Set high on the rolling moorland of Matterdale Common to the west of Ullswater and overlooking beautiful mountaintops, is this stunning house sleeping up to six people with a history as interesting as the cottage is elegant. The cottage itself was once the servant's quarters for the adjoining house, which is mentioned in the Wainwright guides as the highest inhabited house in the Lake District. The worlds of Art and Science have collided here in the past with the house, surroundings and starry skies providing inspiration for noted artists, poets and astronomers alike. Owned in the past by noted patron of the arts Helen Sutherland, the house has over the years played host to and provided inspiration for venerated guests such as Norman Nicholson and T. S. Eliot. Within walking distance of the hamlet of Dockray and just over two miles from the banks of picturesque Ullswater this is a truly magical place from which to explore this much-loved area. Now lovingly restored, it is a warm, welcoming and luxurious home for a family or small group to enjoy the staggering views from its lofty setting. Widely thought to be one of the most beautiful of the Lakes, Ullswater affords fabulous opportunities for walking, cycling, eating out, and generally messing about on the water. The area is a magnet for fell walkers with mighty Helvellyn, England's third highest mountain, and the High Street range just on the doorstep. Cockley Moor is situated on Matterdale Common which makes it ideally placed for walkers or mountain bikers to explore the Dowthwaite Fells and the Helvellyn range or the old coach road over to Threlkeld. For those who enjoy picturesque lowland rambling the area is blessed with some marvellous walks, not least to the awe inspiring Aira Force. Guests here can easily do this walk from the door and possibly reward themselves with a lovely pub meal at the Royal Hotel in Dockray on the way home! Why not catch one of Ullswater's stately steamers from the new Aira Force Pier just down the road? These gorgeous heritage vessels wind their way around this gem of a lake allowing visitors to take in the majestic scenery in a very relaxed way. If you'd rather try a more hands-on approach to the water then why not hire a boat or kayak from nearby Glenridding and find your perfect picnic beach around its shingle shores? For adventurous types, Rookin House Farm activity centre is a 5-minute drive away and offers a multitude of activities including horse riding, quad biking, go Karting and archery. If visitors would like to explore life in the wider area around the cottage then the delightful Lakeland towns of Keswick and Penrith are just a 20-minute drive away while nearby stately homes such as Dalemain, Hutton-in-the-Forest and Lowther Castle offer a peek into the rich history of the area. Of course, guests might just enjoy making themselves a cuppa or pouring a glass of wine and taking in the staggering views while spending time in this delightful, well-appointed home. This stunning property is set in a position of incredible grandeur overlooking moorland and mountain tops in Dockray near picturesque Ullswater. Sleeping six people in three characterful bedrooms and welcoming up to two well behaved dogs, this property's position means it is a peaceful haven for anyone searching for tranquillity away from day to day life. The owners have substantially renovated the property incorporating subtle decor, luxurious furnishings and thoughtfully chosen art and ceramics. On arrival at the house, guests approach the main door from the parking area via the raised patio. On entry to the building there is a large cupboard for coats and shoes, a downstairs WC and a utility room with washing machine, dryer and further hanging space for wet items and all the muddy boots you're likely to generate on your Lakeland rambles. This end of the house has a stunning double-height sun room and comfortable seating taking in the staggering views over the fields and fells towards the High Street range. The huge sash windows and double doors out onto the patio have been designed to drench the room in light and make the absolute most of that magnificent panorama. It's a wonderful space to enjoy the peace and quiet of the cottage's setting and lose yourself in a good book. Moving through from here you'll find the main living room. A warm comfortable space with wooden floor, a large sofa, large flatscreen TV with Sky and DVD player not forgetting the beautiful slate open fireplace, perfect for lighting on cold winter evenings. The owners have thoughtfully provided a selection of books to keep guests entertained during their stay. Beyond this lies the stylish kitchen diner. With elegant heritage blue units the kitchen is well equipped with dishwasher, under counter fridge, gas hobs, a raised fan oven as well as a microwave combination oven. it has all the crockery and equipment for the foodies among you and a wonderful larder/cold room which houses the fridge/freezer. Through to the far end of the house you'll find the cosy snug. Vibrantly furnished with gorgeous seating this room has its own large Smart TV making it a perfect spot for the teens or tweens in your party to commandeer. No more arguments about what you're watching in the evenings! The staircase leads up from the kitchen to the far end of the house. The three bedrooms all have their own unique colour scheme and are beautifully decorated with thoughtfully chosen artwork and textiles. You first arrive at the lovely twin room with views out to the forestry at the rear of the house. This end of the house has its own shower room with an excellent mixer shower. Moving through the long upstairs corridor to find one king-size bedroom and one double. you first arrive at the cosy-feeling blue room, with its delightful decorative fireplace, chest of drawers and corner windows with those glorious views towards the Ullswater fells and beyond. Beyond this there is the bright fresh family bathroom with an shower over the bath and another picture perfect view through the small window. Lastly, you reach the green bedroom. It has drawers and a large wardrobe and is yet another gorgeous space with stunning sweeping views towards Ullswater from its sash windows. Outside the house the space has been well planned to make the most of those stunning views with a raised patio for outdoor dining (there is a small drop from the patio to the lawn area so small children should be supervised at all times) and a perfect bench for enjoying an evening glass of wine savouring the magnificent outlook. It also benefits from a lovely oval lawn surrounded by plants and shrubs providing year round colour. Truly a place to soak up the tranquillity, enjoy the views and, on clear nights, revel in its staggering star-covered skies. House Rules Additional information and rules 1 dog allowed per booking - 3 bedrooms – 1 king-size,1 double, 1 twin - 2 bathrooms – 1 bathroom with a shower over the bath and WC, 1 shower room with WC, and 1 downstairs WC - Oven, gas hob, microwave, dishwasher, fridge, larder with fridge/freezer - Utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer - Open fire (logs and kindling not provided) - TV, SkyTV, DVD - Snug with Smart TV - Landscaped garden an raised patio area (care should be taken with young children as there is a small drop) - Off road parking for 2 medium size cars, space for a further car directly outside the gated drive. - The cottage is supplied by mains water, please note Cumbrian water is soft and has a different flavour from hard water - Pub within 1 mile Host Terms & Conditions The Travel Chapter Limited, trading as “holidaycottages·co·uk”, acts as agent for the property owner. Therefore, when you make a booking the contract is between you and the owner. Please note our terms and conditions will also apply when you make a booking. These can be found in the footer of our website, holidaycottages·co·uk.