Lakefield Boathouse - 7 Bedroom (Sleeps 14) Cottage in Watermillock

Description

Unrivalled Luxury on the Shores of Ullswater, Lakefield Boathouse is an architectural masterpiece redefining luxury self-catering in the Lake District. Opened in March 2026, following a meticulous, no-expense-spared redevelopment, this spectacular seven-bedroom holiday home has been designed with the most discerning guests in mind. It seamlessly blends the timeless romance of a traditional lakeside retreat with the sleek, uncompromising standards of a modern smart home.

Your experience begins the moment you ascend the floating wooden staircase from the lower ground entrance. You are immediately welcomed into a magnificent, open-plan ‘Social Hub’, where floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping bi-fold doors frame breathtaking, 180-degree views of the water. Exceptional interior design nods elegantly to the property's nautical heritage, highlighted by a striking glass floor in the living area that offers a dramatic view into the boathouse below. Whether you are sinking into one of the plush sofas beside the bespoke STÛV Lakeland stone fireplace, or stepping out onto the expansive glass-balustraded decking, the connection to the lake is ever-present.

Lakefield Boathouse is as wonderfully versatile as it is beautiful, making it the ultimate sanctuary for grand family celebrations, multi-generational holidays, or exclusive corporate retreats. The spectacular dining area, which seats fourteen, serves effortlessly as an inspiring boardroom table by day and an elegant setting for private chef-catered banquets by night. Behind the scenes, the property operates as a fully integrated "Smart House," powered by a Control4 home automation system. From intuitive touchpads in every room, guests can effortlessly command lighting, climate, and the property-wide audio system. All of this modern comfort is underpinned by impressive eco-credentials, with underfloor heating and power supplied by an extensive solar array, biomass boilers, and advanced heat-recovery systems. The house runs predominantly on renewable energy, with mains backup.

The sleeping quarters offer unparalleled comfort and privacy, thoughtfully divided into three distinct sections connected by a luminous, glass-lined corridor. At the far end, the Windermere Suite serves as a self-contained, two-storey luxury annexe—perfect for principal guests or those requiring a quiet escape—featuring its own state-of-the-art kitchen, living area, and a private roof terrace. The middle wing houses a dedicated Cinema Room alongside four beautifully appointed suites, whilst the main house features the stunning vaulted Ullswater and Grasmere suites upstairs. Except for Grasmere, every bedroom boasts glorious lake views, Herdwick wool carpets, and spa-quality en-suite bathrooms complete with walk-in showers and freestanding egg-shaped baths.

Outside, the luxury continues across extensive, beautifully landscaped private grounds. The spectacular full-width decking, complete with outdoor furniture, provides a wonderful space to enjoy panoramic views of the Lake. The sprawling lawns, with two ponds, the private pebbled beach, and your own slipway and jetty* provide ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. As dusk falls over the fells, gather around the large, circular Lakeland stone fire pit to toast marshmallows and share stories under a canopy of stars. *Please note that the Jetty will be unavailable for guest use until January 2027 for safety upgrades.

Lakefield Boathouse is not just a place to stay; it is a destination, one to be experienced and enjoyed with friends, family, or colleagues.

Lakefield Boathouse is a spectacular seven-bedroom luxury retreat situated directly on the tranquil shores of Ullswater. Designed for discerning families and exclusive corporate stays, this newly built property seamlessly blends a classic lakeside getaway with the elite standards of a modern 'Smart House'.

The heart of the home is the 'Social Hub', a breathtaking open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area boasting 180-degree panoramic lake views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Highlights include a bespoke 14-seat dining table, a premium Siemens kitchen, and a striking glass floor revealing the boathouse below. Bi-fold doors extend the space onto a vast decking area overlooking the lake.

Sleeping up to 14 guests, the accommodation is thoughtfully divided to ensure absolute privacy. It features a self-contained two-storey annexe, four ground-floor suites alongside a dedicated Cinema Room, and two spectacular vaulted suites upstairs. Six of the seven bedrooms offer glorious lake views and spa-quality en-suites featuring freestanding baths.

Outside, guests enjoy exclusive access to extensive private grounds, a pebbled beach, a private slipway, and a Lakeland stone fire pit. Complete with eco-friendly heating, integrated Control4 audio-visual technology, and an internal lift for enhanced accessibility, Lakefield Boathouse delivers an unrivalled luxury experience.

Location: Nestled on the northern shores of Ullswater in the peaceful, scattered settlement of Watermillock, Lakefield Boathouse boasts one of the most coveted addresses in the Lake District National Park.

Ullswater is widely considered the most beautiful and dramatic of all the English lakes, offering a serene, high-end alternative to the busier tourist hubs. Renowned for its deep, sapphire-blue waters, it is perfect for wild swimming, paddleboarding, and sailing, all of which you can initiate from the comfort of your own private slipway or hire from local providers in Glenridding. The immediate surroundings are a haven of tranquillity, defined by rolling green fells, ancient woodlands, and abundant local wildlife.

Despite its incredible privacy, the property is perfectly positioned for exploring the region's finest attractions. Just a short journey away is the majestic Aira Force, a spectacular 65-foot waterfall set amidst ancient woodland and landscaped glades. For the active members of your party, the imposing peaks of the Helvellyn range provide some of the most dramatic and rewarding hiking trails in the UK. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, the historic Ullswater Steamers glide past the property daily, offering a nostalgic and scenic way to navigate the lake from the nearby piers.

The local culinary scene is equally impressive, catering seamlessly to the luxurious standards of our guests. The area boasts several outstanding country pubs, upscale bistros, and Michelin-recommended fine dining establishments within a short drive, ensuring that whether you are seeking a hearty post-walk roast or an exquisite tasting menu, you are wonderfully catered for.

Nearby Popular Towns & Villages:

• Pooley Bridge: ~2.5 miles (Charming lakeside village with boutique shops, cafes, and traditional inns).
• Glenridding: ~5 miles (Picturesque village at the southern tip of the lake, popular base for hikers).
• Penrith: ~7 miles (Historic market town, mainline train station, and gateway to the M6).
• Keswick: ~14 miles (Vibrant hub of the North Lakes, boasting theatres, museums, and outdoor outfitters).
• Ambleside: ~15 miles (Access via the stunning, dramatic drive over the Kirkstone Pass). ~27.5 miles following the detour via the A66 and A591.

Please note: Kirkstone Pass is currently closed near Troutbeck due to a landslip. The road is expected to remain closed until July 2026. Visitors familiar with “The Struggle” between Kirkstone Pass Inn and Ambleside should know that it remains open but is subject to much increased traffic and frequent jams at narrow pinch points. We suggest avoiding The Struggle, especially during busy periods and diverting via the A66 and A591.

Changeover:

• Occupancy & Check-In: The property sleeps a maximum of 14 guests. Standard check-in is from 4:00 PM, and check-out is by 10:00 AM.
• Third-Party Services: We encourage guests to elevate their stay with private chefs, therapists, or activity providers. However, Herdwick Cottages must be notified at least one week in advance, and a copy of the provider's Public Liability Insurance must be supplied. We are delighted to assist with recommendations.
• Hen/Stag Events: Celebratory events are welcome; Hen & Stag-type events are not permitted. 
• Double/Twin Beds: All beds are super-king-size doubles by default. The beds in Coniston, Bassenthwaite, Derwent Water and Thirlmere suites can be split into two 3ft single beds on request.
• Mobile & Internet: 5G mobile reception is available outdoors on most networks, but indoors, it can be limited due to the thickness of walls. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the house via Starlink.
• Water Safety: Lakefield Boathouse is a true waterfront property, with the water's edge located less than 8 metres from the house. Guests are encouraged to swim, launch leisure craft, and enjoy the lake at their own risk. Please note that lake water can be extremely cold, there are no lifeguards on duty, and all external surfaces (decking, slipway) can be slippery when wet.
• Lake Usage: Guests are very welcome to use the lake for leisure craft from the private slipway; however, please be aware that all activities are subject to the Ullswater Byelaws. To ensure the safety and tranquillity of the lake, a strict 10 mph speed limit applies to all motor craft.
• Fishing: Guests are welcome to fish from the lakeshore. Ullswater holds perch, pike, char and schelly, but is best known for its stock of wild brown trout. The brown trout fishing season runs from 15 March to 30 September. A rod licence is required to fish on Ullswater. These can be obtained from the Glenridding Tourist Information Centre. This allows the holder to fish for non-migratory trout with a single rod and line, or for freshwater coarse fish with up to two rods and lines.
• Grounds & Ponds: There are two shallow, unfenced natural ponds situated within the gardens. Children must be supervised at all times when outdoors.
• Boathouse Access: Guests have full use of the private slipway; however, the physical boathouse structure extending underneath the main house is not accessible to guests for safety and operational reasons.
• Jetty: Please note that the Jetty will be unavailable for guest use until January 2027 for safety upgrades. The slipway remains available, and craft can be beached or removed to a trailer in poor weather.
• Accessibility: An internal lift is available from the lower ground-floor entrance to the ground floor, ideal for guests with limited mobility or with heavy luggage. All primary social areas, the decking, and three of the bedroom suites are situated on a single, accessible level. All ground-floor doorways have a minimum clearance of 83cm.
• Pet Policy: One well-behaved dog is warmly welcomed. Additional dogs may be accommodated only by prior arrangement, subject to breed and the owner's approval.
• Parking & Security: Secure, private parking is available for up to 8 vehicles. The entrance gate operates automatically via ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition). You will be required to provide your vehicle registration numbers prior to arrival to programme the gates. CCTV cameras are installed on the exterior of the house only for security.
• Electric Vehicle Charging: Due to the house being predominantly "off-grid", relying on solar power, EV charging is not permitted. The nearest EV Chargers are located at Rheged Activity Centre.
• Garden Restoration: Due to the extensive building works, parts of the garden immediately surrounding the house are recovering with newly laid grass seed.
• Good Housekeeping Deposit: We require a £1,000 refundable security deposit, payable by bank transfer within 14 days of arrival. The deposit will be refunded by bank transfer within 7 days of departure, once the housekeepers have given the house a check-over.

Check-in: 16:00
Check-out: 10:00

Bedroom Details

Reviews

Leave Review

Safety

Kitchen

Property Features

Entertainment

Outdoor

Suitability

Child Friendly

Location