Eusemere Lodge

Elegance meets eccentricity at Eusemere Lodge, which occupies a waterside spot once visited by Wordsworth, at the tip of Ullswater in the Lake District National Park. This large holiday home is tucked just out of sight of Pooley Bridge village in three-quarters of an acre on the River Eamont. In the 18th century, the estate was owned by anti-slavery campaigner, Thomas Clarkson. Now, with a two-storey tower extension added to the original lodge, it is a five-bedroomed holiday home with a games room, cinema and fishing, a short stroll from Ullswater’s peaceful shores.

This is, of course, a walker’s paradise and you enter the property through a handy boot room where there’s space for the boots and coats of the 12 who can be accommodated here. The property’s bedrooms and living space are spread across two wings, The Lodge and The Tower, which are linked by a conservatory and games room. The main lodge is where you’ll find the kitchen, dining room and the cosy hunting room which is all leather sofas, log fires and Highland wool curtains — with a handy HD TV.

The en-suite master bedroom, a double with views of the garden and a double bunk room are in the main lodge along with two more bathrooms, each with a roll-top bath. The tower extension has two further double bedrooms, one en suite with a four poster bed, the other a double bed with a bathroom just outside. Both are situated on the ground floor which means the top of the tower and its views can be enjoyed by all. There’s a telescope for stargazing, sofas and a big screen for movie nights.

Outside the elegant gardens have mature trees and plenty of places to sit and stroll as well as a 100-metre river frontage with fishing rights included. The river is fed by Ullswater which is less than a hundred metres from here with boat hire on the closest shoreline — though a kayak and paddleboard are available at the house anyway (for use at guest's own risk). It’s the same distance to the nearest footpath which leads into the nearby fells or around the lake itself. The amenities of Pooley Bridge are just outside the gate: a choice of pubs, shops, tea rooms and the pier from where you can jump aboard Ullswater’s famous steamers. Aira Force Waterfall is on the opposite shore as well as the mighty peaks of Hellvellyn and Skiddaw. Beyond that? There’s the whole of the Lake District National Park to explore.