Blenheim Lodge B&B, our house and home, is located on a hilltop in Bowness-on-Windermere. Well . . . it is not quite at the very peak of Brantfell, the Lakeland fell on which our B&B is situated, but it is tucked into the highest part of the fell that forms a backdrop to our home and that of our neighbours. Behind our house is a small fence and drystone wall partly obscured by hedgerows which form a picturesque countryside border with the National Trust acres that border our back garden. So, to all intents and purposes, residentially speaking, we are practically at the top of a hill.
The wonderful thing about being on a hilltop are the views that one gets to enjoy provided one’s house had been built to take advantage of the views in the first place. Blenheim Lodge was once the grand holiday home of a mid-Victorian Manchester magnate. He built his house at the top of Brantfell, thereby proclaiming his position of supremacy because his house looked down upon the residences below him. At least this is what we learnt when we met some descendants of another previous 19th century owner of Blenheim Lodge.
Now, of course, we at Blenheim Lodge have the advantage of location because of this far-thinking 19th century gentleman. Not only are we blessed because we can enjoy some truly amazing breathtaking lake and fell views from our home, but guests to our Bed and Breakfast will also be able to admire these views from many of our rooms. Ten of our bedrooms have fabulous views of Lake Windermere and the Lakeland fells, whilst one bedroom overlooks the tranquil countryside into which our B&B nestles.
Another benefit of our hilltop position is our proximity to the open fell: only a minute’s stroll from our front door will take one to The Dales Way, a long distance footpath that wends through Cumbria to Ilkley in the Yorkshire Dales. Guests staying at Blenheim Lodge have easy access to extensive fell acres, where they can explore at will, following well marked trails to four viewpoints: Biskey Howe, School Knott, Post Knott and Brantfell. Walks to these viewpoints take range from 10-40 minutes from our front door, depending on the viewpoints chosen.
In the days when servants would have been at the beck and call of their Victorian masters practically 24 hours a day, those servants at Blenheim Lodge must have blessed their cotton socks because it is but a 3-5 minute walk into the centre of Bowness village when they did have a day off. Indeed, Blenheim Lodge is but a 2-minute walk downhill and a 5-minute walk back up. However, the local taxis will drive passengers up to the Lodge for a small sum. In 21st century Bowness, our guests staying at Blenheim Lodge often leave their vehicles parked in our car park and enjoy the amenities of a well provisioned village and local attractions on foot. One of these attractions is the famous Windermere Lake Cruises which many enjoy boarding for sails to Ambleside and Lakeside on either end of Lake Windermere, (Bowness being the hub and centre), and also to some smaller piers, such as Brockhole and Wray Castle.
Perhaps one of the things I love best about our location is that it is quiet up here. There is no noise from main road traffic nor late night revellers to contend with. Guests who choose to stay with us often book our B&B because they want to stay in a place where they can get some peace and quiet, and relax. Bird lovers will enjoy the lullaby of avian evensong, awakening to the cheerful warble of morning birdsong. In the gloaming, owls hoot and bats fly amongst the trees in the woodlands at the back of our house. Sometimes, shy wild deer wander into our space where they just might consider the nutritional value of our plants! Spring, summer and autumn often see herds of young cows and sheep gathering to feed in the fields that border our backyard. The serenity is addictive.
Our hilltop B&B is a fabulous place for a peaceful getaway and retreat. Whilst quiet and serene, guests staying with us are also within easy reach of local amenities and attractions. Windermere Railway Station is only a mile from us and we often help our guests to arrange transfers. Of course, one can also take a bus from the station to Bowness, and the bus stop is only a 5-10 minute walk to our front door. To adopt a much used phrase, ‘it really is the best of both worlds’!
So, if you are looking for a stay in a place to stay for a New Year break or to see in the New Year, or perhaps wish to visit the Lake District in 2016, do contact us for more details or to book. We currently have some great deals for a late availability New Year break as well as special Winter and Springtime offers when booking DIRECT with us.
Look forward to welcoming you!
Blenheim Lodge . . . panoramic Lake views, peace and tranquillity, nestled against acres of beautiful fields and woodlands, in the heart of the English Lake District National Park.’
Visit our website: http://www.blenheim-lodge.com
Email: enquiries@blenheim-lodge.com
Telephone: 015394 43440
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