Horrock Wood Farm  |  Watermillock - Ullswater

Horrock Wood Farm lies above the western shore of Ullswater. Considered by many to be the most beautiful of the all the lakes, the farmhouse has the most wonderful outlook. Set just above the lake, your view is filled by nearby meadow, a shimmering glint of water and a backdrop of fell and mountain, where the mood and atmosphere, colour and hue change with the time of year.

The farm house offers the perfect location for family holidays in the northern Lake District, being 7 miles into the National Park from Penrith, yet is off the tourist trail offering true peace and seclusion.

On shores of Ullswater, you can have plenty of fun in and on the water, where at Glenridding and Pooley Bridge you can hire boats, along with the many walks onto high fell and mountain, all with the perfect house to come home to relax and unwind after your day’s activity.

One walk not to missed is Aira Force, probably the most famous of the Lake District waterfalls. The main force falls some 70ft below a stone footbridge - so don't forget your camera.

To the southern end of the lake, 6 miles away, are the villages of Glenridding and Patterdale from which to explore Grisedale and Helvellyn. At the northern end, 3 miles away, is Pooley Bridge with its pier for the famous Ullswater Steamers. All have local shops and some fine inns to enjoy a meal out.

On the eastern side of the lake is possibly the one must do walk. Accessed from the southern tip of the lake, a trail leads all way back north, sometimes hugging the lake shore sometimes rising up onto the fell, where the views are truly spectacular.

Horrock Wood Farm

A 16th century detached farm house and barns, Horrock Wood Farm has been completely refurbished to offer guests a super house, set in the very heart of the Lake District. Views and a quality I am sure will recognised by Visit England, make this farmhouse perfect for your lakeland holiday. 

For me the excitement starts with the approach from the lake road, along a private cinder track, where the house can be seen ahead nestling by a stand of trees and ancient barns, the whole creating the perfect picture of a private lake district retreat. At the end of the track you swing into the old farmyard and through a gate to park behind the house.

The barns are in use by a local farmer but you are welcome to potter about under the shady trees or by the little beck that runs nearby.
A little path passes between the house and one of the barns and opens out to the terrace garden. You can enter through the main hall door, the large French doors or, if coming in from the fells, perhaps the kitchen door at the rear of the house.

Let us start by going in through the kitchen door.
You step into a large laundry room, ideal for storage, off which you also have a downstairs shower and a separate WC with basin. From here you walk into the kitchen. Well furnished and equipped, where with most mod cons' the space is perfect for preparing light lunches and fabulous suppers.
From the kitchen you enter the large diningroom.

To one end of the room, under a canopy of oak beams, there is a fine table set with eight chairs. To the other a large plump sofa and armchair placed around a log burning stove set into the original fireplace. The large window, with its double doors, opens out to the paved garden where the views are simply the best.

From the dining room you step into the entrance hall and across to the sitting room. Big sofas are set around a roaring open fire giving lots of atmosphere, making the room perfect to tuck up with friends and family to relax, talk, play games, read or watch a movie.

From the hall the stairway winds up to the first floor. Off a long corridor lie the four bedrooms and the master bathroom with bath, overhead shower, basin and WC. You can choose from either of the two double bedrooms, one having an en-suite shower room, or maybe one of the two twin bedded rooms. All are very well furnished and very comfortable, each offering perfect views.

Finally back outside you have the terrace garden which looks directly over to the lake and fells and I can think of no better backdrop to and evening meal alfresco.

For me this is one of the finest houses in the lake district, offering the perfect retreat for families and friends. It will be as much a delight to enjoy the property as it will to explore the surrounding natural beauty of the National Park, and I am sure this delightful house will please all who come and stay.

Horrock Wood Farm Inventory

• Property Type
  Lake District Holiday Cottage - Detached - Rural Location
• 2 Double bedrooms, 1 with en-suite shower room
• 2 Twin bedrooms
• Nursery Equipment - 1 Travel cot - 1 Highchair
• Duvets - Full linen & towels
• 1 Master bathroom with bath, overhead shower, WC & hand basin
• 1 Downstairs Shower room
• 1 Downstairs WC with basin
• Oil central heating
• Log burning stove in the dining room
• Open Fire in the Sitting room
• Logs - Pre order 2 bags maximum £8 per bag - Further logs please purchase locally
• Electric cooker
• Microwave
• Fridge/freezer
• Dishwasher
• Washing machine
• Tumble drier
• Coffee cafetiere
• Iron & Ironing board
• Flat screen 
• DVD and portable CD player
• Electricity & oil inclusive
• Garden furniture & barbecue
• Lockable bike store
• No smokers
• 2 Well behaved dogs - £25 per dog. Please note guests are to be fully responsible for their pets where they must respect the property and grounds, follow specific instructions left at the property, also be aware of any farm stock nearby - see terms and conditions. On departure and to avoid a GHD charge, guests must clean up after their pet both inside the property and the grounds.
• Parking for at least 3 cars - Other cars may be parked in the farmyard however we request guests do not block access to barns or track
• Gable end barn may be used for bikes and storage - please bring your own padlock
• Please note the beck is unfenced

Nearest Amenities

The Brackenrigg Inn, Watermillock
The Rampsbeck Hotel and restaurant, Watermillock
The Royal Hotel, Dockray
Pooley Bridge has 3 pubs, an outdoor shop and grocers and tourist information
The Rheged centre on the A66 has local produce farm shop and cafes, outdoor gear shop, gift shops and tourist information
Penrith for supermarkets and general shopping
Keswick for shops, restaurants and attractions
Sharrow Bay Hotel (Michelin starred restaurant) Howtown
Ullswater for water sports and coastal walks
Aira Force waterfall
Ullswater Steamers accessed either from Pooley Bridge or Glenridding
Ullswater Marine for local boat hire in Watermillock
Alpaca Centre, Stainton
Dalemain House
Rheged Centre
Fell walks
Mountain biking