A quirky English lakeside haven, where time stands still and relaxation is the order of the day...
​​Beauty, Romance, Spectacular Views & Rugged Adventure
Sitting serenely at the end of a long private track and nestled within ten acres of private woodland on the western shore of Lake Ullswater, The Boathouse at Knotts End offers a truly ‘off-the-beaten-path’ experience from the moment you arrive.  Built in the 19th century from local Cumbrian stone, this luxurious self-catering bolthole and its idyllic location provide a unique setting for honeymoons and romantic getaways at any time of the year.

What an honor it is to be included in the National Trust-supported publication Wild Escapes: Incredible Places to Unwind and Explore (2023) by Sian Anne Lewis. Visiting our retreat makes good on the promise of an unforgettable sojourn into the natural world. Read the new features about our property on the Press & Testimonials page.

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Deceptively petite from the outside, the arched doorway of this bijou property gives way to a spaciously designed interior that cleverly combines 'old and new' with the use of antiques from China & Indonesia, and smartly patterned contemporary cushions and colourful throws.

The open plan lounge and bedroom area is an inviting sanctuary featuring restful lighting, a handsome leather sofa, wood burner, and soft-as-a-cloud king size bed, which takes prime position over-looking the lake and the surrounding hills. In keeping with the theme "small is beautiful," there is a compact, but well-equipped Shaker-style kitchen that is fit for casual cooks and gourmet chefs alike, and a slate-clad bathroom with walk-in shower that is big enough for two.
An inspired design

A backdrop of natural beauty

​​From its lakeside perch, The Boathouse at Knotts End has unparalleled views onto a landscape bursting with colour; a living oil painting of emerald green grasses, lush purple bluebells in spring, hot pink heathers, and the opulent ochre of gorse dot the fells.

Enjoy endless walks right on your doorstep, picnicking, swimming, and reconnecting with nature from The Boathouse’s Juliet balcony with magical views stretching over the sparkling lake and beyond to the undulating hills, which are alive with the ever-changing light conditions throughout the day. Knotts End is all about total peace and tranquillity—nothing but the sound of birdsong and the lake water lapping beneath you.

A romantic hideaway

​​A one-of-a-kind haven for romance and relaxation, The Boathouse at Knotts End somehow seems to keep the busy, intrusive world at bay.  Perhaps it is the ‘off-grid’ approach taken to mod cons—there is no TV or WiFi--no cars going by, no deliveries, and no neighbours, apart from the lake’s resident swans, some sheep, and if you are lucky enough to see them, some frolicking otters at dusk or dawn!

Stroll through the woods together with your morning coffee and plan the day’s adventures to include a long pub lunch nearby. When you return to the sanctity of your private retreat after a hard day at play, enjoy sundowners on the private jetty and row out into the middle of the lake for a romantic interlude  (or that perfect marriage proposal!). It’s just the two of you engaging with the uninterrupted views by day, and revelling under a star-studded sky by night.

A hidden gem for all seasons

An exceptionally varied natural environment offering a wide range of activities makes the English Lake District an ideal year round destination. Snow on the fells transforms the landscape into a breathtakingly beautiful winter wonderland, while sunny skies reflect mirror-like off the lake in the summer months for a visually dynamic display.  

In addition to its seductively cosy interiors and roaring log fires, Knotts End’s electric radiators keep you toasty warm in the colder months, while balmy lake breezes cool The Boathouse in summer. Whenever you choose to stay, there is plenty to see and do on Ullswater for the intrepid visitor. And for those just wanting to chill out and escape from it all, there is no better place than The Boathouse at Knotts End.

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