Lakefield Boathouse : Herdwick Cottages

Unrivalled Luxury on the Shores of Ullswater, Lakefield Boathouse is an architectural masterpiece redefining luxury self-catering in the Lake District. Following a meticulous, no-expense-spared redevelopment, this spectacular seven-bedroom holiday home has been designed with the most discerning guests in mind, it seamlessly blends the timeless romance of a traditional lakeside retreat with the sleek, uncompromising standards of a modern smart home.

Your experience begins the moment you ascend the floating wooden staircase from the lower ground entrance. You are immediately welcomed into a magnificent, open-plan ‘Social Hub', where floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping bi-fold doors frame breathtaking, 180-degree views of the water. Exceptional interior design nods elegantly to the property's nautical heritage, highlighted by a striking glass floor in the living area that offers a dramatic view into the boathouse below. Whether you are sinking into one of the plush sofas beside the bespoke STÛV Lakeland stone fireplace, or stepping out onto the expansive glass-balustraded decking, the connection to the lake is ever-present.

Lakefield Boathouse is as wonderfully versatile as it is beautiful, making it the ultimate sanctuary for grand family celebrations, multi-generational holidays, or exclusive corporate retreats. The spectacular dining area, which seats fourteen, serves effortlessly as an inspiring boardroom table by day and an elegant setting for private chef-catered banquets by night. Behind the scenes, the property operates as a fully integrated "Smart House," powered by a Control4 home automation system. From intuitive touchpads in every room, guests can effortlessly command lighting, climate, and the property-wide audio system. All of this modern comfort is underpinned by impressive eco-credentials, with underfloor heating and power supplied by an extensive solar array, biomass boilers, and advanced heat-recovery systems. The house runs predominantly on renewable energy, with mains backup.

The sleeping quarters offer unparalleled comfort and privacy, thoughtfully divided into three distinct sections connected by a luminous, glass-lined corridor. At the far end, the Windermere Suite serves as a self-contained, two-storey luxury annexe—perfect for principal guests or those requiring a quiet escape—featuring its own state-of-the-art kitchen, living area, and a private roof terrace. The middle wing houses a dedicated Cinema Room alongside four beautifully appointed suites, whilst the main house features the stunning vaulted Ullswater and Grasmere suites upstairs. Except for Grasmere, every bedroom boasts glorious lake views, Herdwick wool carpets, and spa-quality en-suite bathrooms complete with walk-in showers and freestanding egg-shaped baths.

Outside, the luxury continues across extensive, beautifully landscaped private grounds. The spectacular full-width decking, complete with outdoor furniture, provides a wonderful space to enjoy panoramic views of the Lake. The sprawling lawns, with two ponds, the private pebbled beach, and your own slipway and jetty* provide ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. As dusk falls over the fells, gather around the large, circular Lakeland stone fire pit to toast marshmallows and share stories under a canopy of stars. *Please note that the Jetty will be unavailable for guest use until January 2027 for safety upgrades.

Lakefield Boathouse is not just a place to stay; it is a destination, one to be experienced and enjoyed with friends, family, or colleagues.

ACCOMMODATION SUMMARY
7 Luxury en-suite bedrooms, six of which have lake views, a cinema room, a living room with a glass floor and plenty of space for all.
Lakefield Boathouse has been purposefully built in three sections, connected by a tiled corridor.

Lower Ground Floor Entrance:
- Welcoming foyer with 11 'floating' wooden steps and glass ballustrades ascending to the ground floor. A dedicated elevator is available from this level for guests with limited mobility and for transporting heavy luggage to the ground floor.
- The Social Hub (Living/Dining/Kitchen): A magnificent, open-plan entertaining space with 180-degree panoramic lake views, floor-to-ceiling windows, and bi-folding doors opening to the main decking.
- Living Area: Features three plush 3-seater sofas and armchairs, a glass coffee table set upon a spectacular glass floor overlooking the boathouse below, and a striking two-sided STÛV fireplace set within a Lakeland stone pillar.
- Dining Area: Anchored by a bespoke wooden table seating 14 (ideal as a corporate conference table), complete with an adjacent serving counter, sink, and premium wine fridge.
- Kitchen: A state-of-the-art culinary space featuring a large central island with bar-stool seating, quartz worktops, a sink with Cooker Tap providing filtered boiling, chilled and sparkling water, and premium Siemens appliances, comprising three ovens, an induction hob, a large fridge, a separate freezer and a dishwasher.
- Cinema Room: A dedicated entertainment room boasting a 77” wall-mounted Smart TV with HDMI inputs, a large L-shaped sofa, reclining armchairs, recessed LED lighting, and direct decking access.
- Office: Dedicated workspace for up to four people, complete with deskspace, power sockets and ethernet ports.
- Washrooms: Two additional convenient WC and basin cloakrooms located on the ground floor.
- Utility Room: Complete with Bosch Serie 6 Washing machine and tumble dryer, utility sink, iron, ironing board, hoover and storage.

Bedrooms: 7 Luxury en-suite bedrooms, six of which have lake views. (Please note, at the time of the photos being taken, the blinds on the windows had not yet been installed. All the bedroom windows now have blinds.
- Windermere Suite (Self-Contained Annexe): A private two-storey retreat carpeted throughout with natural Herdwick sheep wool. The lower level features an open-plan kitchen, dining area, and living space with a Violino leather sofa and armchairs, Smart TV, and bi-fold doors to the decking. The upper mezzanine offers stunning lake views, a super-king-size bed, a dressing table, air-conditioning, a luxurious en-suite (a freestanding egg bath and walk-in shower), and access to a private, furnished roof terrace.
- Coniston Suite: Ground floor bedroom, tiled, with super-king-size bed (zip & link twin option), sliding doors to the decking, lake views, built-in wardrobes, dressing table/desk, Smart TV, and en-suite shower room.
- Bassenthwaite Suite: Ground floor bedroom, tiled, with super-king-size bed (zip & link twin option), sliding doors to the decking, lake views, armchairs, dressing table/desk, Smart TV, and en-suite shower room.
- Derwent Water Suite: Ground floor bedroom, tiled, mirroring Bassenthwaite, with super-king-size bed (zip & link twin option), sliding doors to the decking, lake views, dressing table/desk, Smart TV, and en-suite shower room.
- Thirlmere Suite: First-floor bedroom, carpeted, accessed via a private staircase, featuring a vaulted ceiling, floor-to-ceiling lake views, air-conditioning, super-king-size bed (zip & link twin option), seating area, Smart TV, and a full en-suite bathroom with freestanding egg bath.
- Grasmere Suite: First-floor bedroom, carpeted, with super-king-size bed, sofa seating, Smart TV, air-conditioning and an en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower and freestanding egg bath. (Please note: This is the only bedroom without a lake view.)
- Ullswater Suite (Principal Suite): First-floor master suite featuring a vaulted ceiling, Herdwick sheep wool carpets, floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning lake views, a super-king-size bed with a Smart TV that rises out the plynh at the foot of the bed, a living area, dual dressing tables/desks, air-conditioning, and a lavish en-suite with a freestanding egg bath, twin basins, shaver points, and a walk-in shower featuring a landscape view window.
- Furnished roof terrace - Grasmere and Ullswater Suits have shared access to the roof terrace.

Outside Space
- The Grounds: Extensive lakefront gardens featuring a private slipway, pebbled beach, fishing hut, two natural ponds, a large Lakeland stone fire pit seating area, and full-width glass-balustraded decking. Ample parking is available for guests. Please note that the Jetty will be unavailable for guest use until January 2027 for safety upgrades.

THINGS TO NOTE:
- Occupancy & Check-In: The property sleeps a maximum of 14 guests. Standard check-in is from 4:00 PM, and check-out is by 10:00 AM.
- Third-Party Services: We encourage guests to elevate their stay with private chefs, therapists, or activity providers. However, Herdwick Cottages must be notified at least one week in advance, and a copy of the provider's Public Liability Insurance must be supplied. We are delighted to assist with recommendations.
- Hen/Stag Events: Celebratory events are welcome; Hen & Stag-type events are not permitted. 
- Double/Twin Beds: All beds are super-king-size doubles by default. The beds in Coniston, Bassenthwaite, Derwent Water and Thirlmere suites can be split into two 3ft single beds on request.
- Mobile & Internet: 5G mobile reception is available outdoors on most networks, but indoors, it can be limited due to the thickness of walls. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the house via Starlink.
- Water Safety: Lakefield Boathouse is a true waterfront property, with the water's edge located less than 8 metres from the house. Guests are encouraged to swim, launch leisure craft, and enjoy the lake at their own risk. Please note that lake water can be extremely cold, there are no lifeguards on duty, and all external surfaces (decking, slipway) can be slippery when wet.
- Lake Usage: Guests are very welcome to use the lake for leisure craft from the private slipway; however, please be aware that all activities are subject to the Ullswater Byelaws. To ensure the safety and tranquillity of the lake, a strict 10 mph speed limit applies to all motor craft.
- Fishing: Guests are welcome to fish from the lakeshore. Ullswater holds perch, pike, char and schelly, but is best known for its stock of wild brown trout. The brown trout fishing season runs from 15 March to 30 September. A rod licence is required to fish on Ullswater. These can be obtained from the Glenridding Tourist Information Centre. This allows the holder to fish for non-migratory trout with a single rod and line, or for freshwater coarse fish with up to two rods and lines.
- Grounds & Ponds: There are two shallow, unfenced natural ponds situated within the gardens. Children must be supervised at all times when outdoors.
- Boathouse Access: Guests have full use of the private slipway; however, the physical boathouse structure extending underneath the main house is not accessible to guests for safety and operational reasons.
- Jetty: Please note that the Jetty will be unavailable for guest use until January 2027 for safety upgrades. The slipway remains available, and craft can be beached or removed to a trailer in poor weather.
- Accessibility: An internal lift is available from the lower ground-floor entrance to the ground floor, ideal for guests with limited mobility or with heavy luggage. All primary social areas, the decking, and three of the bedroom suites are situated on a single, accessible level. All ground-floor doorways have a minimum clearance of 83cm.
- Pet Policy: One well-behaved dog is warmly welcomed. Additional dogs may be accommodated only by prior arrangement, subject to breed and the owner's approval.
- Parking & Security: Secure, private parking is available for up to 8 vehicles. The entrance gate operates automatically via ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition). You will be required to provide your vehicle registration numbers prior to arrival to programme the gates. CCTV cameras are installed on the exterior of the house only for security.
- Electric Vehicle Charging: Due to the house being predominantly "off-grid", relying on solar power, EV charging is not permitted. The nearest EV Chargers are located at Rheged Activity Centre.
- Garden Restoration: Due to the extensive building works, parts of the garden immediately surrounding the house are recovering with newly laid grass seed.
- Security Deposit: We require a £1,000 refundable security deposit, payable by bank transfer within 14 days of arrival. The deposit will be refunded by bank transfer within 7 days of departure, once the housekeepers have given the house a check-over.