Countryside historic retreat with views near Lakes

Step back in time, at a distinguished early 19th-century former vicarage, where vintage charm meets modern comfort. Nestled in a peaceful rural setting, this spacious detached home boasts high ceilings, airy rooms, and a beautiful country kitchen with all the conveniences of modern life. Each room has its own unique character from vintage Laura Ashley print wallpapers in the dining room to the moody study with its baby grand piano for an evening of music and entertainment. Pub within 2 mins walk The space Step into the Old Vicarage and experience timeless charm! 🏰✨ Imagine a beautiful 1800s detached home set on its own private, mature grounds—with a gated driveway and an enclosed garden that’s perfect for you and your pets! 🌳🔒 Pub (The Old Ginn House) within a 2 min walk away if you want to relax with a drink after a day of exploring and not have to worry about designated drivers! Surrounded by fields, 2 neighbours but spaced very far away, this house feels private and exclusive in its own grounds. South facing so drenched in sunshine! Bright living room with plenty of space for everyone! • A huge country kitchen and a dining room featuring vintage Laura Ashley wallpaper. We've also set up a mini pool table and air hockey table for some entertainment. Stunning Countryside views from every window. • Peaceful walks right from your doorstep across fields and down to the River Derwent🚶‍♂️🌿 • A local pub just a short stroll away for a friendly pint 🍻 Conveniently Located – • Cockermouth: ~8 minutes – Explore shops, history & dining 🕗 • Bassenthwaite Lake: ~15 minutes – Enjoy boating, kayaking, fishing & scenic lakeside walks 🚤🎣 • Keswick/Derwentwater: ~20 minutes – Perfect for relaxed cruises, paddle boarding & photo ops 📸 • Ullswater: ~45 minutes – Ideal for hiking, cycling & wild swimming 🏞️🚴‍♀️ • Windermere: ~55 minutes – Discover vibrant markets, gourmet dining & family fun 🎉 Comfort & Space for All: • Sleeps 12 in 4 well-appointed bedrooms (1 superking & 3 king beds & two double sofa bed (living room & basement) 🛏️ • A charming piano/library room for moments of quiet relaxation 🎹📚 • Parking for up to 6 cars – plenty of space for your whole crew! 🚗 🌾 From the property Step out through the side gates, turn left, and meander through the fields towards the River Derwent. It’s a peaceful, private-feeling route with great views . Top tip: It can be boggy after rain – waterproof boots recommended! 🌊 Lakeside Classics 🌿 Derwentwater – Keswick Area Often called the “Queen of the Lakes,” Derwentwater has something for everyone: Circular Walk (10 miles): A full loop around the lake, passing woodland, bays, and cafes. Catbells Ascent: A short but rewarding climb with panoramic views of Derwent and the surrounding fells. Friar’s Crag: A gentle walk from Keswick with beautiful views over the lake and easy paths. Lodore Falls & Borrowdale: Combine woodland trails and a dramatic waterfall – great for photos and a drink at the Lodore Falls Hotel Spa. 🏞️ Quiet & Beautiful Circuits 🌳 Loweswater Loop A peaceful 3.5-mile route that winds through ancient woodland and meadows. Don’t miss the hidden waterfall tucked away in Holme Wood – it's a true hidden gem. Park at the National Trust car park and walk clockwise for the best views 💦 Crummock Water Wild, open, and wonderful for a swim or a lakeside picnic. The shoreline path offers expansive views and connects with routes up to Rannerdale Knotts for a more adventurous option. Less crowded than nearby Buttermere 🧘‍♀️ Ennerdale Water Remote, rugged and gloriously quiet – a glacial lake surrounded by thick forest and soaring peaks. Lakeshore Walk: Flat paths with optional forest trails. Angler’s Crag: A short scramble for elevated views of the lake. Perfect for escaping the crowds and soaking up serenity 📸 Iconic Trails 🌄 Buttermere Lake Loop One of the most photographed walks in the Lake District – and for good reason. Flat 4.5-mile loop: Great for families and casual walkers. Scenery: Picture-perfect reflections, waterfalls, and grazing Herdwick sheep. Popular, so go early or later in the day for a quieter experience 🌿 Bassenthwaite Lake Boardwalk A tranquil, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk through Dubwath Silver Meadows Nature Reserve. Ideal for birdwatching and families – bring your binoculars! 🥾 Sale Fell A gentle fell walk with impressive views over Bassenthwaite and towards the Solway Firth. Perfect for a morning walk or sunset spot with minimal effort. 🏖️ Coastal Escapes – Beaches Worth Visiting If you fancy a change of scenery, the Cumbrian coast offers some beautiful, unspoilt beaches – all within easy reach of The Rookery. Allonby is just a short drive away and perfect for a peaceful beach walk, complete with big skies, dramatic tides, and stunning Solway views across to Scotland. It’s great for dogs and sunsets! St Bees is a classic seaside spot with a long sandy beach, red sandstone cliffs, and rock pools to explore. It’s also the start of the Coast to Coast path and a brilliant place to stretch your legs or enjoy a seaside ice cream. Silloth offers a traditional promenade feel, with wide open sands and grassy dunes. It’s a lovely place for a gentle walk or picnic by the sea, and the sunsets here are spectacular. Guest access The whole space is yours. Please note that bookings after 25th July 2025 automatically include use of the cinema projector room and PS5 game room (and 2 more guests sleeping area). If you booked before this date and wish to also access this, please contact Mich to arrange access for a small extra fee. Other things to note This house is a charming old soul, dating back to the early 1800s when it served as the village vicarage—so you’re quite literally staying in holy ground (well, almost). As you'd expect from a house of such age, it’s full of character, quirks, original features and the occasional creaky floorboard serenade. If you're after a glossy new-build, you may want to lower your expectations—but not your head, because thankfully, this old place comes with lovely high ceilings. Surrounded by glorious countryside and a frankly suspicious number of birds a la Snow White (this will make sense when you get sent the real name of the house on booking), it’s the perfect escape for those who love nature, peace, and personality-packed old homes with stories to tell. And if you fancy indulging your inner artist (or just want to pretend you're in a quirky Netflix series), head to the piano room—yes, there's a baby grand waiting for its next virtuoso, or enthusiastic amateur. A guitar's also on hand for strumming by the fire, whether you're serenading your travel companions or just making up songs about the weather. For slower-paced pleasures, curl up in the swing egg chair with one of the wonderfully random old books we’ve collected over the years. Think of it as a lucky dip for the curious-minded. For those with a competitive streak, there’s also a mini pool table and an air hockey table—perfect for settling scores or just killing time between countryside walks. For when you've worked up a hearty appetite but don't want to drive, we've got not one but two lovely pubs/bars to choose from just a short walk away. We can book bespoke activities such as walking/photography in the Lake District, horse riding 🐎, personal chef, mobile massage and more. Just ask Mich if you would like to organise something special. A charcoal BBQ is provided, please note guests are responsible for the cleaning of the BBQ after each use. Tools are provided for this. About Your Host – Holidays in Cumbria Hi, I’m Mich, and I run Holidays in Cumbria — an award-winning, independent collection of carefully looked-after holiday homes across the Lake District and Cumbria. I started Holidays in Cumbria because I genuinely love creating places where people (and dogs) can switch off, explore, and make great memories together. Every home is hand-picked, thoughtfully prepared, professionally cleaned, and supported by a trusted local team. Great hosting, to me, is about care, clarity, and calm — being available when you need help, without ever being intrusive. Alongside hosting my own properties, I also co-host for other owners who want their homes looked after to the same standard. Whether you’re staying in one of my homes or one I manage, you’ll always be dealing directly with me and my team. I’m always happy to advise on the best property for your group — whether you’re travelling with family, friends, or dogs. Some of our homes are perfectly set up for dogs, while others are better suited to guests with allergies or who prefer fewer pets on site, so please just ask if you’d like help choosing. Dog-Friendly Awards 🐾 We’ve been recognised for our dog-friendly approach, including winning Best Dog Friendly Retreats – Cumbria in the LuxLife Hospitality Awards 2023 and Best Dog Friendly Holiday Accommodation Company – Cumbria & the Lake District in Best of British Getaways 2023. Everyone Welcome 🌿 Our homes are inclusive, respectful spaces. We welcome guests from all backgrounds and walks of life, and we simply ask that everyone treats others — neighbours, team members, and fellow guests — with kindness and consideration. It’s a simple expectation that helps keep our spaces relaxed and welcoming for all. Dogs Welcome 🐶 Dogs are very welcome here and very much part of the Holidays in Cumbria ethos. Dogs may be left unattended for short periods only. We kindly ask that they are crated or monitored via a pet camera, and that you have suitable holiday insurance in place to cover any accidental damage. We do have dog crates and dog pens available for hire, subject to availability. These must be requested and booked in advance, so please let us know ahead of your stay if you’d like to reserve one. This helps us keep our homes comfortable, well-maintained, and enjoyable for everyone. If you’re looking for a relaxed, well-cared-for stay hosted by someone who genuinely loves Cumbria and thoughtful hospitality, you’re in safe hands.