Families & friends

Designed for multi-generation families

We have a combination of bedroom set ups that really suits a multi-generational family group for grandparents, parents, teenagers, and younger children and babies. 3 of the bedrooms have king or super king beds, and two have en-suite bathrooms. So both parents and grandparents can get that en-suite benefit. Kids can share the remaining superking (it's huge) or share the twin (single beds) room which is handily across the corridor from one of the ensuite doubles, and there's a further smaller double bed room that a teenager will love.

Space to spread out and relax

Downstairs there is a huge amount of living space. The double-height barn living room has two seating areas and a large widescreen TV. If the kids are watching this you can retreat to the hall/snug which has its own TV too, hidden in a cupboard. Then there's the spectacular dining room with its plate-glass panoramic windows looking over Kentmere and the mountains beyond, and a very large kitchen with another large kitchen table (seats 8). 

This makes it a house for spending time together, after a day outside or mid-winter enjoying fires and food and drink and our large book, CD and DVD collection.

Outdoor space to relax or let off steam

We have about an acre of land, fenced off so safe for kids (determined dogs might be different!) which is largely lawned so great to relax in if its sunny, or kick a ball around (is a separate gated section!). Across the lane is a further lawned space which we call the orchard.  In the garden we enjoy three spots to sit out depending on the time of day and sun position - there's a front patio with table and chairs for a smaller group, a large wooden bench on the front living room patio which is a great evening sun-trap, and at the rear a 10 seater outdoor table and chair plus a charcoal barbeque. The back garden rolls straight into the adjoining field with a minimal wire livestock fence, giving you the impression you are in the field itself already.

The hidden gem that is Kentmere valley

Being a 'dead end' valley there is minimal traffic and you will quickly fall into the calm and tranquility of the area. The scenery is classic lake district - surrounded by spectacular hills and mountains, a tarn glittering in the foot of the valley, sheep fields all around. There is abundant wildlife. numerous bird species with a barn owl visitor from time to time and barn sparrows nesting in the summer, frequent hares, the occasional deer, and once a pine marten.

Our handbook at the house lists numerous activities, which you can also see here, with walks for all abilities, ages, and length, including the famous Kentmere Horseshoe.

Despite its seclusion, a short drive brings you to the pub, shops and cafes of Staveley, and the same again to buzzing Windermere town and lake. Coniston, Ambleside, Grasmere, Langdale and Hawkshead are within reach, with the north lakes towns of Keswick a bit further away. We've provided some recommended drives in the link above.

What guests say

Our reviews page is taken verbatim from comments left in our guest handbook at the house, and from platforms such as Airbnb. Here is what they have to say about our relevance to families:

• Great for a big family gathering

• Perfect for a family get together, long walks in a beautiful but little known bit of the Lakes and with really easy access to Staveley that has everything you could want

• Our family and kids loved it. We were delighted

• Breath taking and peaceful, the whole family were in awe of the place. It was perfect for a group of all ages and the location is great for visiting Windermere and the other attractions of the Lake District

What others say

One Long Houses has ben featured by Holidays.com as one of its "11 Dreamy Cottage Rentals in the English Countryside". We are a "Guest Favourite" on airbnb with a 4.95/5 score, and we see similar positive reviews on Google.

Your access questions answered

We are often asked about access, and have provided photos of steps and stairs at the foot of our gallery page. We have a child (or dog!) gate, the main stairway has a downstairs door that can be closed, and we have a fireguard. We also provide a travel cot and a high chair, if needed. 

We have private parking with a driveway inside the fenced garden, and further parking outside it in our private lane. It's a gentle incline up a slate-chip path from the garden gate at the lane, to the front door. 

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