property also benefits from leisure club membership at a discounted rate. For only £5 you can get a daily pass to the Cascades Health Spa & Fitness Club at the nearby Whitewater Hotel. Guests are also offered specially negotiated discounts for Brantwood, Holker Hall, The Jetty Museum (Windermere), The Ruskin Museum (Coniston), the Blue Bird Cafe (Coniston Water) and The Cartmel Village Shop.
Location
In beautiful gardens and over seven and a half acres of wonderful woodland to enjoy, surrounded by blissful and simply breathtaking scenery, you could easily describe the setting here as secluded. Yet only a short distance away, at the very southern tip of Lake Windermere, is the small hamlet of Lakeside and another wonderfully peaceful setting with both the Lakeside and Swan Hotels serving tempting distractions. Lush green countryside and beautiful woodlands scattered with pretty tarns embrace all the elegance of the lake and river shores.
Windermere Lake Cruises depart regularly from Lakeside Pier, ferrying passengers the full length of the lake with stops at Bowness and Ambleside - two popular Lake District holiday destinations that you'll love to explore during your stay. Each has a wide range of shops and attractions, so why not do your shopping trip by boat?
Lakeside is home to two fantastic Lake District attractions; the freshwater Lakes Aquarium and the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway where you can take a short trip on a traditional steam train. Historic sites such as Stott Park Bobbin Mill, Sizergh Castle, Levens Hall and Holker Hall & Gardens are all within easy reach by car, with no need to navigate through busy tourist areas. In nearby Backbarrow there's the renowned Lakeland Motor Museum with its special exhibition devoted to Donald Campbell and his father Sir Malcom, both of whom set world water speed records on Coniston Water.
Only a few miles north you'll approach the landscapes that famously inspired the children's author Beatrix Potter via peaceful country lanes. In the small hamlet of Near Sawrey can be found “the other Hill Top” - the farmhouse once owned by Beatrix and a place which attracts visitors from around the world. Only a mile or so further, and you'll reach the enchanting village of Hawkshead - a wonderful place to while away a day, exploring quaint cobbled streets and a blissfully car-free village centre. For some of the best mountain biking territory the Grizedale Forest is a must.
About the location
HAVERTHWAITE
Newby Bridge 3 miles; Lakeside 4 miles; Grange-Over-Sands 7 miles.
Haverthwaite is a small village and civil parish in the Furness region of Cumbria. It is within the Lake District National Park and is located six miles east of Ulverston, near the southern end of Windermere. The village gets part of its name from the Old Norse word thwaite which usually refers to a clearing or settlement in the forest. Close to the village is Newby Bridge which is at the southern tip of Lake Windermere which takes its name from the five arched stone bridge built in 1651 over the River Leven. The famous Furness Railway, one of Britain's oldest working standard gauge steam railways, runs between Haverthwaite and Newby Bridge. Visit the Lakeside Hotels and enjoy magnificent views across Windermere and the surrounding fells, or enjoy the Aquarium of the Lakes, where the naturally themed habitats, bring the history of the Lakes vividly to life.
