Nestled in a hillside on a working family farm in the Lake District, Meadow Syke Barn is an eco-friendly barn conversion with ground source heating and solar panels, offering contemporary accommodation whilst retaining many original features. Even in this peaceful corner of Cumbria, you’ll stay connected thanks to Starlink WiFi, offering super-fast internet for work or play. Surrounded by rolling hillsides, open farmland and wildflower meadows, you are certain to see some of the local birds or wildlife, including red squirrels that visit daily. This beautifully renovated cottage sleeps up to four adults and offers an open plan living, dining and fully equipped kitchen area. The entrance opens into a gated yard with a private patio and hot tub, providing wonderful views over the valley. Springtime brings a special kind of magic to the area. During lambing season, the property requires a minimum stay of seven nights to ensure a peaceful environment for both guests and the animals. It’s a wonderful time to visit, as the surrounding fields come alive with the bleats of newborn lambs and the soft stirrings of new life, a chance to slow down and connect with the authentic pace of country life, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the season. Tucked away in the heart of Cumbria, this charming cottage offers a gateway to one of the UK’s most beloved regions, where dramatic landscapes meet a thriving food scene and a deep sense of community. A gentle stroll takes you into the traditional Lakeland village of Bampton, away from the busier central lakes, complete with a community-run village shop, children’s play area, pub, and the café is a warm and welcoming spot to enjoy homemade cakes, sandwiches, and locally sourced treats, perfect for a light lunch or a picnic to take on your adventures. When you’re ready to explore, you can head out on a scenic stroll following one of many fantastic footpaths and walking trails outlined in your welcome pack and located close to the cottage. These include a network of bridleways that lead directly from the property into the hills, ideal for exploring on foot, bike, or horseback. The surrounding countryside is perfect for walkers and wildlife lovers, with peaceful trails around nearby Haweswater Reservoir and ancient woodlands in Naddle Forest, home to red squirrels. On warmer days, the Askham Outdoor Swimming Pool is a delightful place to cool off and soak in the sunshine. Situated eight and a half miles from the nearest town of Penrith, you are within easy reach of supermarkets, shops, cinemas, and a number of cafés and restaurants. In addition to this, the A66 and M6 are just a short drive away, giving you endless possibilities of places to explore within both the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. Whether you want to explore the fantastic range of local hills and peaks, take a stroll on nearby fells and footpaths, or venture further afield, Meadow Syke Barn has the appeal of a quiet setting with lots of open green space, whilst still offering easy access to the region’s most popular destinations. Note: This property can be booked with Meadow Syke Byre Ref. 1123133, the adjoining property, together sleeping six guests.

Askham is a tiny community in rural Nottinghamshire that is only a short distance from the A57 and the A1. The community has a pub. Only 11 miles separate you from Sherwood Forest, where the Robin Hood visitors centre offers lovely woodland treks that take you to the famous Major Oak tree as well as picnic sites. The 3,800 acres of breathtaking beauty in Clumber Park, owned by the National Trust, include gardens, a lake with 200 kinds of birds, and walking and cycling paths. A 32-acre fishing lake and woodland preserve with an exotic bird sanctuary and other wildlife can be found in the Wetlands Waterfowl Reserve, which is seven miles distant. The region features galleries and museums, while mediaeval Newark, 15 miles away, has two castles, many antiques fairs, a lovely Georgian market square, and a variety of shops, pubs, and restaurants. Lincoln, a Roman city, is 17 miles away and has a cathedral and a castle.

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