There’s been a working grain mill here since 1327; this one was built in the 1800s. Fragments of the past remain: staircases and floors of oak grown on the estate, grinding stones set into the floor, and the old apple-wood cogs encased in glass. There’s a lovely approach to this stunning conversion, a hugely comfortable retreat for four, with the master bedroom positioned grandly at the top, and below the tiny twin. Cook just-caught brown trout from the river Lyvennet on a shiny black Rangemaster, dine at a handmade oak table furnished with welcoming flowers and a bottle of wine, lounge on a leather sofa by the gas wood-burner, idle with a book on the balcony. By day, venture out on the snaking road past fields of cattle to King’s Meaburn village, to Appleby for delis, pubs and a country fair in summer, to Lowther Castle for those seeking gothic revival grandeur. Nature is embraced indoors, too: the mill has a hidden bat loft with an aperture only accessible to the pipistrelle! Colours are cream and duck-egg blue melting into pale oak, mattresses are superb, shower heads drench you and the peace is supreme.
What a fantastic week's holiday and much of that could be attributed to the beautiful peace and quiet of Steele's Mill. A gorgeous setting and despite the changeable weather of the Lake District we managed to sit outside every day, be it in the sheltered courtyard in the evening or the balcony for breakfast. A lovely warm welcome from Karen, along with hints and tips on the area. A blissful week, the kingfishers were an added bonus.