The Fold at Hallin Bank | A pet friendly Lake District holiday cottage for couples in Martindale with beautiful views

The most famous of England’s poets made the Lake District their home, and we are confident that one visit will be enough to show you why they loved this unspoilt landscape so much. The Fold is an ideal retreat for exploring, offering an authentic countryside experience, set alongside a 17th century farmhouse at the southern slopes of Hallin Fell.Availability from December 22nd 2018, pet friendly.

This retreat is all about the location. From here you can enjoy magnificent views over the unspoilt valley of Martindale and towards the expanse of Lake Ullswater, and its location makes The Fold a gateway to some pretty picturesque memories.

Inside, this converted cottage barn feels like a little home away from home. The Fold’s living room has a log burning stove and comfy furniture for lounging after a day on the hills. This room has huge wooden beams across the ceiling – adding to the romantic cottage charm – and floor level windows that were once little doorways for sheep and pigs. A garden door opens on to a terrace with panoramic views over the valley. Here you have a chance to observe the local wildlife at close range.

There’s a compact newly fitted kitchen, with an electric oven (made by Aga), fridge, hobs, microwave, and washing machine, and a little kitchen table for breakfast .You’ll find a modern bathroom with large shower enclosure and upstairs an attic bedroom with both a comfortable king size double bed and also a single bed.

Outside, you will see the attached farmhouse Hallin Bank, which has been owned by the same family since 1905. The Fold makes up the independent east wing, separated by a large barn used for storage.

From here, take a wander into the apple orchard, filled with snowdrops and daffodils in springtime. At the lower side is a paved area for sitting out in the summer sun. As with many Lakeland farmhouses, a public footpath runs past the buildings on the upper side, so you have one of many walking routes right from behind your cottage.

If you like to spot the wildlife, this is an excellent retreat location. The great red deer of medieval “Martindayle Chace” have thrived and multiplied over the centuries and can be seen on the fellside. The cottage and farmhouse also attract elusive red squirrels. And keep your eye out for the greater pied woodpecker and green woodpecker, or “yaffle”.

The villages of Pooley Bridge and Glenridding can be reached by the lakeshore path which was Wainwright’s favourite walk and is now part of the Ullswater Way. We also recommend a trip on the picturesque ‘steamer’ from Howtown. You can hire rowing boats and kayaks, and there is also pony-trekking close by.

There’s plenty to do. You can explore the nearby villages of Tirril, Askham and Dacre as well as the town of Penrith. The nearby stately home Dalemain, a fine Georgian mansion with historic gardens on the west side of Ullswater, is worth a visit. On a still grander scale is Lowther Castle, close to Askham village, with its own well curated museum and an extensive park and gardens. Or for a gentle, horticultural experience, visit the National Trust property at Acorn Bank, a peaceful spot in the countryside east of Penrith near Temple Sowerby.

For a memorable place to eat, try the Howtown Hotel, situated a five minute drive away and open March to October, with its old-world charm, a friendly atmosphere and excellent traditional food. Or Sharrow Bay Country House Hotel, 10 minutes by car, occupies a beautiful position overlooking the lake and is open all year.

Ready to pack your bags? Then click on the link below for more info, prices & availability.