The Boundary

This spacious Victorian residence is located right on the boundary between Bowness and the shores of Lake Windermere on one side, and the village of Windermere itself on the other, in the heart of the Lake District National Park.

Step inside and take pleasure in the blend of olde-world charm and the convenience of 21st-century living. Whether you are celebrating a happy event or just spending time with your favourite people, The Boundary is an ideal base. The area has everything you could wish for and both bustling Lakeland villages are a five-minute stroll away - tempting you out to sample more than 40 excellent restaurants, bars and pubs -bliss!

Accommodation in detail:

Parking for 5 cars right outside with ample further parking available free of any change very close by; a few Victorian stone steps lead into an entrance hall to this grand residence, this opens to two separate reception rooms both with relaxing furnishing and a space age wood burner to gather round. The house's owner, a former journalist, is a cricket nut and there is a gentle theme devoted to the summer game throughout the house. The bedrooms are named for long-dead players (and in one case a legendary cricket writer).

5 rooms have king-sized beds, with one being a four-poster. The other two rooms can be a super-king double or twin so please specify how you wish these to be arranged at the time of booking. Each bedroom has its own bathroom facility, 6 of which are en-suite, with the 7th having a bathroom just next door, all have both a bath and a shower.

Fry

Second floor, but definitely worth climbing the stairs for, with something of the raffish feel appropriate to a room named for C B Fry, the legendary Edwardian cricketer and all-round Renaissance man. A lofty, spacious room with windows facing south and east, furnishings including a hand-carved French-style mahogany bed and Venetian glass dressing table. Bathroom has double basins, large-head shower, separate bath and underfloor heating.

Ranji

Second floor front, with free-standing bath in room. Named for C B Fry's great friend, the Indian prince Sir K S Ranjitsinhji. A romantic, room at the front of the house, which looks north-west, with flamingo-strewn wallpaper, panelling behind the bed, slightly rococo furniture and double-ended bath in the room. There is a separate shower room for traditionalists, complete with underfloor heating, walk-in shower and views toward Claife Heights.

Hobbs

First floor front, this is the original master bedroom of the house, named for the master batsman Jack Hobbs, who made a still-unequalled 197 first-class centuries in his 40-year career. Spacious and complete with original big bay window and cornices. Views towards Claife Heights and just a glimpse of Windermere in winter. The furniture is hand-painted, including the king-sized four-poster bed.

The lordly bathroom boasts a two-person walk-in grohe rain shower, lovely Victoria & Albert free-standing bath and underfloor heating.

MacLaren

First floor back, a spacious room with wooden shutters to bedroom and bathroom windows - perfect for late risers. Named for A C MacLaren, England captain and still the holder of the record individual total for Lancashire (a monumental 424 against Somerset in 1895).

MacLaren features an elegant colour scheme, in shades of grey and blue, with Venetian glass dressing table and full-length mirror and and a zip-and-link bed which can be two 3-foot divans or a super-king double as you require. The bathroom has underfloor heating, double washbasins and a digital remote control for the shower, so you can get the temperature just right before you even get out of bed.

Barnes

Ground floor room

Named for the cantankerous S F Barnes, the great Staffordshire bowler; the only minor counties cricketer ever to play for England, who also made Richie Benaud's all-time greatest XI. A ground floor room with easy access to the living areas. A light, airy room with funky bathroom including large Kudos/aqualisa digital walk-in shower, separate bath, double basins and underfloor heating.

Cardus

Ground floor room. Neville Cardus is considered the father of modern cricket writing, (and also, unbelievably, a legendary music journalist) via an impoverished childhood and meagre education. A ground floor room also with easy access to the living quarters. Also light and airy, and featuring a roll top bath in the bedroom and again for the shy; separate shower room - perfect!

Grace

Lower ground. On the same level as the kitchen/dining room and den. A bright airy room with original sash window, named for the most famous, notorious cricketer of the Victorian/Edwardian era. This room will be great for night owls as it is just down the corridor from the kitchen for those who stay up late or like a nocturnal drink or snack! This is one of the two rooms you can book as either as a super king double or a twin; please let us know which when you make your reservation. This room has a separate bathroom right next door with bath and shower over. Please note this bathroom doubles as the lower floor bathroom for general use by all guests.

OK, now that you are all set with sleeping arrangements, there are more rooms to consider; the all-important kitchen area features huge oven for that soiree, island to gather round and discuss the day ahead over a cuppa, available instantly thanks to the Quooker boil tap, large American fridge / freezer to store the wine, and much more opening into a light and airy glazed area with doors out onto your terraced patio, perfect for a little al-fresco entertaining on warm days. The same room includes the spacious dining area, with table and - deceptively comfortable - chairs capable of accommodating all 14 and where good food may be had, great wine will be sampled and conversation may go way into the night! Off this area is what we call the den, with curved comfy sofa and a place to escape, watch Sky Sports or play a game or two!

Location

The Boundary provides an ideal base for a holiday in the Lake District, whether you're looking to explore the whole region or simply enjoy the attractions surrounding Lake Windermere.

Windermere village is a lovely place to make yourself at home, with lazy cafes for breakfast, plenty of shops for stocking up the kitchen, traditional Lake District pubs and several restaurants to choose from. A number of superb walks begin nearby, including the easy ascent of Orrest Head which promises spectacular views of Lake Windermere from the top

Bowness village sits on the eastern shores of Lake Windermere. Access to the lake is only a few minutes' stroll from the village centre at Bowness Bay, where hire boats come and go and Windermere Lake Cruises depart regularly to both Ambleside and Lakeside. A great way to explore without driving! Looking for somewhere to eat and drink, Bowness has a great choice from top quality pubs, coffee shops and wine bars and with everything from cafes and bistros to fine dining restaurants, there's something to please everyone. Bowness has the Old Laundry Theatre offers an interesting programme of performances.

For touring by car, you'll find Windermere a great place to start. A famously scenic stretch of the A591 leads to Ambleside, Rydal Water and historic Grasmere. Branch off into the Troutbeck Valley and take one of the most breathtaking scenic drives in the Lake District - over Kirkstone Pass to Ullswater.