Merellas — New

Living

In an open plan design, the living space at Merellas is made for gathering. To one side, enjoy cosiness by the wood burning stove, with leather sofas, comfortable armchairs and a library. A Yamaha Upright piano awaits avid musicians, inspiring joyous moments through shared melodies. On the other side, a second wood burning stove can be found before a large leather U-shaped sofa, with the addition of a Smart TV and soundbar for watching your favourite films and series. Amazon Echo Studio speakers allow you to stream services in multiple rooms, so you can listen to your favourite playlists throughout the retreat. A calming space to soak up the magnificent views, you'll find additional seating by the bi-fold doors which open onto the magnificent vista ahead. Unwind in true Lakeland style, in all seasons.

In soft muted tones, the cosy snug with a U-shaped sofa and a Smart TV promises an inviting space for movie nights, or a separate space to entertain the little ones with shelves of books, games and jigsaws.

The large well-equipped boot room offers direct access outside, and with underfloor heating, it's the perfect place to dry coats, boots, and muddy paws on wetter days. Outdoor towels are provided for any wild swimmers and there's a second fridge freezer, plus a washing machine and a tumble dryer.

Eating

Blending Scandi minimalism with mid-century modern charm, the kitchen and dining areas are an inviting space to gather. The kitchen is fully 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.

At the far side of the kitchen and nestled before a large Lakeland gallery wall, an oak dining table for twelve awaits, with two chests of drawers in a complementary mid-century style. French doors allow you to welcome the outside in, offering wonderful views of Skiddaw and the perfect setting to 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 ensuite bedrooms await.

The first bedroom boasts vaulted ceilings and a mid-century spindle style king size bed. Behind the blinds, unveil awe-inspiring mountain views 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 side table. Self-care routines are simply a delight, with an ensuite shower room complete with a large walk-in rainfall shower, a dual sink, heated towel rail and underfloor heating.

With dreamy Lakeland vistas from two large windows, settle in for the cosiest nights in the second bedroom, where a super king size bed rests with a rustic headboard beautifully complementing the earthy toned soft furnishings. A desk and chair promise a quiet space to get ready, or rest with a gripping novel on the comfortable armchair. The large en-suite bathroom offers refreshing morning showers and bubble-topped soaks with a dual sink, heated towel rail and underfloor heating.

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 offers a rainfall shower with handheld attachment, under sink storage and a heated towel rail, ensuring towels remain perfectly warm.

The fourth bedroom features a wooden slat headboard and alcove library, with a zip-and-link super king size bed dressed in soothing neutral shades. Offering flexible sleeping arrangements, this room can also be arranged with two single beds. A fitted wardrobe accommodates your belongings and there's a desk with a chair too. The ensuite shower room is complete with a spacious walk-in rainfall shower and a dual sink positioned before a large mirror. There is also a heated towel rail to keep towels fluffy and warm.

With a half panelled wooden feature wall, the spacious fifth bedroom is incredibly inviting, with high vaulted ceilings and a super king zip-and-link bed, which can also be arranged as two singles for flexible sleeping arrangements. At the far side of this space, you'll find two armchairs and a Smart TV, with 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.

On the ground floor, you will find an additional WC, for added ease, plus a heated towel rail.

Outdoor space

Seek serenity outside in Merellas' enchanting wrap around garden or from inside through floor to ceiling windows which make the most of the surrounding views in any weather. 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. In addition, there are four Adirondack chairs for soaking up the picturesque scenery from the patio. 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 of the towering Lakeland hills. 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 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

Set at the foot of Crag Hill, a plethora of walking routes lie within easy reach of Merellas. Relish the natural beauty of the Lakes and soak up panoramic views across Keswick and the Newlands Valley from the summit of Catbells, one of the most popular fells in the Lake District. Newlands Beck and Scope valley offer gentle strolls where cascading waterfalls await. For further breathtaking scenes, Maiden Moor, Dale Head and Grasmoor are all within easy reach.

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. Hire a boat and sail around Derwentwater, exploring the secluded inlets and beaches. Theatre By The Lake offers live performances from a beautiful theatre by Derwentwater. Visit the village of Braithwaite at the foot of Whinlatter Pass, only a 7-minute drive from Merellas. Or hire a bike locally to cycle the many well-known routes in the area including the cycle paths of Whinlatter Forest. Venture to Wordsworth 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. Or relax at the end of an adventure-filled day with the property's experienced local masseuse, or 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.