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 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.
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.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 12 guests
From £3,750 per week, £2,995 per short break
Day hire options are available - Bedrooms and bathroomsAll six double bedrooms are on the first floor, the master bedroom boasting a king-size bed and en suite bathroom with roll-top claw-foot bath, separate shower, and his-and-hers sinks. There are five remaining double bedrooms, one of which has a small double bed and en suite shower room, and the family bathroom (with separate shower) and family shower room are also found on the first floor. For convenience, there is a ground floor WC too.
View bedrooms - FeaturesFire pit
- PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £90 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyYes, children are very welcome. One travel cot and one highchair are available.
- 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.
- Homestay includesLuxury welcome hamper, soaps and candles, 65" Apple Smart TV with Sky and cinema surround system, TVs with DVD players in each bedroom, Sonos multi-room sound system, WiFi internet, fire pit, gas barbecue, luxury linen, towels, logs and kindling to get you started...House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more
- Private cateringSeeking a celebratory dinner or fully catered escape? Our recommended caterers will work with you to create personalised menus for your stay. Details are shared through our house book on confirming your booking.
- RetreatsFrom surf lessons to dawn yoga and adrenalin-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
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Weddings
With its mystical near lakeside location in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Winterfell is a strong contender for most magical elopement venue the UK has on offer: think Narnia meets The Secret Garden, all rolled into one stupendous country house setting close to Lake Windermere.
Prices & Availability
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.
From the owner
“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.
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Windermere with an insider’s perspective.
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.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
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!
Press
Below are a selection of features in which 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
25 of the best autumn getaways
The Times
November 2024Good manors
Condé Nast Traveller
November 2024Ways to improve your life—from our experts
The Times
October 2024The UK´s most relaxing riverside stays
The Times
October 2024At one with nature
25 Beautiful Homes
September 2024Healing waters
Condé Nast Traveller
September 202425 of the UK´s best lakeside stays
The Times
September 2024Highland fling
25 Beautiful Homes
September 2024
Collections > Luxury Homes with a Private Chef > UK > Cumbria > Windermere > Winterfell
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Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
