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Lishman House
Nestled within the grounds of the historic Patterdale Estate on the shores of Ullswater, Lishman House is a wonderfully spacious and characterful double-storey property that offers everything you could wish for in a Lake District escape. With accommodation for up to eight guests, this generously proportioned home is ideal for families, groups of friends, or those simply seeking a well-appointed base from which to explore one of England's most breathtaking landscapes. From the moment you arrive, the combination of handsome traditional character and thoughtful modern comfort makes it clear: this is somewhere truly special to call home for a few days.
The house carries a name that is far more than a label. The Patterdale Estate has its roots in a remarkable act of generosity. In 1950, businessman and philanthropist Rowland Lishman — who had long cherished the area through family holidays spent walking these very fells — purchased 400 acres of estate land and gifted it to YMCA North Tyneside. His vision was simple but profound: to preserve the natural beauty of the Lakes and to share its splendour with as many people as possible, particularly the young. Today, the Estate continues to welcome over 2,500 visitors each year, and every stay contributes to YMCA North Tyneside's vital charitable work supporting vulnerable young people across the North East. When you book Lishman House, you're not simply booking a holiday — you're part of something bigger.
Inside, the house is every inch the quintessential country retreat. The ground floor is arranged generously across a welcoming entrance porch, a large carpeted living room warmed by a crackling wood-burning stove, and a separate dining room where eight guests can gather around a grand table with views across the lawn and out to the shimmering lake and fells beyond. The country-cottage-style kitchen is both charming and practical, equipped with everything the most discerning self-catering guest could require, from an induction hob and American-style fridge-freezer to a handy serving hatch through to the dining room next door. Little touches abound — complimentary teas and coffees from Pennington's of Kendal, Pure Lake bath products, and a starter supply of logs and firelighters for the wood burner on those cosy evenings in.
Upstairs, four well-appointed bedrooms offer restful retreats for every member of the party. Two of these rooms enjoy those coveted glimpses of Ullswater — a sight that never fails to take the breath away, whether bathed in morning mist or catching the golden light of a Lake District sunset. The flexible bedroom configuration makes the house particularly well-suited to families, with one room offering both a double and bunk beds, ensuring younger guests are well catered for. Outside, an enormous enclosed lawn garden provides a safe and expansive space for children and four-legged companions alike, complete with garden furniture and a fire pit perfectly positioned to make the very most of those long, lingering Lakeland evenings.
Lishman House sits at the heart of some of England's most iconic walking country. Whether you're lacing up boots for the iconic ascent of Helvellyn, taking a leisurely stroll along the shores of Ullswater, or hopping aboard the famous Ullswater Steamers for a scenic cruise to Aira Force or Pooley Bridge, adventure and beauty await at every turn. Return each evening to the warmth and comfort of a home that feels every bit as special as the landscape surrounding it. This is the Lake District as it should be experienced — unhurried, immersive, and utterly unforgettable.
Property Highlights
Dogs Permitted 
Pub within 1 Mile 
Beach within 1 Mile 
Log Burner / Fireplace 
Garden / Patio 
Parking 
Washing Machine 
Dishwasher 
Hairdryer 
Wireless Internet 
Family Friendly Availability
(dates highlighted in green)
(dates highlighted in green)
inc 2% booking fee
Take a closer look at Lishman House
- Entrance Porch: Tiled floor with bench seating and coat hooks — a practical and welcoming space to stow walking boots and outdoor gear on arrival.
- Living Room: Spacious, carpeted room furnished with two two-seater sofas and one three-seater sofa, coffee table, and a 77" Smart TV with Freeview Play, streaming services, and DVD player. Features a characterful wood-burning stove — perfect for cosy evenings in.
- Dining Room: Carpeted and generously proportioned, with a large dining table and eight chairs. Fitted with a display fireplace and a dresser stocked with books. A large window frames beautiful views across the lawn garden to the lake and fells beyond.
- Kitchen: Country-cottage-style kitchen with casual breakfast table and chairs. Well-equipped with an induction hob, electric oven, Belfast sink, American-style double-door fridge-freezer, and a full complement of pots, pans, crockery, and kitchen essentials. A serving hatch connects directly to the dining room.
- Utility Room: Houses the washing machine, dishwasher, and utility sink, with a rear door providing direct access to the garden. Also features an external WC (outside loo).
- Boiler Room: Accessible via the utility room, with additional coat hooks — an ideal secondary space for drying wet walking gear.
- Bedroom 1: A very large double room with bedside tables and lamps, wardrobe, chest of drawers, and a characterful feature fireplace. Dual-aspect windows flood the room with natural light.
- Bedroom 2: Double room with bedside tables and lamps, wardrobe, and feature fireplace. Also benefits from a set of additional double bunk beds, making this a versatile family room.
- Bedroom 3: Double room with bedside tables and lamps, wardrobe, and chest of drawers. Benefits from a private en-suite shower room complete with electric shower, basin with shaver point, toilet, and heated towel rail.
- Bedroom 4: Double room with bedside tables and lamps, wardrobe, chest of drawers, and a lovely outlook over the garden with a glimpse of the lake beyond.
- House Bathroom: Full family bathroom featuring a bath with shower attachment and electric shower over, basin, toilet, and heated towel rail.
- Garden: An enormous, fully enclosed lawn garden with picket fencing, offering fabulous open views across to Ullswater and the surrounding fells. Furnished with garden furniture and a fire pit — a wonderful spot for alfresco dining and evening gatherings.
- Heating: The property benefits from full central heating and double-glazed windows throughout, ensuring warmth and comfort in all seasons.
- Linen & Towels: Bed linen and towels are provided for all guests. Pure Lake luxury bath products are also supplied.
- Starter Supplies: A starter supply of wood, firelighters, and matches is provided for the wood-burning stove. Dishwasher tablets, washing-up liquid, dishcloths, and tea towels are also included.
- Complimentary Refreshments: Tea and coffee supplies are provided as a welcome gift, sourced from local specialists Pennington's Tea & Coffee of Kendal.
- Dog Policy: Three well-behaved dogs are permitted for a small additional charge. Further dogs may be considered by prior arrangement, subject to breed and size. A retractable stair barrier is provided to keep dogs on the ground floor. Dogs are not permitted on the furniture.
- WiFi & Connectivity: Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the property. 5G mobile signal is available on most major networks in the area.
- Streaming Services: The Smart TV is pre-configured for popular streaming services; however, guests will need to log into their own personal accounts to access them.
- Accessibility: The first floor is reached via 10 carpeted steps to a mid-landing, followed by a further 5 steps to the first floor. The property may not be suitable for guests with significant mobility requirements. Please contact us to discuss prior to booking.
- Occupancy: The property accommodates a maximum of 8 guests.
- Parking: Parking is available on the Patterdale Estate grounds.
About the location
For those drawn to the fells, the setting is simply exceptional. The village of Glenridding serves as the traditional starting point for the ascent of Helvellyn — England's third-highest peak — via the exhilarating Striding Edge ridge walk, one of the most celebrated routes in the country. More leisurely walking options abound along the lakeshore, through Grisedale Valley, and around the surrounding farmland and woodland. The broader Ullswater Valley is also home to the famous Wordsworth daffodils, inspiring the poem that has drawn visitors to these shores for over two centuries. Beyond walking and water, the area offers cycling, wild swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, ensuring there is no shortage of adventure for guests of all ages and inclinations.
The property is also excellently positioned for exploring the wider Lake District and Cumbrian countryside. The market town of Penrith — with its excellent range of shops, restaurants, and direct rail connections — is a short drive away, whilst Windermere, Ambleside, and Keswick are all easily accessible for a day's exploring. Whether your ideal day ends with a fell summit and a sunset, a leisurely cruise on the lake, or a fireside supper in your beautifully appointed home at Lishman House, you will find everything you need right on your doorstep.
Nearby Towns & Villages:
- Glenridding — On the doorstep (approx. 0.5 miles); Ullswater Steamers pier, pubs, cafés, and the gateway to Helvellyn.
- Patterdale — Approx. 1 mile; a charming and peaceful village with a traditional Lakeland inn.
- Pooley Bridge — Approx. 9 miles (or reachable by Ullswater Steamer); a picturesque village at the northern tip of Ullswater with a good range of shops and eateries.
- Penrith — Approx. 14 miles; a thriving market town with supermarkets, independent shops, a castle ruin, and excellent transport links, including a mainline railway station.
- Ambleside — Approx. 16 miles; one of the Lake District's most popular towns, offering a wide range of restaurants, outdoor gear shops, galleries, and access to the southern lakes.
Reviews
Things to do nearby
Ullswater Steamers
Lake District Gyroplanes
Theatre by the Lake
Honister Mine – Via Ferrata Classic
Alpacaly Ever After
Brockhole on Windermere
Lowther Castle & Gardens
E-Bike Rentals
Windermere Lake Cruises
