Luxury, romantic boathouse on the shores of Lake Ullswater, perfect for special occasions.

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Duke of Portland Boathouse Ullswater Romantic Cottage

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2376.7 sq ft

Popular amenities

Parking available
Fireplace
Kitchen
Outdoor space
Free WiFi
Mountain view

Explore the area

Ullswater, Cumbria

Ullswater
‪1 min walk‬
Dalemain
‪3 min drive‬
Lowther Castle and Gardens
‪19 min drive‬
Carlisle (CAX)
‪43 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom #1

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom #1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen

Balcony

Garden

About this property

This unique, iconic, luxury cottage is an 'ideal honeymoon cottage in a location to die for', stunning views of Lake Ullswater and the fells can be viewed whilst relaxing on the balcony of this traditional boathouse or from the bedroom through the patio doors.

Unsurprisingly, the Duke of Portland Boathouse has been voted "the best waterside retreat" by BBC Countryfile Magazine! It's location at the top of Ullswater gives it superb, unparalleled views across this beautiful lake.

It is one of the most iconic and most photographed buildings in the Lake District. The boathouse originally belonged to the 3rd Duke of Portland in the 18th century but he had to sell it along with his Cumberland estates to pay his legal bills. His loss is our gain!

Park beside the boathouse and climb the steps to enter a unique, romantic and cosy interior that provides everything needed for a perfect stay at every time of the year. Shades of Farrow and Ball are mixed with sumptuous furnishings and luxury fabrics.

The boathouse has an open plan layout with magnificent cruick beams and underfloor heating beneath a rustic oak floor and comprises:-
The bespoke painted kitchen with granite work tops provides all you need with a generous breakfast bar and comfortable stools for intimate dining a deux. There is an LPG oven and hob, microwave, dishwasher, fridge, coffee machine (accepts vertuo nespresso coffee pods, not provided.) After dining you can sit back and relax on a sumptuous leather sofa in front of the wood burning stove. Smart TV and Bluetooth sound system are all provided for your entertainment. Unwind in the luxurious slate shower room with overhead shower, WC and hand basin. Fluffy towels and bathrobes are provided together with a range of toiletries. Enjoy the views down the length of the lake from the romantic bedroom. You can gaze out at a starlit sky from the comfortable king size bed with luxurious Egyptian Cotton bedding or relax in the slipper bath sipping a glass of champagne! Double doors open onto the balcony from which you can truly experience the breathtaking views! An amazing place to enjoy breakfast or just sit and contemplate the beautiful surroundings and its wildlife. Cosy rugs are provided for chillier evenings! The boathouse also has its own private jetty and owns a quarter of a mile of lakeshore with fishing rights. If you are tempted out of the boathouse, the renowned Another Place Hotel is a short drive down the lakeside for fine dining. Alternatively there are traditional Cumbrian pubs in nearby Pooley Bridge.PLEASE NOTE: Dogs are not accepted at this property.

Property manager

Gail

Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Free WiFi

Outdoor space

Parking available

Mountain view

Fireplace

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Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly

House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Adults only

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed, service animals permitted

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Penrith

Located in Penrith, this cottage is on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Ullswater and Yorkshire Dales National Park, while Penrith & Eden Museum and Keswick Museum and Art Gallery are cultural highlights. Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre and Rookin House Activity Centre are also worth visiting.

Ullswater, Cumbria

What's nearby

Ullswater - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
Dalemain - 3 min drive - 3.9 km
Aira Force - 7 min drive - 9.7 km
Penrith Castle - 8 min drive - 10.2 km
Lowther Castle and Gardens - 19 min drive - 16.1 km

Getting around

Penrith Station - 11 min drive
Carlisle (CAX) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

‪Rheged Centre - ‬5 min drive
‪Tim Hortons - ‬6 min drive
‪Domino's Pizza - ‬7 min drive
‪Sun Inn - ‬13 min walk
‪The Rooster - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Luxury, romantic boathouse on the shores of Lake Ullswater, perfect for special occasions. pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

What time is check-in at Luxury, romantic boathouse on the shores of Lake Ullswater, perfect for special occasions.?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Luxury, romantic boathouse on the shores of Lake Ullswater, perfect for special occasions.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Luxury, romantic boathouse on the shores of Lake Ullswater, perfect for special occasions. located?

Situated on a lake, this cottage is steps from Ullswater and within 3 mi (5 km) of Dalemain and Dalemain Country Park. Rheged and Gowbarrow Fall are also within 6 miles (10 km).

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

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9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

14 Mar, 2025

Duke of Portland Boathouse

Beautiful, unique property in the most stunning location. Stayed for two nights in this lovely home. Tastefully and sympathetically restored with the most gorgeous furnishings. Looking out over the lake was just amazing! Will definitely be back!

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

20 Oct, 2024

Beautiful property in perfect location

Beautiful location,charming property ,near a small village with lovely pubs and coffee shops ,highly recommended

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

31 Mar, 2025

The Boat House

The Duke of Portland Boat House is a little gem situated in a prime position overlooking the Lake at Ullswater. It’s an intimate setting for two, with all amenities including a lovely log fire. Whilst the main road is just to the front of the property, you are not affected by the sound from it, however it was a little disappointing to learn on arrival that the Boat House doesn’t command the privacy it portrays on the photos and you could not be on the balcony looking over the lake without feeling somewhat overlooked, by cars and hikers. That aside, it was an amazing place

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Carol and greg J.

25 Feb, 2024

2 nights at the Duke of portland boathouse

Lovely comfortable relaxing stay, fab location and views. A very special place to stay as a birthday treat.

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

16 Jan, 2025

Absolutely beautiful one night stay!

I was extremely lucky to have won a one night stay in a facebook competition! We arrived on a cold and sunny day with the snow still on the ground and the views were breathtaking! It is a gorgeous boathouse outside, and the inside doesn't disappoint either! It was very clean, beautifully decorated and had everything we needed for our break! I loved the copper bath and we enjoyed getting cosy by the wood burning fire! We slept with the shutters open so we were able to wake up with views across the lake....stunning!! I cant remember the last time we both felt so relaxed. I can imagine the boathouse being an amazing place to stay any time of year. Thank you for your hospitality :)

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

13 Mar, 2024

A unique and beautiful place to stay with stunning views and a peaceful ambience.

We had an amazing time at the boathouse. A unique and beautiful place to stay with stunning views and a peaceful ambience. We were impressed with the cleanliness and the duck food was a lovely touch! Highly recommended, we would love to stay again.

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

9 Feb, 2024

A beautiful accommodation in an idealic location.

A really wonderful place to stay. Beautifully presented, comfortable and cosy. A very much needed break from our crazy every day life. We will definitely return.

10/10 Excellent

Amelia J.

17 Nov, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Evening by the Lake

Lovely little spot. Very cozy and beautiful setting. I can imagine its even more special in the summers months

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

melody u.

23 Feb, 2024

Perfect

Fabulous location. Very cosy and the views are awesome. We managed to sit out on the balcony sipping the complimentary bubbles even in February!!!!

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Fiona M.

10 Nov, 2024

Wow! Just perfect

Thank you so much David, Julia, and Gail. We have always wanted to stay at the Boathouse so treated ourselves for our 25th wedding anniversary and were not disappointed. The boathouse lived up to our expectations, and more. Well equipped, warm and a real treat. We enjoyed walks from the boathouse each day, took in the views from the balcony over the Lake late afternoon/early evening (wrapped in the blankets thoughtfully supplied), enjoyed soaking in the copper bath, and relaxed in the warm interior in the evening! Bed was super comfy too and made for a lovely deep sleep. We will be booking again I'm sure!

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

7 Feb, 2024

Would definitely recommend the Duke of portland boathouse .fantastic views .beautiful decorated. X

Had a amazing time at the Duke of portland boathouse. Comfort, every thing you need is there for you. Would definitely recommend it the views are amazing. Even a fantastic pair of binoculars.

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Tabby K.

11 Jul, 2024

A perfect little getaway…

I’ve had my eye on staying at the boathouse for years and finally found the opportunity. It was as good as I anticipated. Beautifully renovated with lovely, comfortable facilities. The location is superb and allows for free swimming in the lake which I enjoyed - even if it was cold! It was the perfect distraction from life and a getaway I will definitely be repeating. Thank you.

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Joanne B.

28 Apr, 2024

Amazing Location

3 night stay in April and we were very lucky to see blue skies. The boathouse is furnished in a traditional style with some lovely modern touches. Walking to the sound of the water and the view of the lake and mountains was unforgettable. Pooley Bridge is a short walk away but be careful of traffic as you leave the boathouse it is a busy road.

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

27 Jul, 2023

Dreamy

Our stay here was truly dreamy, a real escape with every home comfort. The boathouse is an incredibly unique bolt hole, feels totally secluded from the real world and yet is a 1

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Clare A.

7 Jan, 2024

Duke of Portland Boathouse

Fantastic property in an unbelievable location. Loved the balcony looking over the lake. Not easy getting out of the gates onto main road. More expensive than we would usually spend on a short break but will definitely be back.

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

John C.

28 Jan, 2024

Soo Lucky

Amazing stay, we sat on the balcony and watched the stars and the ripples of the lake splashing below the deck all on a chilly winters evening. We then back into the boathouse to enjoy supper by the wood burner stove. What a memorable treat.

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kate F.

6 Sept, 2023

Spectacular!

Just the perfect night away. Of course what a wonderful view. But also the Boathouse is comfortable, cosy and has everything you need to make your stay enjoyable and very relaxing. We would definitely return.

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

22 Jan, 2024

Absolutely wonderful!

My husband and I had the most incredible stay at this beautiful boathouse! It exceeded expectations in every way - beautifully decorated inside with lovely little touches, so cosy (with a log burner and loads of wood provided) and the most stunning views from every single window. We could have happily stayed for weeks!! Thank you for a fantastic break. Highly highly recommend!

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

4 Jul, 2024

A lovely hideaway on Ullswater

I stayed at the boathouse for 3 days, and found it to be delightful. All amenities were modern & covered my expectations. The weather was inclement, but the underfloor heating was soothing, as was watching the waterside life from the terrace ( well wrapped up ) I guess my only complaint was the entrance. Right on a blind bend a little bit scary at times

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Gordon A.

18 Dec, 2023

Absolutely perfect.

If you want to enjoy a unique, romantic, and luxurious Lakeland experience then look no further. The Boathouse is a wonderful property both inside and out. The location is stunning. The views are amazing. And you are made to feel very special as soon as you set foot over the threshold. Highly recommended.

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

20 Jul, 2024

An amazing place to stay

An amazing place in a location to die for. Small but perfectly formed as the saying goes and lots of little extra touches to add to the general feeling of indulgence. Loved it. Gave 4 not 5 stars on customer service only because I kept getting contradictory information on check in and out times. I'd suggest that anyone staying parks in the layby opposite rather than on the drive as reversing out of the drive just after a bend in the road is best avoided if possible

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

gail c.

3 May, 2024

Dream come true

I have driven past this boathoyse every year since childhood and finally got the chance to stay. It was everything I expected and more. I could have spent the whole of my time just sitting on the balcony, the view is amazing and so relaxing listening to the water below and watching the ducks. I would love to return in the winter and sit in front of the wood burner, it would be so cosy. Highly recommend staying here.

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

31 Aug, 2023

Absolutely Amazing

Absolutely amazing and unique place to stay. Spotlessly clean, every little detail has been carefully and aesthetically designed to ensure a cosy, comfortable and enjoyable stay. The most amazing views of Ullswater to wake up to in the morning. Thank you! We will be back!

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

14 Feb, 2024

Magical

Had an amazing night. Everything perfect. The bath with the views was a wonderful experience. A magical place to stay and so warm and cozy. Had the opportunity to kayak in the morning directly from the house and the views and tranquility of the lake were amazing. A hidden gem To put on your bucket list of places to stay. Thank you for the champagne to add to a perfect stay.

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.