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Hartsop Hall Cottages

Hartsop Hall is a 16th Century Grade I listed building of great historical significance. It is a traditional hill farm with a flock of some 800 Swaledale and Herdwick sheep, and some Aberdeen Angus cattle.

The landscape is dominated by high peaks and a gentler valley floor, leading down towards Brotherswater and into Patterdale, to Ullswater. Set in this dramatic scenery, our two cottages, Dovedale and Caudale Beck, offer guests a unique working farm holiday experience, with the opportunity of superb walking right from the door.

The summits of Fairfield, Dove Crag, St Sunday Crag, High Street and the whole Helvellyn range can be gained. For those seeking a gentler walking experience, a bridle path leads down to Brotherswater and along the valley via Hartsop Fold to reach Patterdale and Ullswater. On Ullswater, take a steamer trip up the lake, where you can disembark at Howtown and walk back along the lake shore (one of Wainwright's favourite lower level walks!)

Caudale Beck (sleeps 6) was built in 1699 and is a Grade II listed Lakeland farmhouse nestling in seclusion at the end of its own driveway at the foot of the Kirkstone Pass. It retains its traditional appeal, and its pine and oak furnishings are combined with modern creature comforts like a Rayburn, dishwasher and washing machine.

There are four spacious bedrooms (two doubles and two singles). The large lounge has an open fire, for which the fuel is provided. There is also a separate dining room/study and a large back kitchen where many of the domestic offices are to be found. Outside there is a small paved area for BBQs or sitting out, and a large unpaved farmyard area, in which the sheep are often wandering.

Dovedale Cottage (sleeps 6) is a wing of Hartsop Hall, with magnificent views of the moors in front. The property is reached at the end of a quarter-mile farm drive.

The recently refurbished dining kitchen is spacious and well equipped; there is central heating throughout and the lounge also has an open fire, with fuel provided. Upstairs are three huge bedrooms (two doubles, one twin), and there is also a single bedroom downstairs with large en-suite shower room, suitable for use by wheelchair users.

There is also a recently resurfaced bridle path leading from Dovedale Cottage to Brotherswater, giving wheelchair users access to the Lakeshore.

At both properties, bed linen is provided (but not towels) and all electricity and fuel is included in the rental price. Dogs are permitted, subject to certain restrictions (it being a working farm) so contact the owners.