Every Friday, we share our 'Gem of the week', highlighting one of the gems in our collection that we are absolutely loving at the moment. This week, we couldn’t narrow it down to just one. Our Gems of the Week are two equally incredible stays at the Hawkhow Estate, tucked away in the Ullswater Valley.

Approached by a private drive from the lakeside road, Hawkhow occupies an extraordinary site overlooking Ullswater. The estate spans nearly four acres of secluded woodland, with Mossdale Beck tumbling through the gardens, the kind of setting that makes you feel it has been picked straight out of a storybook.

Hawkhow Cottage: Cosy Lake District Living

If you’ve ever dreamed of proper lakeside living without the crowds, Hawkhow Cottage is it. This charming off-grid bolthole sits right on the edge of Ullswater, where you can wake up, step outside, and be practically in the water.

Inside, there’s plenty of character. A traditional Aga-warmed kitchen (there really is something deeply satisfying about cooking on an Aga), plus a glass and oak-framed extension that steals the show. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the lake while you’re sprawled on the sofa by the log burner,  like your own private viewing box for one of England’s most beautiful lakes.

Sleeping eight across four bedrooms (one king, one double, one twin upstairs, plus a small double downstairs), it’s perfect for families or a close group of friends. The galleried dining area adds a lovely sense of space, and you’ll end up lingering over long meals simply because the views are too good to leave.

And then there’s the private lake access. Morning swims, afternoon paddles, evening drinks by the water, perfect. Ullswater becomes part of your daily rhythm in the best possible way.

Hawkhow: Perfect for Gatherings

Where the cottage is more intimate, Hawkhow house is built for togetherness. Sleeping ten across five bedrooms (two superkings, one semi-superking, and two twins), it’s the kind of place made for milestone birthdays, reunions, or those rare occasions when everyone actually makes it to the same place at the same time.

The house shares the same woodland setting and sweeping lake views. The four-oven Aga anchors the kitchen, while the dining room windows frame the water like a living painting. The sitting room feels spacious yet cosy, with its open fire and pool table, and there’s a snug for anyone who fancies escaping with a book.

With three bathrooms including a separate shower room, no one’s queuing in the morning, always a win when you’ve got a crowd.

What Makes Both Special

Both properties hit that sweet spot: authentic Lake District charm with all the comforts you actually want. Off-grid doesn’t mean basic here, it means slowing down, noticing the sound of Mossdale Beck as it cuts through the grounds, and looking up at star-laden skies that city folk only dream of.

The shared wood-fired sauna is a highlight, there’s nothing quite like a Nordic-style heat session followed by a dip in the lake. The grounds themselves are part adventure, with winding woodland paths, bridges, and steep tracks leading down to the water.

If you’re up for a hike, you can even start the climb to Helvellyn from the garden. Or keep it gentle: Glenridding is a beautiful 15-minute walk along the lake, home to pubs, cafes, and the famous Ullswater Steamers.

Why We Love Them

Whether you pick the cottage, the house, or both together, Hawkhow is Lake District magic distilled. Seclusion without isolation. Comfort without compromise. Time to disconnect, but still close enough to wander into a village for a pub lunch when you fancy it.

These are stays that let Ullswater do what it does best: stop you in your tracks, slow you down, and remind you why this corner of England is so loved. You’ll likely find yourself planning your return before you’ve even packed.

Book them separately or together. Ideal for celebrations, family gatherings, or when you just want your own slice of Ullswater to share.

You can find out more about Hawkhow here...

You can find out more about Hawkhow Cottage here...

You can read our previous blogs here...