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April 2024

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Vital for some visitors

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Age group

Babies

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Swimming pool

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Facilities and services

Orrest Head

Lake District & Cumbria

Beautifully converted Windermere cottages perfect for big family get-togethers

Units 2
Sleeps 6 - 18
Bedrooms 3 - 8
Pets Yes
Mobility No

Ideal for

Babies
Toddlers
Older Kids
Teens

From £2200/week

Request to Book

At Orrest Head you’ll find two stunning holiday cottages, lovingly converted into five- and three-star family retreats. Both properties can be enjoyed independently for smaller group getaways – but really come into their own rented together for large groups and special occasions. Its very own, private bar ensures a good time. But you’ll also find luxury finishes, characterful interiors and acres of fabulous gardens. And all set within a picturesque Lake District location.

About this place

Best bits

The Lake District National Park location is second to none. Surrounded by brilliant walking routes, Lake Windermere a stone’s throw away and excellent pubs and restaurants nearby.
The majestic three-acre private garden provides space for kids to run wild. It’s also an excellent sunny spot for al fresco dinners and drinks.
Orrest Head House was one of the first houses built in Windermere and is full of historic charm and character – plus lots of luxury finishes.

Top tips

Orrest Head consists of a cottage and house with a shared garden. Large groups are encouraged to book both together for a fun-filled trip of up to 18 guests.
For a special meal and a night off cooking for many mouths, hire in local catering. Owners Andrew and Barbara can provide recommendations and help.
Be sure to bring wellies and waterproofs. The Lakes can be wet, but the rain needn’t dampen your mood.

Plan your stay

What are the facilities like? Where can you eat? What can you do?

Wifi

Electric vehicle charging

Rooms

Orrest Head is home to two lovely properties. Whilst designed to be enjoyed independently, the Cottage and House can also be booked together; accommodating large groups of families and friends of up to 18 guests. If booked alone, the cosy and contemporary Cottage sleeps six guests in three calm and spacious bedrooms, with a family bathroom and a ground floor toilet and shower room – great for post-watersport or muddy walk showers. The master bedroom has amazing views over Windermere to the lake beyond. Whilst the twin and single bedrooms are great options for children. Downstairs, a fabulous, light-filled lounge with large windows offers extensive views over the stunning surroundings.
If you’re looking for buckets of character and history, Orrest Head House, built in 1672, sleeps up to 12 guests in five en-suite bedrooms, comprising three kingsize doubles, and two triple rooms which can be made into superking doubles. Two of the rooms also boast in-bedroom baths with excellent views over the gardens – there’s no better way to relax after a long countryside walk. The lounge has huge leather Chesterfields and a Smart TV where kids can slump out in front of a film. A wood burning stove keeps winter visitors warm. The large, sociable kitchen provides extra dining space and the snug, tucked away, is ideal for smaller groups of older kids wanting some time and space of their own. Built for partying, a private bar with a TV room is a great spot for games nights, watching films or simply partying the night away. In addition to the ensuite shower rooms, there are a further two downstairs toilets, as well as a utility/welly room where you can kick off mucky walking boots. Both properties share a three acre garden with lots of space for socialising and play.

Eat

One of the joys of bringing friends and family to a large holiday home is eating together. And both the Cottage and House are designed with this in mind. Cooking is a breeze in the House; its spacious kitchen with a central island unit is equipped with everything you need from cooking on a large double oven and seven-ring hob to avoiding washing up related arguments with a dishwasher. There’s a dining table in the kitchen which seats 12, or if you’re combining both properties, up to 18 guests can sit comfortably around the dining room table. And of course, when you’re finished with dinner, retiring to the beautiful bar room for games and a digestive is strongly encouraged. If you’re staying in Orrest Head Cottage, you’ll find a well-equipped kitchen with a six-seat table bestled at one end, ideal for family dining. Outdoor seating on a sunny, slate chipped terrace provides space for al fresco eating too. Or if you’re booking both properties, walk down to the shared garden: many memorable meals have been enjoyed outside on the large patio. Both properties have large American-style fridge freezers for you to store all your goods in.

Supplies can be picked up in Booths, the Lake District’s famous grocers, selling delicious, often locally-sourced food. Or there’s a Sainsburys or Coop in the village. Alternatively, online deliveries are available from Tesco or Sainsburys. Book your slot for just after your arrival to avoid a stressful supermarket shop. If you’re visiting for a special occasion, you can also book local catering services. Owners Andrew and Barbara have experience and recommendations to share, but be sure to organise in advance during busy festive seasons. If you’d like to head out for food, family-friendly pubs and restaurants are not in short supply. Walk just five minutes down the road to discover some lovely, tasty spots and treats.

Activities

Located at the heart of Windermere in the wonderful Lake District, you'll find every kind of adventure activity you could wish for. From walking up Orrest Head (on the doorstep) to admire the view, to longer walks a little further afield, amblers will be in their element. If watersports and adventure is more your bag, there’s sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking and more. In fact the Windermere Outdoor Adventure Centre is less than a 10 minute drive away. Other nearby outdoor pursuits include clay pigeon shooting, archery and horse riding. Bring your own bikes, or hire some, to explore the wonderful area on two wheels. There are several cycling routes along Windermere’s serene western shore, or for off-roaders, try the Windermere to Grizedale Forest route along mountain bike trails with breathtaking views.

On a rainy day, check out the Jetty Museum, explore a historic National Trust property, or take a trip to one of the Lake’s lovely, small towns with independent shops, cafes and galleries to explore. Whatever the weather, fun can be continued back at the house. The large garden is ideal for football, badminton or a big game of hide and seek (the houses have plenty of excellent hiding spots too!). Both properties have Smart TVs and cosy lounges where you can snuggle up for film nights. Or at Orrest Head House you can set up the kids for a film in the snug, whilst parents prep dinner, or relax with an evening drink. Bluetooth sound systems in both the cottage and house are perfect for a little dance or some background music. More fun can be found in the bespoke bar – if you’re visiting to celebrate, this is the room for it. For a post-party treat, book pampering and beauty treatments at the house; there’s no better way to relax. If this spikes your interest, Andrew and Barbara can help to organise.

Accessibility

Unfortunately given the age and character of the House and Cottage, both properies have limited access.

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Location & local area

Where is it and how do you get there?

By Road

Orrest Head House is around 25 minutes off the M6. It’s around a two hour drive from most cities in the North East and West, just under three from Birmingham or five and a half from London.

By Air

Manchester and Liverpool John Lennon airports are both approximately one and a half hours drive from Orrest Head. Alternatively, there are frequent direct trains from Windermere Station to Manchester Airport.

By Rail

The property is just a six minute walk from Windermere Station. You can catch regular services to Manchester, where you’ll find a broader range of trains to other UK destinations.

About the owners

Andrew and Barbara Cheetham

Listed since January 2024

Andrew and Barbara have been in the holiday let business since 2007. In that time they have grown their collection to include The Terrace Windermere and Orrest Head House. They pride themselves on personal service and creating great memories for all who stay in their properties.

Owner recommendations

The walk up Orrest Head is a must. It takes about 20 minutes to the top where you'll find one of the most amazing views of the Lake District.
It’s only a 20 minute walk down to the lake at Miller Ground; with several jetties and beaches, it’s a great spot for those wild enough to brave the water.
Spend a couple of hours at the recently renovated Windermere Jetty Museum. You don't have to have an huge interest in all things sailing to find the stories of boats and steam interesting.