Wink to the Past

Wink to the Past: Cumbria

Stay awhile at this stunning Grade II Listed 18th Century residence, located inside the Lake District National Park's villages of Staveley and Ings – and just a five-minute drive from Lake Windemere. Before you've even set foot through the majestic fifteen-panelled entrance door, you know this isn't your average holiday home. Eyes immediately draw to the stunning sweeping oak staircase, with two panoramic windows revealing a wooded garden that beckons for you to relax in. Inside, this exquisite home comes with all the period trimmings – original feature alcoves, parquet wooden flooring, sash windows, panelled walls, and antique furnishings galore. Upstairs, discover two immaculately presented bedrooms where five-star hotel standard king-size beds await, while a double-ended slipper bath brings a touch of decadence to the bathrooms. Back downstairs, the well-equipped kitchen with stylish black AGA and Belfast sink makes preparing mealtimes a joy, and with two large reception rooms, there's space for you to all spill out here. When it's time to spread your wings, Staveley is a leisurely ten-minute stroll away, where you'll find a traditional pub, quirky cafes, a bakery, gelato bar, a microbrewery, bike hire, and so the list goes on. And of course, there's Lake Windermere – how could we forget.

Home truths:
*Your hosts live in the smaller annex next door – they’ll welcome you, then leave you to enjoy your holiday
*There's off-road parking for four cars on the driveway
*There is wi-fi at the home, but due to its rural location it’s not the speediest
*The 599 open-top bus is just a 10-minute walk down the road in Ings - taking you to Windermere, Bowness, Ambleside and Grasmere
*There’s no freezer in the kitchen, but your host Gillian always has ice at the ready for a cheeky G&T
*The hosts feel this home is unsuitable for children due to the gas AGA and the large staircase that has no gates - do contact them if this isn't a concern for you or your children though
*There's a welcome gift including milk, butter, and artisan bread