Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jacqueline B.
12 July 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Our peaceful relaxing stay
Jacqueline B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Entire home
Romantic Retreat With Space, Character And Glorious Mountain Views
Photo gallery for Romantic Retreat With Space, Character And Glorious Mountain Views
Reviews
9.49.4 out of 10
Exceptional
Highlights
- BarbecueA rare find - perfect for a relaxed, outdoor grilling experience.
- A quiet escapeGuests like the location for the peace and quiet.
- Discover nearby landmarksWalk to Yorkshire Dales National Park
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2
Popular amenities
- Onsite parking available
- Pet-friendly
- Kitchen
- Washing machine
- Barbecue
- Garden
Explore the area
Penrith, Cumbria
- Yorkshire Dales National ParkPlace, Yorkshire Dales National Park1 min walk
- UllswaterPlace, Ullswater36 min drive
- Lake WindermerePlace, Lake Windermere40 min drive
Rooms & beds
1 bedroom (sleeps 2)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Hair dryer
Spaces
Kitchen
Garden
About this property
Romantic Retreat With Space, Character And Glorious Mountain Views
Are you longing for a break somewhere different and peaceful, somewhere situated in gorgeous countryside? The Gatehouse at Kelleth Old Hall could be your answer - a luxurious and highly original getaway for two - with lots of space, a grand piano, books, books, more books and all kinds of architectural features you are unlikely to find anywhere else. And once you have taken in the comfort, space and character of the Gatehouse, you can step outside the door and find yourself in the middle of the Howgills, at the foot of the appropriately-named Eden Valley. The landscape is green and bronze, alive with wild flowers, and you can cycle or walk for miles without seeing a soul.
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House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 10:30 AM
Children
Adults only
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed: limit 3 total
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Property # 8118869
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the area
Penrith
Located in Penrith, this holiday home is in a rural area and in the mountains. Stainmore Railway Company Ltd. and Lesley Rowe are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Kennedys Fine Chocolates and Eden Valley Railway. Appleby Leisure Centre and Brigflatts Meeting House are also worth visiting. Practise your golf swing on a nearby course, or enjoy other activities in the great outdoors, such as hiking/biking trails and cycling in the area.
Penrith, Cumbria
What's nearby
- Yorkshire Dales National Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
- Lowther Castle and Gardens - 25 min drive - 32.9 km
- Penrith Castle - 27 min drive - 38.9 km
- Ullswater - 36 min drive - 53.0 km
- Lake Windermere - 40 min drive - 45.9 km
Getting around
- Kirkby Stephen Station - 12 min drive
- Manchester Airport (MAN) - 105 min drive
Restaurants
- The King's Head - 8 min drive
- The George Hotel - 7 min drive
- Starbucks - 8 min drive
- Stainmore Cafe - 10 min drive
- Orton Scar Cafe - 7 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Romantic Retreat With Space, Character And Glorious Mountain Views pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 3 total).
How much is parking at Romantic Retreat With Space, Character And Glorious Mountain Views?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Romantic Retreat With Space, Character And Glorious Mountain Views?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Romantic Retreat With Space, Character And Glorious Mountain Views?
Checkout is at 10:30 AM.
Where is Romantic Retreat With Space, Character And Glorious Mountain Views located?
Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is within 3 miles (5 km) of Yorkshire Dales National Park, Smardale Gill National Nature Reserve and Tebay Park. Eden Valley is 3 mi (4.9 km) away.
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new windowRating 10 - Excellent. 11 out of 13 reviews
10 - Excellent
11
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 13 reviews
8 - Good
1
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 13 reviews
6 - Okay
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Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 13 reviews
4 - Poor
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Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 13 reviews
2 - Terrible
1
8.0/10
Cleanliness
9.4/10
Check-in
9.2/10
Communication
9.6/10
Location
9.4/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
Response from VrboOwner on 12 July 2022
Thank you for a sweet review. It was lovely to meet you both and your doggies. Piglet and Bear send you a wave!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jo B.
25 July 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Eden valley setting
Delightfully quirky property with real character, which was perfect for a stay with dogs. It’s located in a spot where both the Lakes and the Dales are easily accessible, but the Eden valley itself is not to be missed.
Jo B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Caroline N.
21 December 2023
Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Mrs
We had a wonderful stay at the gatehouse. It really was special. It was so warm and cosy. Excellent bed and very comfy sofa. Would definitely recommend to my friends
Caroline N.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Laura W.
1 July 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic and comfortable place to stay
The gatehouse is fantastic, the design and thought that has gone in to the layout and decoration makes it unique - both cosy and spacious. The views are beautiful and the location makes it very easy to go east to the hills and dales or west to the lakes. Charlotte was very welcoming and gave some very good recommendations for things to see and local spots. Very comfortable place to stay and the piano was a real treat. Thanks for having us!
Laura W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Tracie M.
12 June 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Walking break
Lovely, quiet rural location easy to find not far off the M6. Lots of walks in the hills and surrounding villages.
We loved the accommodation, very quirky and well looked after. Please do not take any notice of some negative comments I’ve seen. The whole point of the accommodation is to be rustic and old. Charlotte was very welcoming and
Tracie M.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Andrea C.
21 June 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location peaceful
We loved the cottage withbits abundance of booksand eclectic decor and refurbishment. The double bed was super comfy. I had not spotted on the listing that there was also bunk beds for kids. Not needed for us but useful for others that are looking to book. We made ise of the hammock to relax and the games in the cupboard. Was only 10 minutes from the m6 junction(not that you could tell) made it easy to travel across the lake district both north amd south. Would definitely recommend.
Andrea C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified
2/10 Terrible
gareth p.
17 August 2025
Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Shabby chic? Or just shabby?
Nightmare of a property. The host went for shabby chic, without the chic.The interior is Like someone just bought a charity shop and stuffed the property with everything no-one else wanted.The barn looks to have been converted and decorated by someone who went to a salvage auctionn and said "I'll buy everything" then employed a drunk bob the builder who decided to use everything even though nothing fitted properly.Would we visit gain? NO. Unless we were invited to witness the demolition.
gareth p.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
David C.
1 October 2023
Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing and peaceful
A real rustic quirky barn that was a real pleasure to stay in. Bed was very comfortable. Everything was supplied to be able to cook whatever we fancied. The piano was a nice touch. Dogs loved the garden. Weather was dreadful but it did not stop us enjoying our stay.
My only criticism is that it would have been nice to have a shower mixer tap on the bath but we coped lol. We had a bit off a storm but we were very cosy with the heating on and no draughty despite 50 mph winds and us sitting watching out the window. Love this quirky old barn and would certainly recommend it. Don’t expect a boutique type residence. That it is not!!!! It is a converted barn with decor that has been thrown together with thought.
Thank you Charlotte we loved it
Dave and Denise
David C.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Lieuwe Z.
4 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Kelleth Old Hall - een poortgebouw met karakter
Ons verblijf in het prachtige poortgebouw van Kelleth Old Hall was fantastisch. Een warme ontvangst door Charlotte en een wekelijk prachtig, ruim en goed onderhouden vakantieverblijf. De internetverbinding is met behulp van Elon Musk helemaal up-tp-date gemaakt en werkt perfect. Enige minpuntje was dat er alleen een bad is en er dus geen douchemogelijkheid is.
Lieuwe Z.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Martin S.
4 October 2022
Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Gatehouse
Quirky barn conversion in a fantastic location with beautiful views to the front, sloping garden shared with the owner.
Plenty of local walks and felt safe even when walking on the roads.
A great time was had by all.
Martin S.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Paul S.
6 September 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The gatehouse
Lovely cottage beautiful surroundings loved the character of the property well equipped
Paul S.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Anthony S.
29 August 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Interesting quirky barn conversion in beautiful surroundings.
This property was one of the most interesting and innovative holiday places we have stayed at. A mixture of antique, shabby chic and industrial styles, it did not disappoint. The beautiful little village with its lovely views from the house, of the hills beyond, added to its charm. Super host Charlotte Fairbairn was on hand to sort any problems and was always a mine of useful information.
Anthony S.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Nick P.
30 November 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stunning cottage
A truly unique cottage with bags of character that’ll want you to spend more time in it than outside exploring the local area. Work forced me to get out each day but I couldn’t wait to get back each evening. From the open plan lounge to the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, every detail is perfect and I’m now looking for an excuse to get back up and stay here again. Excellent communication from the host Charlotte with check-in and out very straight forward and hassle free.
Nick P.
Stayed 9 nights in Nov 2020
About the host
Hosted by Charlotte Fairbairn
Writer, mother, former dressage rider, interested in politics, the arts, journalism, books, people, music, antiques, ideas. Co-founder of the Lake District Book Festival, coming to Cartmel Racecourse in 2026.
Why they chose this property
I am pretty sure you will not find anything like The Gatehouse very easily. It is 100% idiosyncratic. When I came to do it up, I wanted to get away from the formulaic pattern of decor followed by holiday lets up and down the country. I think that if you are going on holiday, you want to find something different from what you have at home. You want to be refreshed and amused and inspired. Amusement at the Gatehouse may come from some of the design quirks inside. Inspiration and refreshment will come from the views and the landscape around.
The Gatehouse sits facing south over the Howgills. If you know the M6, you will recognise these wonderful doughy hills that Wainwright described as 'sleeping elephants' which mark a watershed between south and north Cumbria. Here we are, among the elephants, in a location both remote and accessible. In rain or shine, our views are always stunning.
The Gatehouse sits facing south over the Howgills. If you know the M6, you will recognise these wonderful doughy hills that Wainwright described as 'sleeping elephants' which mark a watershed between south and north Cumbria. Here we are, among the elephants, in a location both remote and accessible. In rain or shine, our views are always stunning.
What makes this property unique
The Gatehouse is designed principally for two - which means huge amounts of space and a real feeling of romance. The house is two-storey, the main living area largely open to the roof with a first-floor gallery at one end and a bathroom at the other. There are hundreds of books, a grand piano, a reclaimed Georgian staircase, a wall covered in corrugated tin, a woodburning stove decorated with winter moose scenes, some contemporary paintings, fully-equipped kitchen. The feel is New York loft meets London studio - all in the heart of some of the country's most dramatic and unspoilt scenery.
Languages:
English, French, Spanish
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