Alastair Sawday's Special Escapes: Self-catering in the UK

The Hayloft, Cumrew House

The Hayloft, Cumrew House, Cumrew, Headsnook, Carlisle, Cumbria, England

Beneath watercolour-washed Cumrew Fell, in the quietest corner of Cumbria's Eden Valley, rests the Hayloft – fittingly simple on the outside, all lightness and warmth within. Set your own pace – slow nights by the fire, mild exertions on the tennis court, hearty treks up the hills. There's a skilful mix of space, comfort, originality and tradition, so kick off those boots and pad up wooden stairs into the uplifting, long-beamed living space. Sofas huddle round the wood-burner; a big dining table stands alongside the brilliantly kitted-out kitchen. There's even a snug lined with books, with its own private view. Down the beamed corridor are two en suite bedrooms: one super-king with silky pillows, crisp white cotton and sharp shower room with chequerboard floor, the other with subdued taupe walls and criss-crossing beams. The Hayloft adjoins the owners' Georgian house but you're pretty private, and can wander at will in the walled garden – barbecuing on balmy nights. Black grouse strut on the local RSPB reserve; the Coast to Coast cycle route and fell walks start from the door. Carlisle is ten miles, Hadrian's Wall, the Lake District and the Scottish Borders not much further.

One well-behaved dog welcome!

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Details

The Hayloft, Cumrew House

Contact: Andrew & Kit Hollings

• Tel: 01768 896115
• Sleeps: 4 plus cot
• Rooms: 2 twin/doubles (1 with bath/shower; 1 with shower), w/c.
• Price: £390 – £690. Short breaks are available from £300. Fri - Mon or Mon - Fri
• Closed: Rarely.

Checklist

• Dishwasher
• Electricity included
• Washing machine
• Microwave oven
• Central heating
• Mobile reception
• Television
• BBQ
• Beach within 3 miles
• Cooked meals available
• Restaurant nearby
• Short breaks possible
• Extra bed/cot available
• Shop within 3 miles

Points of interest

• Walk from the door up into the Geltsdale RSPB Reserve . Local wildlife artist, Ashley Boon, can take you on a guided Cubrian wildlife safari where you will see what a feast of species the area has to offer.
• Hadrians Wall, with its many milecastles and forts, is only a short drive away. Relive history with your family at nearby Birdoswald fort - the kids will love the interactive museum.
• For the green-fingered, there are some glorious gardens to visit in the area. Acorn Bank, Levens Hall and Hutton-in-the-forest, to name but 3.
• Take a drive, or a cycle (not for the faint-hearted!) up Hartside to Alston, the highest market town in Britain. You'll pass the renowned Village Bakery in Melmerby for refreshments. Check out their website for bread-making courses.
• Mabie Farm Park, Dumfriesshire and Trotters Farm on Bassenthwaite make great days out for those kids who love wild and wonderful creatures - as well as a whole host of other activities on offer. Both are under an hours drive away.
• You can walk or cycle to several good pubs nearby - and the renowned Weary Sportsman restaurant is only 3 miles away. Babysitters, tried, tested and recommended by us, can be organised if you want a night out.

This information is provided by owners and is not endorsed by ASP. If you have questions about it, please contact the owners.