Home > England > Cumbria > Stepping Stones Country House self cater

Stepping Stones Country House self catering

Lake District Self Catering near Ambleside in the beautiful Lake District
Lake District self catering holidays rarely come in a more picturesque setting. Stepping Stones is an historic country property, which was once owned by William Wordsworth's son and overlooks the famous stepping stones across the River Rothay.

With beautiful views in every direction; this lovely location is amazingly within walking distance of the bustling village of Ambleside. It is also within a short drive both of Wordsworth's Dove Cottage in Grasmere and the popular tourist villages of Bowness and Windermere.

Within this 'picture postcard' rambling property are four cottage style self catering holiday apartments, each one having their own front door leading into the garden and grounds. They offer a lovely and private home from home for you to enjoy your Lake District holiday. Conjure up your ideal Lakeland retreat….beautiful views, fantastic walks straight from your door, an abundance of local wildlife including ducks, red deer and the occasional otter and red squirrel, open fires, a myriad of local eateries……and much, much more….Stepping Stones has it all.

Set in the outskirts of Ambleside in the small village of Rydal, Stepping Stones is located overlooking a much visited beauty spot. The current owners took over the property in spring 2011 after falling in love with the wonderful location, and seeing the great potential of the historic house. Since their arrival they have been progressively refurbishing the four cottage apartments believing that todays' holiday maker is looking not only for location but also for quality accommodation with a high level of comfort and attention to detail.

The rich history of this rambling property dates back more than 400 years when it would have been a considerably smaller property, and then expanding in size in Victorian times. Its most famous owner was the son of the great Lakeland poet William Wordsworth (also called William) who bought the house in 1881 for £1,600. He was rather wealthy thanks to his famous father bequeathing him his well paid post of Stamp Distributor for Cumberland & Westmorland, receiving an income of more than £400 per annum.

The Wordsworth family would have known Stepping Stones by its former name of 'Spring Cottage' Aptly named after the fresh water spring that tumbles down from the fell side onto the grounds and supplied water to the property as it still does today. Stepping Stones remained in the Wordsworth family until 1935.

The Lakeland poet Quillian was also a previous owner. He retired from the army and settled here in 1821 and in 1841 married Dora Wordsworth after the death of his first wife

It is not hard to see why Stepping Stones attracted Quillian and the Wordsworths as the area is truly outstanding in its Lakeland beauty. As a holiday property Stepping Stones can now be enjoyed by holiday makers, many of whom return again each year and some more frequently.