Nestling in the shadow of Rydal Mount, home of William Wordsworth and set directly under Nab Scar, Hart Head House boasts an enviable location within this tiny hamlet, the perfect getaway for an outdoorsy group of family or friends seeking direct access to the wonderful walking and cycling that the area has to offer.
This stunning, traditional barn conversion just oozes Olde Worlde character and charm and displays a wealth of exposed beams and trusses, perfectly matched with carefully chosen furnishings and accessories to create a country theme throughout. The large kitchen dining room is definitely the hub of this house, a super sociable room where everyone can gather at either end of the day to prepare and share a delicious meal together. The beamed sitting room with open tread staircase at its centre provides a lovely open outlook and ample seating for everyone to kick back and relax together whilst the pretty bedrooms allow each of you some essential ‘me time’ and a comfortable bed to ensure a great night’s sleep.
From the doorstep, take a circular stroll around Rydal Water and explore the impressive cave before heading up the gentle slopes of Loughrigg or along the hillside path to Grasmere whilst taking in the magnificent views. The five-acre garden at Rydal Mount, still under the ownership of the Wordsworth family is a joy to explore with a mix of fellside terraces, rock pools and an ancient mound – the tea room is well worth a visit too!
From the parking area at the front, step into the flagged hallway where you’ll find ample hanging space for all your outdoor coats and boots. There’s a large shower room off here with a spacious cubicle, basin and WC and adjacent utility equipped with washer, dryer, microwave and fridge freezer. Head left into the glorious, beamed farmhouse kitchen-come-dining room with super facilities of Aga, supplementary electric oven and hob, dishwasher, fridge and plenty of workspace for preparing meals. The dining table is plenty big enough for 8 and there’s direct access to the outside patio where you’ll find ample seating for everyone.
Open tread stairs lead to the impressive beamed lounge, dressed with traditional, comfy furnishings arranged around the wood-burning stove, TV and DVD. French doors off here lead to the outside lawned garden which wraps around the rear of the barn. The first of the four bedrooms sits on this floor, a spacious kingsize with a separate dressing area and en-suite bathroom with shower over the bath, basin and WC.
Up to the second floor, again via the open tread stairs to three more pretty bedrooms, each a double with exposed beams and bags of character that share in the main house bathroom where you’ll find a shower over a very deep bath, perfect for enjoying a long soak with basin and WC.
Outside, the two seating areas both have furniture provided and offer superb views out of Windermere and her surrounding fell range. Although the garden is child and dog friendly, it is not fully enclosed and there are some low walls. Parking is available directly outside the property for two vehicles. Do take care with younger children on the open tread stairs.
N.B. As the property is located up a very steep and concrete access lane, we do feel that Hart Head House is only suitable in the winter months for those with 4×4 vehicles.
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Respond to Hart Head House
Michelle was helpful, informative and keeps the accommodation spotless. It had everything we needed for a week stay. I would highly recommend to others and would stay here again
A fantastic location, everything you need on the doorstep and an absolutely gorgeous property. We had the best time. Thank you!
We had an absolutely amazing holiday in this gorgeous house. The 6 of us all loved our cosy rooms and the house had such a brilliant atmosphere. The kitchen is a brilliant area for spending your evenings – we all gathered about the table each evening, the sun set igniting the trees on the fells before Windemere, visible out the kitchen window. The upstairs area is sociable and unbelievably comfortable – the views again out the window incredible. The location of the house is without doubt it’s greatest asset. It is perfect for day trips to Windemere on the boats, hikes in and around Grasmere, and wild water swimming in Rydal water – exploring the famous caves. A truly spectacular property
Comfortable and spacious property. We had a lovely week with family. Happy to return.
Fantastic place, beautifully furnished with great character. Good location close to some nice walks. Would highly recommend!
A fantastic character property for a group holiday. Beautifully and tastefully renovated to a very high standard in a stunning hillside setting. Whilst it’s up a steep country road and drive, it couldn’t be more worth it. Comfortable with all the amenities and very accessible to Ambleside and Grasmere and for walking/outdoor pursuits. Highly recommended.
Such a great find! Perfectly situated for amazing sights and walks, and super close to the wonderful Ambleside 🙂 would highly recommend
Great house and really clean
Absolutely beautiful old house. Very close to the bus stop, Wordsworth’s house, and the footpath going up to Fairfield. Parking is easy though slightly steep. There’s a huge kitchen area and the bedrooms are gorgeous and comfy, also very warm. Fantastic stay overall.
We loved this house. 4 double beds and plenty of space. Very warm and cosy even over Xmas. The paths up the mountain or up the valley start right at the door – it is a great location for exploring the Lakes. Ambleside is very near for shops etc. Wifi great. Hot water fab. The note about the drive is for-real – ie the drive up to the house is very steep; my regular car managed it fine but absolutely wouldn’t have done if it had snowed! 5 star.
We enjoyed a reunion weekend of old university friends at Hart Head House near Ambleside. The accommodation was characterful, spacious comfortable ,cosy and very well equipped . The host welcomed us with a bottle of Prosecco and some delicious local treats . Lots to see and do right on your doorstep . We had a great weekend. Many thanks
Lovely big airy house. One king and 3 double beds. You definitely need a 4wd and you need to be very mobile as stairs are steep. Lovely views and not too remote as walkers passing by all the time.
Lovely big airy house. One king and 3 double beds. You definitely need a 4wd and you need to be very mobile as stairs are steep. Lovely views and not too remote as walkers passing by all the time.
Perfect spot to stay in the lakes. Trails out your back door, pub in walking distance, Ambleside is a short hike. Great view. House is clean and and a beautifully restored barn. WiFi is fast.
It’s a great location with some fabulous walks right on the doorstep. The hosts are always on hand to help and advise. Would definitely come back and stay here.
Such a perfect place to stay! Great location and beautifully decorated barn renovation. The heat from the Aga in the kitchen was fabulous after a long day walking in the rain. Beds were very comfortable and there was tons of hot water for the relaxing baths and rain showers. Kitchen was well equipped with all you need to cater and the large table was great to gather. All our walks were directly from the house. No need to drive which is a huge benefit. There is even a lovely pub at the bottom of the hill! Highly recommend!!
Great cottage in a great location. The kitchen was well equipped compared to lots of holiday cottages we’ve stayed at. The lounge was very comfortable after a big days walking. Would definitely recommend.
This is an exceptional property and provides a unique and family (group) friendly experience. My family and I had one of our best trips ever at Hart Head House and that’s despite it raining most of the trip. Our toddler loved all the space to run around and have fun. It felt like a home away from home blended with a very nice vacation house. Hard to beat the location too especially if you’re coming to do any hiking or trekking. Highly recommended!
Superb holiday home in an outstanding location above Rydal Water and close to Ambleside. We found it well located to explore the whole of the Lakes and couldn’t believe how many great walks you could do straight from the front door. Perfect for us as we have dogs. The recent refurbishments of the kitchen and bathrooms makes this is very comfortable and welcoming place to come back to after a day of adventures. The property is spacious and extremely well equipped with plenty of lovely touches. The advice from the owners about the steepness of the concrete road leading up to the house is accurate. We don’t have a 4×4 so had to drive up in first gear most of the time! Handily, there’s a good pub with a garden at the bottom of the road. Just make sure you have a pint or two to fuel back your walk back to the house afterwards!
A lovely holiday home in a prime location for enjoying the Lake District. Set on the hillside just above Rydal Water means you have a wealth of walks on your doorstep and bustling Ambleside just a short drive (or longish walk) away. The house is extremely comfortable and well equipped – only wish we had been staying for much longer than a week!
One of the best cottages I’ve stayed in, very high standard. Absolutely beautiful surroundings and scenery with a view of the lake and peaks all around. Loads of walks right on the doorstep of the house. The house was huge with 2 great communal areas. Lovely decor and well kitted out with just about everything you could need for a week away. We had a lovely relaxing week staying here. Steep drive/walk up to the house but worth it for the views and tranquillity. It’s only a couple of houses above Wordworth’s house Rydal Mount and Rydal Hall. Both worth a visit. Close to Ambleside and Grasmere. Lots of choices for walks and things to do – we couldn’t fit it all in! We will be back for sure.