High Houses

Tucked away at the quieter end of the Lake District National Park is this beguiling 17th-century hilltop house – all lime-plastered walls, rustic beams, open fires and original flagstones. Its delightful owners, who live in the house’s other half, have resisted smoothing out the rough edges; 1920s graffiti still adorns the stable dividers. The hardships of country living have, however, been banished: find lovely new pink and soft-green ‘pineapple’ covers on sitting room chairs, delicious bed linen and towels, hand-made soaps and piping hot radiators. Bedrooms may prompt some tough decisions – do you choose the room with the roll top bath (semi en suite) and the cockloft for kids, or the four-poster with the sofabed and the log fire? The farmhouse kitchen is cosy with Aga, big fridge and gadgets aplenty, but reluctant cooks can book Jill’s homemade meals in advance. Beautiful views reach out from every fine sash window to wildlife-rich farmland beyond – 350 private acres, yours to explore. Venture further and you reach the Lakes and the Solway Plain. Heaven for sybarites and walkers.