Recommended by Alastair Sawday's Special Places to Stay.

High Houses is a special and unusual place to stay. Brimming with ambience created by the history, architecture, situation and original features. Built in 1669 , this Cumbrian farmhouse is perched aloft a hillside in the Northern Fells , not far from the villages of Ireby, Uldale and Caldbeck, and only 5 miles from Bassenthwaite Lake. Keswick is only 20 minutes drive away, as is Carlisle.

Lovingly restored over several years, there are now 3 bedrooms, 1 en-suite bathroom and 1 shower room, sitting room, Inglenook room and kitchen, all retaining many of their original features. Stone slab floors, timber beams and open fires are all part of the High Houses experience.

The farmhouse is a wonderful warren of a home where rooms run off long corridors. From the entrance hall is a long view to the kitchen at the other end of the house. Formerly the stable, this room still has the original stone trough and horse stalls on which are written the winners of local point-to-points. Everywhere, details hint at the house's historic nature.

The views towards Scotland are quite breathtaking, with the house being in the middle of a 400 acre farm, surrounded by fell and farmland and is in the heart of John Peel Hunting Country. Excellent walking is available right on your doorstep in this beautiful part of the northern Lake District.

High Houses is now a family home with the main building available for Bed & Breakfast (B&B) or Self-Catering for up to 6 adults and 2 children. The owner lives next door in an adjoining wing. She is a professional cook, specialising in game, wild food (home-made jams, bread, hens hatched on the farm, free range eggs and home grown vegetables).

There is also central heating and electiricty supplied by a generator.

High Houses can offer the following accommodation:-

• One double/twin en-suite room - which has its own wooden staircase up to a converted Cock Loft which has twin beds - ideal for children.
• One 4 poster double room with open fire and sofa bed.
• One twin/double room.
• One bathroom and one shower-room.
• Cosy sitting room with wood burning stove, sofa bed and piano,
• Inglenook room with open fire & stable kitchen/dining room with Aga.
• Wi-Fi broadband internet available.

The views towards Scotland are quite breathtaking, with the house being surrounded by fell and farmland and is in the heart of John Peel Hunting Country. Excellent walking is available right on your doorstep in the Caldbeck & Skiddaw Fells.

Fell Walking, Horse Riding, Fishing, Stalking, Shooting, Sailing & Windsurfing are all available nearby and Trotters World of Animals (for younger guests) is only 5 minutes away. We also are located close to the Lake District Osprey Project near to Bassenthwaite Lake.

We are also a great venue for your Lake District Wedding - a wedding with a difference. See our website for further details.

Opening times: High Houses is open all year including Christmas & New Year.

Contact:

Contact Jill Green to find out more information about her wonderful bed and breakfast and self-catering holiday cottage accommodation or visit the High Houses website:

Location:-

High Houses is located off the Whitrigg road from Ireby. After about a mile, the road drops down a hill and on your left is the entrance to Snittlegarth - large stone gate posts and cattle grid. Turn left here - signposted Snittlegarth & High Houses - and follow the track past Snittlegarth and up the hill for 3/4 mile to High Houses.

Remember to mention the Caldbeck website when you contact High Houses.