The accommodation is part of Hallin Bank, a traditional 17th century Lakeland farmhouse. The buildings are set in eleven acres of private land at the end of a single track, with parking space at the top. The location, on the south slopes of Hallin Fell and overlooking the lovely valley of Martindale, is stunning. The same family has occupied Hallin Bank since 1905 and it is a treasured possession. The owner lives in Hallin Bank farmhouse.
'The Fold' is a small barn conversion, available to rent all year round. It is attached to the farmhouse but it is separated from it by a larger barn and has its own independent access. A public footpath runs past the back of the buildings, as commonly with Cumbrian farmhouses, but it is not intrusive since the footfall is light and the house faces the other way, looking south down the valley.
The Fold is furnished to a high standard and contains many old beams and other character features. The accommodation is suitable for two people. The loft bedroom contains a king size double bed and a single bed. It is accessed by a steep staircase rising from the kitchen area. Downstairs, the bathroom, with large shower and washing machine, and the kitchen-diner are recently refurbished. The living room, on two levels, features a wood-burning stove and television/DVD player. Its garden door opens directly on to a terrace where you can sit outside, observe the local wildlife and enjoy wonderful views down the valley. From the terrace there is access straight into the old orchard, filled with snowdrops and daffodils in springtime. It slopes steeply down towards the field. Towards the lower end you will find a further sitting area at a levelled, paved spot chosen for maximum sun in summer. A gate at the bottom of the orchard leads to the field and stream below. The main Hallin Bank garden is private.
You may wander anywhere in our fields and woodland, and there are splendid walks in every direction with wildlife close at hand, including red squirrels, badgers, red deer and many types of bird. Well behaved dogs are welcome. Lake Ullswater is a 15 minute walk away and you can take the ferry from nearby Howtown to the villages of Glenridding at the head of the lake or Pooleybridge at its foot. The local town, Penrith, is 10 miles away. You can eat well at a number of pub or hotel restaurants in the area, the nearest being the Howtown Hotel, famous for its old-world charm and excellent cooking.
This is a perfect place for rest and relaxation, a base for walking in the north-eastern fells, or a romantic retreat. The location is remote and rural, and you should be aware that it is not like being in a town with easy access to all the facilities you may be used to. Local people have a tradition of self-sufficiency and we aim at a way of life friendly to the environment. For example, we ask you to co-operate with our composting and recycling systems and you may see us working in the kitchen garden or splitting logs for the wood-burning stoves. You will not get super-fast broadband and there are limitations on downloading. Nevertheless, you will be very comfortable in The Fold and we think you will be enchanted by this half-wild and exceptionally beautiful spot. For further details and more photographs please check the owner's individual website for 'Hallin Bank'.