Dukes & Duchesses

Dukes & Duchesses: Cumbria

At Ullswater Lake, the second biggest in the Lake District, you’ll find a diverse range of landscapes and activities as you hike around its enormous perimeter. From the quaint village of Pooley Bridge, with traditional pubs and cute restaurants, take a fourteen-minute stroll to reach an altogether different scene – an isolated, romantic boathouse. As you arrive, its stone walls and wooden balcony look gloriously rustic. You could even plan to arrive by boat and pull up to the private jetty. From every angle, the surroundings of this home are striking – leafy trees, the glistening lake, and rolling mountains across the water make this setting feel quite special. Inside, the traditional theme continues with chunky beams and vintage furniture. We love the glossy, lacquered wooden pieces in the lounge, as well as the understated chandelier bringing a romantic glow in the evening. Take a look around while you wait for the wood-burning stove to heat up – the bedroom is quite magnificent. A luxurious cushioned headboard, freestanding copper bathtub, and private balcony set over the water are just a few of the fabulous features. Wrap up in your fluffy bathrobes and settle into lakeside living.

Home truths:
*There are no laundry facilities, so it's not suitable for long-term stays
*You'll need to climb stairs to get around the home
*While you do have an ensuite, the bathtub is in the bedroom itself
*In this wonderfully rural location, there is no Wi-Fi and reception can be patchy – perfect for making the most of the great outdoors instead
*This home is not suitable for bookings with children and infants, but it's perfect for two adults
*As this home allows for self check-in with a lockbox, you won't meet your host
*Free onsite parking is available, and we do recommend bringing a car to explore the area in full
*There's no hairdryer, so you'll need to bring your own if you're planning on wild swimming in the lakes