Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, Victorian House delivers the tranquil beauty and timeless allure of the English countryside to your doorstep.
VISUALS & WORDS: Jasmine Perrier
This feature is produced in collaboration with Your Place UK
Victorian House sits in the center of the picturesque village of Grasmere, placed strategically next to gift and grocery shops, cafés, and pubs. If you crave a breath of fresh air for 48 hours away from the city, while traveling sustainably without a car — go no further for your next countryside getaway. From Manchester or London, the mountainous region in the North West of England is easily reachable. Take a direct train to Oxenholme, then use the Lakes line to get to Windermere where you can catch the 555 or 599 buses that will drop you off only a stone’s throw from the charming B&B about 30 minutes later. As you approach the destination, the routes unveil an earthy and vibrant palette of colors — featuring mountains, lakeside views, and sheep grazing peacefully in the green fields.
Inside the Victorian period house, they kept the old-world charm of the place but it feels well maintained and modernly elegant. That’s what you notice at first sight when you discover the semi-open plan ground floor which includes a parlor with vintage velvet chairs to receive guests and a dining area. The setting feels warm and inviting, embellished with wooden furniture that seems to carry memories of the past and fresh flowers. We were welcomed by Alex at the antique desk, who was jovial and communicative. If it is your first time in town, she is happy to share her suggestions for walking options or nearby attractions — like the beloved Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, whose flagship product is closer to the British flapjack than the traditional European gingerbread.
The property is surrounded by peaceful views straight out of a postcard. They are visible from the comfort of the large bed in one of the panoramic Stargazer Rooms located on the top floor, which are accessible by carpeted stairs only. When the sky is bright, you can watch the sun go down behind the hill with a glass of wine or a cozy hot drink, then create an intimate atmosphere thanks to the warm lighting inside the spacious bedroom. It is paired with a minimalist bathroom that feels clean and sleek. As soon as darkness falls, you witness the calm of empty streets with no lights on the horizon. As the name suggests, the Stargazer Room is perfect for spending a night under the stars and even comes with a Firstscope telescope for that purpose. It is a popular choice among solo travelers and couples, but there is an array of accommodations to pick from — including dog-friendly and family rooms, and a secluded riverside Shepherd’s Hut. The front door is closed after 8PM until the next morning, so guests are ensured a lot of privacy.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast in the beautiful conservatory — a favorite spot among the staff and guests — which faces the almost secret garden alongside the River Rothay. A cold continental buffet is set up in the Garden Room, and you can order freshly prepared hot items such as the traditional English breakfast or the ultimate smoked salmon and creamy scrambled eggs on toast that are as good as they look. Beverages are available throughout the day upon request, or you can make your own using the in-room facilities that are delivered with biscuits and a wide selection of tea, black coffee, and even tasty hot chocolate from exquisite local brands like Birchall and Penningtons.
Grasmere is a great base for walking adventures and visiting the surrounding villages without needing to use the car. It is one of the reasons why Victorian House is a go-to place for visitors and avid hikers. Recommended by Alex, Lake Grasmere is a half-hour walk away from the house. Take the road towards Dove Cottage and Wordsworth Museum, then the trail to the southern shore of Rydal Water offers an enchanting blend of natural wonders, adventure, and relaxation. Once out of the woods, a moderately easy climb to the hilltop takes you through golden brown and olive green meadows, and you are rewarded with spectacular mountain views and dramatic landscapes that have served as an inspiration for artists for centuries. Don’t be intimidated by a rainy or gloomy day because it only adds to the charm of the spot. Along the way, stop by Rydal Cave where you may come across fans of The Witcher looking to walk in the footsteps of Henry Cavill’s Geralt de Riv. Moreover, it is possible to see or hear a couple of fighter jets at some point as the Lake District is a training area for low-level aviation. It is quite impressive when the calm is suddenly disturbed by a loud boom over your head, but it doesn’t last long. After a day out, getting to recharge at Victorian House is such a reward.
Victorian House introduces a new idea of quiet luxury in a homelike environment full of character and history — one that encourages us to embrace slow living, reconnect with nature, and cherish life’s simple joys.
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Victorian House, Broadgate, Grasmere Village, Cumbria LA22 9TA
Follow @yourplace_uk | @victorianhouseld
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