Overview
Ford Barn lies at the heart of Cartmel Village, just off the main square. Formerly a traditional Lakeland barn dating from 1643, it is now a chic, stylish conversion designed for easy and relaxed living, lending itself to both family holidays and the perfect romantic retreat, affording a quality that has been recognised by the Visit England highest award of a 5 Star Gold.
Cartmel is one of our most popular and sought-after villages and home of the Cartmel Races, the smallest steeplechase racecourse in the country. Located on the peninsula, it lies just six miles south of Lake Windermere, and is a huddle of the most delightful period architecture, including the magnificent Norman priory, an eclectic mix of specialist shops, along with a host of pubs, cafes and restaurants, among which number the UK’s top dining venue, Simon Rogan's two Michelin star L'Enclume.
From the village square, a little alley sits between the two pubs, leading to the gate which opens into the courtyard of Ford Barn giving guests private parking for one car. The owners live next door in Ford Byre and are on hand should you wish, to help you make the most of your stay, whilst being respectful of your privacy.
Living Spaces
The whole house is tastefully furnished with delightful touches along with an impressive collection of original art adorning the walls
You step into a good size hallway, off which lies the sitting room, the downstairs WC, along with opening into the kitchen and utility room. Well-appointed with all mod cons, you will be able to prepare your favourite Jamie dish, and in summer spill out into the garden for alfresco dining.
The sitting room has large glazed windows looking out onto the front courtyard. To one end there are comfy sofas and an armchair, perfect for relaxing or taking in a movie on the wide screen TV, and to the other a fine dining table set for six.
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
The oak stairway leads up to the three bedrooms and house bathroom. There is a master king-size double with an en-suite shower room with basin and WC, a second double bedroom with pitched ceiling and finally a delightful single bedroom with its raft of beams.
The house bathroom has a bath with overhead shower, basin and WC. Finally, downstairs in the hall a further WC with basin.
Garden Spaces
From the kitchen French doors, you go out into the sunny walled garden, a real bonus for any Cartmel property. Grass and patio areas are bordered by trees and shrubs and the sunny aspect makes it perfect to dine alfresco. As the property is close to the river you may well get a visit from the famous Cartmel ducks
All in all, Ford Barn is a real find. A quality property, set in the heart of the village with all the amenities that it offers, yet with the privacy we all desire, and with the ease to explore both the coast, the peninsula along with the lakes and mountains of the national park – perfect!
The Location
Set on the Cartmel Peninsula and surrounded by rolling hills that tumble down to the coast Cartmel is one of Cumbria's finest and unique villages. Picture perfect with ancient buildings, an impressive medieval priory, a towering arch and a sweet clear river along with the smallest National Hunt race course and a local brewery, this lively village a friendly welcome where you can sample the many cosy inns or fine restaurants, not least Simon Rogan's L'Enclume.
There are good local walks, notable is Hampsfell and Eggerslack Wood, a limestone fell and ancient woodland where the summit gives panoramic views of the Morecambe Bay and the Lake District Mountains, and where in spring the woodland is carpeted in bluebells.
For shopping there is the Cartmel Village Store in the square, and in Unsworth Yard you have Cartmel Cheeses and The Bread Shed along with The Red Pepper & Hot Wines shop and the Cartmel Brewery where you can sample some fine local brewed ale. Once a month the village holds a food market with many local producers setting up their stalls.
To the north of the village, clustered at the foot of Windermere lake, lies Newby Bridge, Lakeside and Fell Foot, the National Trusts parkland. At the Lakeside you can hop on a steamer for a trip on the lake, which winds its way for ten miles into the central fells, passing on the way Bowness, Sawrey and finishing at the Waterhead terminus near Ambleside.
Dogs are charged at £20 each per full or part week.
Please note there is a refundable £150 security deposit for this property payable closer to the start of your holiday.