Hassness Country House, Buttermere

About

Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells, Hassness Country House is the perfect base for guided and self-guided walking holidays in the Lake District. Although within easy reach of Keswick, this is one of the remotest parts of the Lake District, where local Herdwick sheep dot the hillsides and red squirrels can be seen in the woods. Wildflowers and seasonal blooms of bluebells provide pops of colour among the greens and browns of the hills and fells. And it is this landscape that you’re here for. This was the favourite Lakeland location of legendary fellwalker and guidebook author Alfred Wainwright, and you’re in the perfect position to immerse yourself in the beauty of Buttermere and the Lake District.

Accommodation at the house is in comfortable twin, double or single rooms. In total the house sleeps just 19 people, across 11 bedrooms. Seven of these have en-suite facilities, while the others share high-powered modern shower rooms and toilets, which are located across the hall from the bedrooms. Toiletries and towels (both hand & bath) are provided for each guest. All bedrooms are lakeside with many overlooking the tranquil lake and the imposing fells beyond. The remaining rooms have a peaceful garden view.

Hassness Country House offers a retreat from today’s always-connected world. There's no TV, no phones in the bedrooms, and very little mobile reception in this sparsely populated valley. If you do need to contact the outside world beyond the fells, Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and there’s a payphone available. There is a cosy lounge complete with leather sofas and a large picture window looking out over Buttermere. There is a large garden to the front of the house and a terrace at the rear that is a great spot to watch for birds and red squirrels.

The kitchen serves delicious home-cooked meals sourced from the very best of local ingredients and showcases regional specialties, such as slow cooked Herdwick lamb, Cumberland sausage and Damson fruit tart. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options as well, and dietary requirements can be accommodated. Guests can indulge in a hearty cooked breakfast with tasty homemade preserves, a substantial packed lunch on the hills and the promise of freshly baked cakes with coffee or tea upon return. Dinner is a hearty three-course meal. There’s also a small honesty bar that offers a selection of red and white wines, bottled beers and an assortment of spirits with which to toast your day in the hills. Despite the remote location, the nearest village is just two miles away. Buttermere village might be a tiny traditional hamlet but it has two pubs where you can drop in for a pint of local ale, and a cafe offering traditional cream tea or a homemade ice-cream. And on the one day a week that the kitchen is closed at Hassness House (Tuesday), head here for a cracking pub meal.

At Ramble Worldwide, we offer many walking holidays based at Hassness Country House – it is a welcoming retreat from which to venture into the fells as gently or energetically as you choose. Our holidays suit individuals or groups looking for a walking break or the house can be hired to include accommodation and meals with our managers on site.

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