Newbiggin Hall, nr Penrith, Cumbria - Sleeps 6+3

This self-contained wing (including a fortified tower) comprises part of an historic Grade II-Listed sandstone house which stands beside the parish church. The house, dating from the 12th Century, is on the edge of a small village, is screened by mature trees, and is in a sheltered valley at the foot of the Pennines. Across the valley is a Site of Ancient Woodland which provides habitat for red squirrels, roe deer, buzzards and kestrels. The wing looks out over the beck (a European SSSI flowing into the River Eden) which has herons, kingfishers, dippers and otters. This area is ideal for fellwalking, bird- watching and for exploring the Pennines (Cross Fell, at nearly 3000', is only a short distance away) and the Lake District (Ullswater, the largest lake, is 12 miles distant). Local shops 2 miles, the market town of Appleby is 7 miles. Traditionally furnished and in keeping with the period of the building, the wing has retained its original architectural features, including a 13th Century stone spiral stairway and original stone-flagged and wooden floors. Furnishings are simple, comfortable and informal.

Accommodation is on 4 floors linked by the stone spiral stairway, and is best suited for a party of 6, although up to 3 older children can be accommodated in the attic bedroom. A cot and high chair are available on request.

Ground floor: Utility room, room with shower and whb, games room with pool table, cloakroom, dining room with wood-burning stove, drying room, large old-fashioned oak-beamed kitchen with oil fired Aga.

First floor: Large sitting room (with wood-burning stove).

Second floor: 1 double room (with w.h.b.), 1 twin room adjoining (with w.h.b.), 1 room with double bed, and single bed, small Victorian bathroom (with original bath and lavatory).

Third floor: The attic has 2 simply- furnished bedrooms (1 double and 1 twin) with skylights.

Cooking and hot water by oil-fired Aga and electricity. Electric night storage heating plus 2 wood-burning stoves. Fridge/freezers, automatic washing-machine, digital television.
Overseas visitors can hire bed linen and towels.