From Lake Windermere to the western fringes of the Eden Valley, Cumbria’s landscape holds craggy fells, fast-moving skies, deep woodland and ancient dry stone walls. While hotels offer polish, the right cottage delivers a more authentic stay in this wild and wonderful part of Britain.
Whether it be a hideaway overlooking Derwentwater or a reimagined farmhouse in the shadow of Blencathra, the opportunity to find suitably unique and characterful accommodations in this part of the world should not be passed up. Each of these Cumbrian cottages is well-equipped, and undeniably comfortable for guests seeking to embrace the county’s charm and their surroundings.
The Place, Lowick Green
Formerly a cluster of barns and byres on a quiet fellside near Coniston, The Place has been fully reimagined by the brilliant team behind Another Place, The Lake. Whitewashed stone walls hold calming interiors of pale wood, oversized linen sofas, sheepskin throws, and handmade ceramic lighting fixtures. There are five bedrooms across two cottages, The Farmhouse and The Barn, with both available separately or together for one large party.
The dining room has a glass wall looking out over the fells, while underfloor heating and a firepit patio keep things cosy year-round. In-house catering is available via the hotel’s kitchen, and concierge services extend to paddleboarding on the lake or private hikes through nearby Grizedale Forest. For guests looking to combine an isolated setting without skipping out on comfort, this is one of the most coveted stays in the county.
The Cow Shed, Cartmel
Set within the Michelin-starred orbit of Cartmel, The Cow Shed is part of the same family that owns the acclaimed L’Enclume. Originally a 19th-century cattle shed, the property now serves as a contemporary bolthole with striking architectural details. Vaulted ceilings imbue ambience, the open-plan living area is flooded with natural light, and glass doors open onto a private terrace garden for views of the surrounding area.
There’s one master bedroom and a large bathroom with a freestanding tub and underfloor heating. Bespoke joinery, a wood-burning stove, and curated artwork lend the space both character and cosiness. The cottage is only a three-minute walk from Cartmel Priory and the village’s excellent food scene. Booking includes priority reservations at Simon Rogan’s restaurants, making this a rare accommodation where guests can experience the rustic charm of Cumbria, whilst sampling some of its finest food.
Hause Hall Farm, Martindale
Overlooking the seldom-travelled Martindale valley, Hause Hall Farm is the crown jewel in Rowley Estates’ high-end rural portfolio. The main farmhouse sleeps ten across five bedrooms, with exposed beams, deep-silled windows, and roaring open fires. For larger groups, the adjoining Cruik Barn and The Stables offer space for another eight guests, allowing Hause Hall Farm to accommodate very large parties for celebrations.
The restoration is sensitive to its setting with oak floors, heritage colours, and antique furnishings filling the house. Outside, the views are among the finest in the Lakes, offering a cinematic sweep of fells, with deer often spotted on the far slopes. Ullswater is only a short drive, whilst private chefs, wine deliveries and massage therapists can all be arranged ahead of arrival for guests in need of pampering.
The Signal Box, Ullock
A true one-off, The Signal Box is a decommissioned 1950s railway control tower turned characterful self-catering cottage. It sleeps just two and is designed as a romantic retreat for couples. The open-plan upper floor houses the bedroom and living space, complete with retro railway signage, vintage lighting, and deep green heritage paintwork. The views over the surrounding farmland are unbroken, framed by Cumbrian stone walls and ancient hedgerows, and the soft sound of sheep.
Downstairs, there’s a compact but well-equipped kitchen and a slate-lined shower room. The location between the coast and the Lakes makes it a smart choice for guests keen to explore either by foot or by car. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience to stay somewhere small, but packing a huge punch in terms of atmosphere and setting.
Crag Cottage, Borrowdale
Nestled in one of the Lake District’s most scenic valleys, Crag Cottage blends period charm with plush interiors. The thick stone walls enclose a two-bedroom cottage designed with muted textures, wool, slate, and striped pine. There’s a farmhouse kitchen, wood-burning stove, and an upstairs bathroom with a rolltop bath facing out towards Castle Crag, ideal for soaking in after long days out walking on the feels.
The garden backs directly onto the fells, and the surrounding footpaths offer gentle strolls or more ambitious hikes straight from the door. Borrowdale itself remains one of the less commercial corners of the Lakes, and this cottage serves as a base for those who prize peace, authenticity, and proximity to some amazing walking trails.
Gill Beck Barn, Penrith
For those preferring something more modern to the rustic, Gill Beck Barn, located on the edge of the Lake District near Penrith, features three large bedrooms, a central open-plan living space with floor-to-ceiling windows, and vast countryside views across private pastureland. The décor is stripped back, with Scandi-inspired tones, a steel staircase, and hand-poured concrete floors, but it remains welcoming thanks to warm feature lighting and carefully selected furnishings.
The barn sits alone on a private estate and is equipped for a modern stay in this wild part of the country. Quooker tap, underfloor heating, blackout blinds, and a built-in sound system ensure it’s a space well-suited for family gatherings, creative retreats, or long weekends seeking solitude. Although it sits outside the National Park boundary, Ullswater is within 20 minutes and the drive passes through exceptional countryside, offering plenty of avenues for exploration.
Broadmea Barn & Stable
Just shy of the North Pennines AONB, Broadmea comprises two stone-built holiday homes, the Barn and Stable. Guests can book either property separately or together, making it ideal for larger groups. The interiors are warm and offer a rural-chi decor, with leather armchairs, exposed stonework, heavy wooden furniture and farmhouse kitchens with AGA stoves.
Outside, there's a shared hot tub looking out over the moors, and a barbecue terrace for those long summer evenings. The setting is wilder and less travelled than the central Lakes, offering dramatic skies and total seclusion. Despite this, both cottages have excellent Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and rainfall showers. It’s a place where guests can truly disconnect, without compromising on creature comforts, to feel more at home with nature.
