North Highfield

About this property

Luxuriate in elegant surroundings with stunning views in this Windermere lakeside holiday home. North Highfield was built as a gentleman's residence and boasts beautiful Victorian details with modern comforts. It sleeps 12 people in six well-appointed bedrooms, with four reception rooms, five bathrooms, and extensive grounds. It's a fantastic location for your next family reunion or get together with friends. Windermere village and Bowness-on-Windermere are both within easy reach, as are places like Scafell Pike and Orrest Head. 

North Highfield has been described as "the most enviable abode in the country" by the Victorian travel writer Harriet Martineau after her visit in 1855. Guests fortunate enough to stay at this holiday home on the edge of Windermere are inclined to agree, falling in love with the elegant period features and the breathtaking views across the lake to the Old Man of Coniston, Scafell Pike and the Langdales. Every element of the home can impress, from the elegant rooms with their generous proportions to the contemporary chef-friendly kitchen and mod cons such as efficient central heating, fast WiFi and Smart TVs. The house sleeps 12 people with six bedrooms, four reception rooms and huge gardens. It's perfect for large families, extended families and friends who don't want to choose between location and luxury.

Windermere has been winning over visitors since the Victorians discovered the appeal of holidays and started visiting in the 1800s. Windermere refers to the village and the lake, which, at 10.5 miles long and 220 feet deep, is the biggest natural lake in England. Bring your SUP or kayak to launch from the jetty on the nearby private lakeshore plot, or brave the chilly water for a refreshing swim. The house has secure storage for bikes and sporting equipment, which means you can also explore on foot or by bicycle. You're less than a mile from Windermere village where there are two supermarkets, shops, cafes, a tourist information centre, and a mainline train station. Another mile takes you to the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, where there are more shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, and attractions that include The World of Beatrix Potter, the Windermere Jetty Museum, a steamboat, and a church dating from 1483.

As magnificent as the views from North Highfield's house and gardens are, the landscape of the Lake District is best enjoyed when you immerse yourself in it completely. Fell walking and mountain biking are always popular, with some guests choosing to book a guided walk or ride to help them make the most of their experience. Some of the finest views in the entire national park are from Orrest Head which you can walk to from the house. Take the ferry over the lake to Sawry, visit the Aquarium of the Lakes, or take a ride on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway.

North Highfield couldn't be in a better location for your Lake District holiday. As well as having uninterrupted views over the lake and fells, it's close to favourite attractions and sights that will leave you booking your next stay as soon as possible.

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Accommodation Comprises:

North Highfield is a Victorian gentleman's residence, built to impress guests while hosting them in a high standard of comfort. It is a welcoming place, beautifully furnished in a style that suits the age of the house while still meeting the expectations of 21st Century visitors. Accommodation is over three levels.

Ground Floor:

Guests can't resist the lure of the open fire in the main sitting room with its stunning views and plentiful seating. This is a place where everyone can gather to socialise, read, watch TV with Freeview channels, Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney Plus. There is also a grand piano. A door opens onto the terrace and lawns.

Even an average meal will be elevated to a special occasion in the formal dining room. Set the scene with Villeroy and Boch flatware, plates and glasses. The table seats 14 guests.

Two kitchens will ensure no one goes hungry. The main kitchen has a range cooker and ample catering equipment and utensils. The second kitchen is equally well-equipped and can be used as a relaxed breakfast room thanks to the table and chairs.

First Floor:

Two staircases lead from the ground floor to the middle level where four of the six bedrooms are.

Lowther is at the front of the house with spectacular views over the grounds to the lake, Scafell Pike, and the Old Man of Coniston. It's beautifully furnished with an antique king-sized bed, bedside tables with reading lights, a chest of drawers and a wardrobe. The ensuite has a shower, WC and a handbasin.

Banner is another sumptuous bedroom with a king-sized sleigh bed, ample storage, and an ensuite shower room. It is named after one of the earlier owners of the house, Edward Banner, who lived here in the 1870s.

Dootson is at the rear of the house and enjoys lovely views. It has a king-sized bed with a hidden TV at the end that rises up when you want to relax in bed with your favourite show and sinks away when not needed. The room is named after a previous owner, Judy Dootson, who created many of the paintings around the house and who loved this room.

Carver is also at the rear of the house with fell views. It has a double bed and antique furniture, and a large modern ensuite with a shower, heated towel rail, WC and a handbasin.

Library with seating and an extensive collection of books. It's a wonderful room in which to read or sit and enjoy the wonderful views.

Second Floor:

Martineau is another large bedroom with views worth waking early for. The bed can be configured either as a superking (6ft-wide) or two full-sized single beds depending on your preference.

Sheldon also has superking/twin beds and ample storage. It is named after William Sheldon, who built the house in 1855.

Family bathroom with a large shower, heated towel rail, WC and a handbasin.

The top floor works well as a family suite. A stairgate is available.

Outside: Expansive grounds feature mature trees, lawn, seating areas, a climbing frame, a summerhouse and secure storage for bikes, SUPs and kayaks. At the bottom of the garden a path passes through the neighbouring property and leads for about half an mile to the lakeshore where there is a private jetty. A separate laundry room has a washing machine and a tumble dryer. The house has off-street parking for six cars.

Additional Information: Utilities, WiFi, bed linen and bath towels are included. Two well-behaved dogs are welcome by arrangement. A travel cot (no bedding) and stairgate are available. Smoking is not permitted.