Unique Riverbank Mill House

Enjoy the sound of flowing water and birdsong in this tranquil old miller's house, high above the river and woodland carpeted in wild garlic and bluebells . Glimpse otters playing, herons fishing, deer swimming across. Walk upstream and you'll see Corby Castle and caves used by meditating monks at nearby Wetheral Priory. Yet you are only minutes from a friendly village (5 places to eat), 10 minutes drive from the historic city of Carlisle, and 35 minutes from the Lakes or Hadrian's Wall. The space Mill House is around 200 years old and somewhat resistant to entering the 21st century; but the house is warm and comfortable, with pretty rooms and lovely views of the river. Guests are able to book 2 double rooms on the upstairs floor, which is solely for the use of guests. The upstairs accommodation also includes a private bathroom and kitchenette/work space. Guest access You will have your own private entrance to access the upstairs of the house directly. Up a short flight of stairs, you'll find the private bathroom straight in front of you. The next door to your right is Wisteria, with king-size bed, hand painted wisteria on the walls and a painting of wisteria on the door to identify it. Further round the landing is Jonquil, your second flower-themed double room with 4-poster bed. Jonquil has a flower painting of a jonquil (type of daffodil) on the door to identify it and botanical prints of jonquils/daffodils inside. Just past your room, at the end of the landing is the kitchenette with dining table doubling as a laptop- friendly work space. China, glasses, cutlery, condiments, tea & coffee are provided. There's a microwave toaster and there'll be a little water and milk in the fridge to start you off. Your party will have sole use of the bathroom and kitchenette. I may come upstairs occasionally to sort laundry etc. in the room marked Private. But I will try and keep this to when you are out so I don't disturb you. You're also welcome to use my rather wild cliffside garden, beside the famous 99 Steps which lead up to the viaduct, the station (on the Carlisle-Newcastle line) and the village. Free off road parking is usually available or you can park on the river road, near the house. During your stay I live in the downstairs part of the house and am generally around to offer help and information. I love sharing my interest in local history (I lead a tour round Historic Carlisle in the summer and have worked at Birdoswald Roman Camp on Hadrian's Wall). Just knock on the dividing door or come through the patio to the back door, if you need anything - I'll be happy to chat. Or do join me for a coffee in the patio overlooking the river. Other things to note Children: due to our concern for their safety, we regretfully do not allow children 12 years and below as guests. (Mill House is extremely close to the river bank, and the main garden is opposite the house across a traffic-bearing lane.) Allergies: there is a friendly dog in my part of the house, who has been known occasionally to escape upstairs. So if you are very sensitive or allergic to animals, this may not be the place for you. If you happen to like animals, however, then Bertie will be very happy to be introduced to you when you come downstairs. Other amenities: various other amenities are available on request, so don't be afraid to ask. For example, there is a piano downstairs you are welcome to use, when I’m in, and various things I may be able to provide or lend. Regarding food, the kitchenette amenities are fairly basic: fridge, microwave, kettle, toaster/sandwich toaster. But basics such as dressings, condiments, milk, tea coffee etc are provided free. I can also buy in for you e.g. microwave meals or croissants etc. for a light breakfast, if you notify me in advance that you need them on arrival. (Anything bought in especially for you will be charged at cost.) However, the village cafe (at the top of the 99 Steps) does a good breakfast and the village shop sells almost everything, so it’s a very convenient village - as well as the cafe, there’s a choice of 2 restaurants and 2 pubs! Noise: people often ask if the trains over the viaduct are noisy but actually I never hear them, just the noise of the river! Cyclists over the wooden walkway across the viaduct seem to make more noise than the trains.