Merellas

Living

A warm welcome awaits you, with uninterrupted views through the heart of the retreat to the fells of the valley beyond. Modern yet homely, the living space is made for gathering, spanning the full width of the home. Floor to ceiling windows frame the surrounding valley views, and bi-fold doors open onto the vast wraparound terrace area. Within, wood-burning stoves warm both sides of the main living space. On one side, a calming library and games area is wrapped by cosy armchairs and comfortable sofas with an upright Yamaha piano for avid musicians, inspiring joyous moments through shared melodies. On the other side, a second wood burning stove nestles within a large leather U-shaped sofa, draped with blankets, and throws with a Smart TV and soundbar. Original artworks adorn the walls, and two Echo Studio speakers allow you to stream services in multiple rooms. Additional seating by the large windows overlook the vista and invite guests to relax, relish, and unwind in all seasons in true Lakeland style.

Offering an alternate space for the children and teenagers alike is a cosy and intimate snug. Soft muted tones, a sumptuous U-shaped sofa and Smart TV promise inviting evenings for movie nights or a separate space to entertain little ones on wet days with shelves of books, games and jigsaws on hand.

The large well-equipped boot room has direct access outside, a butler sink, and underfloor heating - the perfect space to boot up for adventure, or dry coats and muddy paws on wet days. Outdoor towels are provided for wild swimming, and there's a second fridge freezer, washing machine and tumble dryer.

Eating

Blending Scandi minimalism with mid-century modern charm, the kitchen and dining areas are a perfect space to gather. The bespoke German kitchen was designed by multi-award-winning designer, Diane Berry, and offers every modern convenience in a sleek minimal layout around a large island. It is equipped with two ovens, an induction hob, two dishwashers, a small microwave, and a built-in fridge freezer. For brewing your favourite blends, a Nespresso Citiz coffee machine is provided, as well as a multi-function oven.

At the far side of the kitchen and nestled before a large gallery wall of the Newlands Valley, an oak dining table for twelve awaits, with adjacent chests of drawers in a complementary mid-century style. From here, french doors open to welcome the outside in and offer wonderful views of neighbouring Skiddaw. The perfect setting to entertain and dine, whether you're savouring a lavish family brunch or evening feast with friends.

Sleeping and bathing

After adventure-filled days, relish blissful nights at Merellas, where five stunning ensuite bedrooms await.

The first bedroom boasts vaulted ceilings and a mid-century oak spindle king size bed. Behind the blinds, unveil awe-inspiring mountain views across and up the valley from dual aspect windows. For storage, you'll find a wardrobe, with the addition of bedside tables either side of the king size bed, plus a vintage oak chair and Ercol side table. Self-care routines are simply a delight, with a large ensuite shower room in calming cream boasting a walk-in rainfall shower, dual sink, heated towel rail and underfloor heating.

The second bedroom offers incredible views of Skiddaw and Catbells through large dual aspect windows from the super king size bed. A rustic headboard beautifully complements the earthy toned soft furnishings and artwork, and a desk offers a quiet space to prepare or think whilst sumptuous armchair is an inviting space to read. A large en-suite bathroom in muted greys incorporates a generous bath for bubble-soaked indulgence and a shower from where more fell views can be savoured.

The third bedroom features a wooden king size bed in neutral shades, topped with cushions and throws in harmonising hues. A boucle armchair sits beside open shelving and wardrobe; whist stylish bedside tables flank the bed. The ensuite shower room has a rainfall shower, under sink storage and a heated towel rail, ensuring towels remain perfectly warm and fluffy.

The fourth bedroom features a wooden slat headboard and alcove library with dual aspect views of the fell behind and the mountains to the north. A zip-and-link super king size bed dressed in soothing neutral shades offers flexible sleeping arrangements which can configured with two single beds. The fitted wardrobe accommodates belongings and there's a desk and chair for creative moments. The ensuite shower room is tiled in earthy tones reminiscent of the metals mined locally in the valley. It includes a spacious walk-in rainfall shower and a dual sink positioned before a large mirror as well as a heated towel rail.

With a half panelled wooden feature wall, the fifth bedroom is incredibly inviting, with some forty square metres of space and high vaulted ceilings. The super king zip-and-link bed can be arranged as two singles for flexible sleeping arrangements and there's a wall-mounted Smart TV. At the far side of this space, you'll find two armchairs and a sofa bed which converts into two more single beds. The ensuite is tiled in shades of the locally mined Honister slate with a dual sink, a walk-in shower, separate bath, and heated towel rail.

There is an additional WC on the ground floor for added convenience, plus a heated towel rail.

Outdoor space

Acres of wrap-around gardens blend the boundaries between the property into its stunning surroundings, offering space for all to make the most of this area's exquisite beauty. Whether you're relaxing on the verdant lawn, listening to the soothing sound of the beck below, or relishing slow mornings with a cup of coffee from the comfort of the reclining chairs, a realm of whimsical escapism awaits. Prepare stone-baked delights in the outdoor pizza oven and enjoy alfresco feasts around the 12-seater outdoor dining table, perfectly positioned to take in the views. There's also a barbeque for grilling meals in the warmer months. After sundown, gather with warming tipples and cosy blankets around the chimenea, sharing stories over the fireside crackle and the scent of wood smoke. Beside the patio, you will find a small pond so please ensure children are supervised near both the pond and garden streams. The garden is a haven for wildlife, but take care as you explore the steeper areas.

Please note, for security purposes when the property is vacant, there is a CCTV camera located on the exterior of the retreat. However, it will not be active or in use during guest stays.

Babies and children

Babies and children are most welcome at Merellas. A highchair and travel cot are available on request.

Dogs

Two well-behaved adult dogs over 12 months are welcome at Merellas. For rinsing muddy paws, there is an outdoor hot and cold tap beside the boot room. Please note, there is an additional fee per dog, per week or short break.

Parking

There is parking for at least four cars at Merellas and an EV charging point for electric cars.

In the Area

"The loveliest spot that man hath found" is how William Wordsworth described the Lake District, and few valleys within it are as lovely as the Newlands. Set at the foot of Crag Hill, a plethora of walking routes lie within easy reach of Merellas. Catbells is one of the most popular fells in the National Park and offers panoramic views across Keswick and the lakes beyond. Explore Newlands Beck and Scope valley where gentle strolls and cascading waterfalls await. For the more adventurous, Maiden Moor, Dale Head and Grasmoor are all within easy reach.

For those seeking adventure, hire a boat and sail around Derwentwater, exploring the secluded inlets and beaches, or hire a bike to cycle the many well-known routes in the area including the cycle paths of Whinlatter Forest. Secure bicycle storage is available at the house. The local eighteen hole golf course at Threlkeld will challenge any level of skill amongst sublime surroundings. The brave can climb the Via Ferrata route from Honister Mine or try Ghyll scrambling within a mile of the house. For more sedate days, the market town of Keswick is under 15 minutes by car, lined with independent shops and quaint cafes, including the dog friendly The Wild Strawberry. Nearby Theatre By The Lake offers live performances from a beautiful theatre by Derwentwater. Visit Wordsworth's House in nearby Cockermouth, some 25-minutes by car, to uncover the childhood home of the famous poet and retrace the steps that inspired his life's work. And relax at the end of an adventure-filled day with the property's experienced local masseuse or at nearby award-winning spas at Lodore Falls and Armathwaite Hall.

Local dining options are extensive. Savour award-winning cuisine in some of the Lake District's finest restaurants, from the Michelin starred The Cottage in the Wood, only ten minutes from the house by car, to the Dog and Gun in Skelton. In Braithwaite, The Ruddings offers laid-back fine dining, and is known for its warm hospitality, or savour gastro meals at The Swinside Inn, a charming country pub just a 20-minute walk from Merellas. In nearby Borrowdale, Mizu is well worth visiting for delectable pan-Asian dishes and the nearby village of Braithwaite offers a good range of pubs and restaurants.