Set within the privately owned Aynsome Manor Park in the Cartmel Valley, this two-bedroom lodge is ideal for one or two couples, a group of friends or family. Adjacent to a serene mill pond, the lodge’s setting is wonderfully tranquil, and nearby are smaller ponds and an orchard. Cartmel itself, about a mile away along a public footpath, is a Medieval village with a historic priory, a renowned racecourse and a choice of places to eat and drink – not least of which is the sticky toffee pudding shop. You can also book Segway rides and activities with alpacas and Friesian horses. On the wider South Lakes peninsula, there are a multitude of stunningly scenic walks, ranging from gentle strolls to more challenging hikes. The busier towns of Bowness and Windermere are just 13 miles away, giving access to cruises on Lake Windermere itself.
As you arrive at the lodge, take a moment to enjoy the beautiful scenery all around, with mature trees and shrubs providing a calm setting for a relaxing getaway. Take two shallow steps up to the front door, and step into the open-plan living space – there is underfloor heating throughout for cosiness all year round. The well-designed kitchen has been set up for those who love to cook, and as well as the standard appliances, it features additional equipment such as a slow cooker, cake tins and a stick blender. When you have prepared your gourmet feast, the dining table seats four comfortably for sociable meals, or for sitting back afterwards and perusing the maps provided. From here, you can look out over the garden and the pond. After supper, sink into the plush seating in the lounge area, where a Smart TV with a sound bar offers entertainment. In good weather, open the bi-fold doors to the patio and enjoy the fresh country air. The two tranquil bedrooms have ample storage and enjoy natural light in the mornings when the sun rises over Hampsfell. From the double bedroom, you can watch the birds enjoying the feeder as you sip a coffee. This room also boasts an en-suite shower room, while the twin room has use of a separate bathroom with a shower over the bath.
The south-facing patio is a perfect spot for al fresco drinks in the sunshine, watching the ducks, moorhens and resident kingfisher swimming or diving into the pond – binoculars are provided to help you spot as many feathered friends as possible. The side patio is set up for outdoor dining with chairs and a table with integrated ice bucket. Private parking for two cars is available on the gravel drive next to the lodge.