Dog-friendly Cumbria

Featuring beams taken from shipwrecks on the Cumbrian Coast, this small group of holiday cottages at Birkerthwaite, a former 17th century Lakeland farmstead, lie at the end of an unmade track and are surrounded by tranquil moorland scenery and farmland. This is fantastic walking countryside and the elevated position gives views of Scafell and the Eskdale Valley, creating a unique atmosphere of tranquillity. Birkerthwaite Farmhouse (W43001) is a unique holiday property dating back to 1627 and has many original features, beamed ceilings, flagged floors and unusual oak wall cupboards built in the 1700’s. Comfortably furnished and with the benefit of an open fire and an Aga, the farmhouse is cosy and welcoming. Birkerthwaite Stable (W41477) is a single-storey converted stable with rustic charm heated by a log-burning stove. Birkerthwaite Barn (W41478) has a spacious kitchen/dining room, a galleried landing and a four poster bed. Birkerthwaite Cottage (W41479) has an upstairs open plan living area with wooden floors which opens onto a balcony overlooking gardens. Nearby attractions include Muncaster Castle and Hardknott Roman Fort, whilst the Langdale Pikes and Ambleside on the northern shores of Lake Windermere can be reached via a stunning drive over the Hard Knott and Wrynose Passes. A short drive away is Wast Water; to the west are sandy beaches. Alternatively take the steam train from Ravenglass. Shop 3 miles, pub 2½ miles.

In an idyllic setting and surrounded by rolling hills and the glorious unspoilt countryside of The Gilpin Valley, Low Shepherd Yeat offers a selection of delightful refurbished properties on this former farm and can be enjoyed together or individually.
Converted in Spring 2018 to offer ground floor accommodation for four guests in this picturesque spot, Shepherd Yeat Bungalow (separate to the main house) has been carefully designed to make the most of countryside views from the comfort of this well-presented and stylish property. The generous open plan living space creates a delightful area for guests to enjoy relaxing time together. Well presented, its comfortable bedrooms are enhanced by full-height ceilings and countryside views from the master bedroom.
Low Shepherd Yeat Farm is a superb, detached former farmhouse with a large, picture window and pretty countryside views. Extensively refurbished and redecorated, it is perfect for families or groups of friends looking for space, comfort and well equipped accommodation. The well-presented living space includes a delightful dining conservatory overlooking the garden and fields beyond. The double bedrooms are comfortable and enjoy private bathroom facilities. Its own games room offers in house recreation for all whilst its private hot tub is perfectly placed to enjoy the surrounding views.
Sitting in 25 acres of picturesque countryside, Low Shepherd Yeat enjoys its own stretch of the River Gilpin with a stone bridge over the river. There are beautiful walks and cycle paths from the door, whilst the Lake District Fells such as The Langdale Pikes and the Old Man of Coniston are a short drive. Only 4½ miles from Lake Windermere and Bowness with boutiques, galleries, tea rooms, pubs, water sports and ferries to Hawkshead, Coniston and the Grizedale Forest. Cruisers at Bowness offer trips round the lake taking in the wonderful scenery, calling at Ambleside to the north or Lakeside to the south to visit the fascinating Aquarium of the Lakes. Historic houses with lovely grounds such as Holker Hall and Sizergh Castle are nearby; don’t miss Muncaster Castle or the South Lakes Wild Animal Park at Dalton.
Beatrix Potter, Wordsworth and other famous authors found the Lake District truly inspirational and there are many locations where their history and works are interestingly displayed. Nearby, the historic market town of Kendal has an art gallery, castle, theatre, larger shops and pretty walks along the River Kent. Whichever direction you walk or drive in this most beautiful area will bring you to breathtaking views of the lakes and mountains. Shop 5 miles, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

Blencathra is a tastefully converted Grade II listed barn situated on Blakebeck Farm just two miles from the unspoilt Lakeland village of Mungrisdale. The barn has an upside-down layout with a large open plan living area on the first floor. Lovely views of the local fells and Blencathra surround the barn and the owner’s sheep and lambs graze in the meadows around the cottages, along with alpacas and donkeys. Local walks from the doorstep are plentiful. Cyclists will enjoy the quiet country lanes and golfers will find Keswick Golf Course one and a half miles away. The popular bustling market town of Keswick with an abundance of interesting shops, eateries and a good leisure centre is seven and a half miles away. Stretch your legs along the edge of Derwentwater or through the Borrowdale Valley and pick up the Keswick Launch to cruise back again. Towards the south, Ullswater and Thirlmere are a short drive away and both offer spectacular scenery, challenging walks and plentiful activities. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

Blencathra can be booked together with The Garth (CC112156) to accommodate up to 12 guests.

The Garth is a tastefully converted Grade II listed barn situated on Blakebeck Farm just 2 miles from the unspoilt Lakeland village of Mungrisdale. The property has four bedrooms, two of which enjoy en-suites. The super king size bedroom with en-suite is on the ground floor making it accessible for visitors with restricted mobility. The property enjoys lovely views of the local fells and Blencathra, and the owner’s sheep and lambs graze in the meadows around the cottages, along with alpacas and donkeys. Local walks from the doorstep are plentiful. Cyclists will enjoy the quiet country lanes and golfers will find Keswick Golf Course one and a half miles away. The popular bustling market town of Keswick with an abundance of interesting shops, eateries and a good leisure centre is seven and a half miles away. Stretch your legs along the edge of Derwentwater or through the Borrowdale Valley and pick up the Keswick Launch to cruise back again. Towards the south, Ullswater and Thirlmere are a short drive away and both offer spectacular scenery, challenging walks and plentiful activities. Fishing available nearby. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.The Garth can be booked together with Blencathra (CC112155) to accommodate up to 12 guests.

Alice Howe, (’sister property’ to Bannerrigg and Boston House) a grade II listed property, was designed by Augustus (AWN) Pugin (1812-1852), arguably the greatest British architect, designer and writer of the 19th century whose name is synonymous with the interior of the House of Lords and Westminster Abbey. This majestic home has its own cinema room and is furnished and presented in a unique style - chunky king-size four poster beds, solid ash single beds give and lush decoration - qualities that have justified the property’s 4 star status with Visit Britain.
Alice Howe has 7 bedrooms, and 7 bathrooms ( 5 of which are en-suite). Making it an ideal base for the larger party. The train and bus station are literally around the corner, so the house is easily accessible for those members of your group that are travelling from far and wide. We’ve also extended the car park to accommodate up to 6 cars. The addition of more single beds has made this property ideal not just for couples and families but now also for groups of single friends. The property also boasts its own private hot tub. If you’re looking for a big house to rent in the lakes for an ’upmarket’ stag or hen weekend Alice Howe is the ideal choice.This property can be booked together with any of the neighbouring properties or RENT THE WHOLE STREET - Boston House (CC127199), Bannerrigg (CC127195), White Moss (CC127244) and Number One (CC127243) to accommodate up to 66 people in 30 bedrooms!

Orrest Head House was built in 1672 and was one of the first houses in Birthwaite, (as Windermere was known before it was renamed when the railway arrived in the 1850’s). Orrest Head House stands at the head of Windermere village and shares over 2 acres of stunning private grounds with Orrest Head Cottage (which can also be rented through Cumbrian Cottages CC127230). As you’d expect the house is packed full of eclectic features, which have evolved in over 400 years of history. After a recent renovation the house features a state-of-the-art kitchen with an adjacent TV snug room, lounge with huge sumptuous Chesterfield sofas seating 16 people, formal dining room with a grand square table again seating 16. And perhaps the most outstanding feature is Josiah Brown’s bar, your own pub within in a house, perfect for a party! Upstairs there are 5 large bedrooms all en suite including 2 with in bedroom baths overlooking the garden. Outside there’s a large patio area with barbecue and seating for all of your party. Parking for at least 10 cars. Plus direct access on the path to Orrest Head one of the finest short walks in The Lake District. Josiah Brown’s Bar: Named after the houses owner from 1670’s who enjoyed his fair share of entertaining, this historic room certainly would have made him proud. Perfect for a party.