As our stay-cation in the magnificent Lake District continued, we carried on discovering glacial ribbon lakes, rugged fell mountains and some lovely hiking places in Cumbria. After a long day hiking around White Moss Walks and Stock Ghyll Force fall, we came across a hidden gem when we stopped for a night in a lovely Ees Wyke Country House.

Location:

Ees Wyke Country House is perfectly located in Cumbria, near a small village of Sawrey and less than 3 miles from the town of Hawkshead. It is set on high ground overlooking and adjacent to Esthwaite Water and providing spectacular views to the Langdale Pikes and Grizedale Forest. You will be pleased to discover that Ees Wyke Country House was once the holiday home of Beatrix Potter – an English writer, illustrator, natural scientist and conservationist. It offers a perfect base for exploring the wonders of the Lake District with Hill Top being only a 4-minute walk away. It is also just a 30-min walk from the head of Lake Windermere, England’s largest natural lake. If you are an adventure seeker then you can walk on the tree tops at Go Ape Grizedale which is a short drive away.
Alternatively, if like me, long walks are more appealing then I would suggest taking a lovely walk along the Windermere shoreline and Rawlinson Nab recommended by Richard Lee – Ees Wyke Country House’s owner and on-site chef. He used to take it with his late wife – Margaret and I would suggest you to experience it when you stay here.

Facilities:

According to the Ees Wyke Country House’s website: ‘Ees Wyke was built as a Lake District retreat for a Lancashire mill owner in 1742′. It has remained a private home until it was converted into a guest house with some famous visitors such as above mentioned Beatrix Potter, visiting on several occasions. Ees Wyke’s current owner purchased this elegant Georgian house over 15 years ago and as he has a wealth of experience in hotel management since he took it over Ees Wyke has won multiple awards which are proudly displayed in the lounge and dining areas.

Guests can have a drink, read a book or relax in one of two spacious lounges, on the veranda or in a garden. Breakfast and dinner are served in the dinning room.

The breakfast at Ees Wyke Country House has received an AA award and is simply spectacular. It is sourced from local ingredients i.e. sausages and dry cured bacon are from the local butcher or you can try a Loch Fyne kipper or poached Finnan haddock. You can also try some continental breakfast including a selection of cereals, freshly squeezed juices, compotes, porridge and freshly baked croissants. Guests can also book for a freshly prepared 3-course dinner with a daily changing menu. The choices were limited in order to ensure quality and the dishes we selected were mouth-watering and we cleared our plates in no time.

Rooms: 

Ees Wyke Country House is a small boutique hotel with only 9 rooms. We stayed in the ‘blue’ room situated on the 1st floor providing breathtaking views of Esthwaite Waters and the fells beyond.

It had a traditional and classy decor with a mix of antique and contemporary furniture. It provided us with all the homely comforts you require whilst being away from home – satellite TV, selection of tea and coffee, work desk, and a comfortable king-sized bed. Complimentary sherry was an adorable thought and we appreciated it after a full day walk.

Our en-suite bathroom had a classic decor. Penhaligon toiletries, and soft fluffy towels were provided.

Overall experience: 

I could continue and write 1000s of words about how Ees Wyke Country House is worth your custom, about how it’s owner Richard somehow manages to combine home cooking with top French professional standards of cooking, about how the breakfast is hands down the best I’ve had in the North West and how Angela (the front of house) entertained us with the stories and advise on the best local walks and attraction. I could write all this, but none of it matters, the Ees Wyke Country House is simply excellent and the view from its rooms is world class – simply breathtaking. This soul-soothing scenery is definitely something I would love to wake up to everyday…

Lastly, if you are planning a trip to the Lake District then you should definitely book a room in this classic country house. You will not regret it. Both me and my husband loved it here and being looked after by Richard and Angela seemed like we were staying in some relatives house. I would love to return here soon and have already mentioned to my husband that we should travel here for my birthday in May.

Website:

For more information and to book visit their website.

Address:

Near Sawrey
Ambleside
Cumbria
LA22 0JZ
England

Hope you enjoyed reading this review!

X

Pauline