Restharrow

This welcoming apartment is a quiet base to return to after days out exploring the Lake District, and has lots of accessibility features. Just 130 metres from the western shore of Lake Windermere, it's surrounded by countryside, but within walking or driving distance – or a short ferry ride – of popular attractions and towns. The sitting room and bedroom have views across fields toward the lake, which you might be able to spot through the trees.

Restharrow was once the laundry for the Belle Isle Estate, the private island in the middle of the lake, and is now a cosy ground-floor apartment with level access throughout, wide doorways, an adapted shower room and height-adjustable hob, kitchen sink and bedroom storage.

It is the perfect place to stay for anyone looking to walk, cycle, fish, or get out on the lake, with activities nearby for all ability levels. It only takes a few minutes to walk to the shore, where you’ll find gentle, level trails. Many nearby places, such as Wray Castle and Tarn Hows, have all-terrain wheelchairs or mobility scooters available to borrow or hire. If you’re looking for adventures on the water, non-powered watercraft can be hired for use on Lake Windermere at Fell Foot, or you can take a cruise on the Historic Steam Yacht Gondola at Coniston Water, nine miles away.

The ferry to Bowness-on-Windermere is half a mile away and takes foot passengers, cyclists and cars. It's a 10-minute crossing to this bustling town full of cafés, restaurants, pubs and shops. Windermere, Ambleside and Kendal are all less than an hour's drive away.

Tanner Brow (sleeps four) is a holiday apartment above Restharrow. Low Strawberry Gardens (sleeps four) and High Strawberry Gardens (sleeps four) are also by the lakeshore, less than one mile north. Groups can book these cottages together.

Layout

Ground floor: Sitting and dining room. Kitchen with height-adjustable hob and sink, and a slide-and-hide oven. Super king-size bedroom (zip-and-link, can be made into a twin on request). Accessible shower room.

Outside space

Outdoor table and chairs for two. Small, gently sloping and uneven garden area opposite the front door with another table and chairs for two. The cottage is surrounded by open countryside.

Neighbours: Restharrow is in a building between the holiday cottage Tanner Brow and a home. There is another home across the track from Tanner Brow. 

Parking and access: The parking area is shared with Tanner Brow. There is a designated parking space for guests staying at Restharrow on the right. The access road can be congested in summer. The road can flood after heavy rain, in which case the local team will provide information on an alternative route.

WiFi: We’re pleased to provide free WiFi access at this accommodation, which is supported by BT. Please note intermittent connection problems can sometimes occur and therefore should not be relied upon.

Heating: Electric heating. Everhot Electric Stove in sitting room.

Laundry room: There is a laundry room next door to Restharrow with two washing machines, two tumble dryers and room for storing bicycles. It is shared with Tanner Brow.

Please note: The lake view can be obscured by tree growth.

Generally the area around the cottage is quiet, but you may hear your neighbours in Tanner Brow and the other surrounding cottages. The RAF also flies overhead.

During warm weather, blue green algae blooms in the shallower water in Windermere, which is dangerous for dogs and people.

Offers: Guests will benefit from a late Sunday checkout of 4pm at this cottage.

You'll have free entrance to National Trust places throughout your stay (parking may be payable). Cruises on the Historic Steam Yacht Gondola are not included in the free entry to National Trust places, but there is a 10% discount for National Trust members.