The Boathouse and its private jetty on Windermere at first light

Open-plan living room with full-height windows over the water

A wooden rowing boat moored on still water below the house

Windermere

The Boathouse

A converted Edwardian boathouse on the quiet western shore, where the water begins at the foot of the terrace and the morning arrives across the lake.

Sleeps: 8
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
Dogs: 2

The Story

Built in 1904 to shelter a steam launch, The Boathouse spent most of a century half-forgotten under the oaks. Its restoration was patient rather than showy: original green oak trusses left proud, slate lifted and relaid by hand, and a wall of glass opened towards the water so the lake does most of the decorating.

The result is a house that feels quietly extraordinary rather than designed to impress. You wake to reflected light on the ceiling, take coffee on the jetty, and find the day has arranged itself around the weather.

At a Glance

BoathouseLake accessLake viewHot tubDog friendlyFireplaceEV charger

Inside

Open-plan living and dining room with a wall of glass to the lake
Wood-burning stove and a deep window seat built into the gable
Kitchen by a Cumbrian joiner, with Lakeland slate worktops
Four bedrooms, three with water views; two with freestanding baths

Outside

Private jetty and swimming platform with direct lake access
Sunken hot tub set into the stone terrace
Boat store with two paddleboards and a traditional rowing boat
Sheltered fire pit under the oaks

The Location

Ten minutes from Bowness by road, three by boat
Footpath from the garden gate to Claife Heights
Two exceptional restaurants within a fifteen-minute drive

Things We Love

Swimming from the jetty before anyone else is awake
The way the stove and the lake light work together in November
Arriving by water from Bowness — we can arrange it

Good to Know

Unfenced lake frontage — best suited to older children
Two dogs welcome by arrangement
Three-night minimum stay; seven nights in peak weeks

Amenities

Superfast broadband
EV charger
Wood-burning stove
Hot tub
Paddleboards
Underfloor heating
Utility and boot room
Private parking for four

Availability

September 2026

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Minimum stay 3 nights. Live availability confirmed on enquiry.

Getting Here

Oxenholme Lake District station — 35 minutes by car
Manchester Airport — 1 hour 45 minutes
Private transfers arranged by our concierge team

Signature Concierge

A private chef on the first night, a table booked for the second, a boat on the water and a guide for the fells. Tell us what would make the stay, and we will arrange it before you arrive.

Discover concierge