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Renovated Railway Signal Box In A Tranquil Location & perfect for stargazing

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Cliburn Signal Box from road south west
Cliburn Signal Box from field south south east
Cliburn Signal Box from field south west
Cliburn Signal Box from field east south east
Cliburn Signal Box from field south south west

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Cliburn, Penrith, Cumbria
  • Whinfell Forest
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Ullswater
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Lowther Castle and Gardens
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Carlisle (CAX)
    ‪52 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom

1 Double Bed

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Garden

About this property

Renovated Railway Signal Box In A Tranquil Location & perfect for stargazing

Cliburn Signal Box is a quirky, upside down, luxury holiday cottage. Once a working part of the Eden Valley Railway line, the Signal Box nestles at the bottom of Whinfell Forest, between the market towns of Penrith and Appleby, in the beautiful (but often forgotten) Eden Valley. It is the perfect location to relax, enjoy, explore and with very little light pollution it is just perfect for stargazing.

Property manager

Mr Gavin Matier
Premier Host

Languages

English
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Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Please be aware the Signal Box has stairs
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Well behaved pets welcome Fee £10 per dog per stay
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
We expect all guests to leave the property as they found it.
Well behaved pets are welcome. They must be kept off the beds & if your pet is allowed on the sofa please bring throws to protect the sofas / chairs.
Please respect other guests visiting the area and locals living in the area by keeping noise to a suitable level.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Penrith

Located in Penrith, this cottage is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Yorkshire Dales National Park and Ullswater. Acorn Bank and Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre are also worth visiting. Windsurfing and sailing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking and hiking/biking trails nearby.
Map
Cliburn, Penrith, Cumbria

What's nearby

  • Lowther Park - 7 min drive - 8.2 km
  • Penrith Castle - 11 min drive - 12.1 km
  • Whinfell Forest - 12 min drive - 5.5 km
  • Ullswater - 14 min drive - 16.3 km
  • Lowther Castle and Gardens - 18 min drive - 11.4 km

Getting around

  • Langwathby Station - 13 min drive
  • Carlisle (CAX) - 52 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Sports Cafe - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪The Dog Beck - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Lakeside Inn - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Leisure Bowl - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Renovated Railway Signal Box In A Tranquil Location & perfect for stargazing pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Renovated Railway Signal Box In A Tranquil Location & perfect for stargazing?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Renovated Railway Signal Box In A Tranquil Location & perfect for stargazing?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Renovated Railway Signal Box In A Tranquil Location & perfect for stargazing located?

Situated in a rural location, this cottage is within 6 miles (10 km) of Acorn Bank, Whinfell Forest and Lowther Park. Brougham Castle and Brougham Hall are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 121 out of 127 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 127 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 127 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 127 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 127 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Michael C.

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

Fantastic February short break!

Absolutely fantastic property, location and hosts. Cannot praise this fabulous, unique little cottage enough. It was very well equipped, exceptionally clean and the views were spectacular. Thanks to the brilliant hosts! We hope to stay again very soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ian R.

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

Lovely peaceful place

Peaceful retreat, welcoming hosts
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darren C.

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

Nice and quiet!

Nice quiet location and very good host. Very good conversion and exactly what we were looking for. We will be staying here again sometime in the near future.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael W.

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

Excellent weekend.

Absolutely stunning place to stay at,in a beautiful location.Very clean. First time staying in a signal box, highly recommend. We will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas E.

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

Short break for me and the boys

As a rail employee, working signal boxes for 17 years and a train enthusiast son, seeing this listing and availability for October half term made this a must. It certainly didn't disappoint. The property and location was stunning, very peaceful and not too far from local amenities and activities. Gavin, the owner, popped round and was very friendly.and happy to help with any enquiries. All in all an enjoyable stay and my only regret is we weren't there for longer.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Bette D.

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

Excellent

Great
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah B.

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

Few days in the Lakes...

Lovely, quirky property in a beautiful setting. Ideal for a few days in the Lakes.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heather W.

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

Perfect place

Amazing place. Everything you need for a fantastic stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lorna T.

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

Signal Box

Fantastic property in a gorgeous location. Beautifully restored, cosy, with everything you need for a holiday. Loved the views from the living room. Can recommend a walk through the woods, Penrith parkrun, Eden Valley railway, Appleby and Lowther Castle plus lots of running routes around. Gavin was a great host and we appreciated the wine and biscuits. Thank you for a lovely long weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sheila K.

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

XSignal Box Delight

This property is in a lovely quiet spot in beautiful countryside. Our hosts left us a bottle wine and a box of biscuits which was great. The property is clean and tidy and warm. Comfortable bed and wardrobe and drawers for clothes. Steps to Lounge are quite steep so bear in mind if mobility issues. Big TV and dvd player and films if your staying in of an evening. We ate at lunch time as not much in way of pubs in this area. Appleby not far away has a few pubs.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Richard A.

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

Cliburn Signal Box with a difference.

The property is very comfortable, very quiet location with plenty of walks into the forest hopefully to see the elusive red squirrels. Ideal for touring the Lake District. Friendly helpful proprietors. Will be holidaying here again.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jean mary m.

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

Excellent

We had a wonderful stay, everything was perfect
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephen M.

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

Lovely old rail line

Really well refurbished signal box. Superb lounge with nice log burner. Nice quiet but easily accessible location. Friendly owner. Nice local walks. Close enough to Penrith for shops etc. Lots of wildlife about. Saw an owl, hare , pheasants, buzzards. The old rail line is walkable at this time of year. Very interesting as a rail buff.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Natalie F.

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

Great little break away

Very cute and quirky place to stay, great for dark skies, weather permitting. Very clean and comfortable place to stay, log burner lovely on a cold night.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ian R.

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

Mini Break

Set in lovely surroundings, warm welcome from the host Gavin. The box was clean and comfortable and it was great to see a red squirrel I would recommend a stay here
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rachel H.

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

Beautiful, relaxing place to stay

A wonderful characterful cottage in a scenic and quiet location. Cosy but just enough space for a family of 4.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Liam W.

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

Great stay.

Great property. Lovely welcome pack. Loved it. Will defo be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Dave C.

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

Signal Box cottage

A quirky little cottage converted from a railway signal box with a sympathetic extension to the rear with kitchen and utility room. The main living space is in the main gallery room with windows to 3 sides giving nice views to the hills in the east. The location is excellent for the northern Lake District and only 8 miles from Pooley Bridge on Ullswater. The cottage is lovely and well maintained. All the facilities are there that would be usual, the only thing I think that would be useful is a fan. Our visit coincided with a really hot spell and the living room does get extremely hot due to all the windows. I can recommend this property for a short stay. The owners were kind and kept up a line of communication prior to the visit and visiting us on the first evening whilst we were settling in.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ken C.

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

Wonderful property

Great location, lovely property, everything thought of to make our stay special. Horses in the adjoining paddock, deer in the field across the road and on our last morning a visit from 2 red squirrels. We came away reluctantly, would highly recommend this property as it was such a tranquil retreat.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tim M.

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

Excellent accommodation -

Peaceful location accommodation exactly as described
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

david i.

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

Cliburn Signal Box

We had a 3 night stay at the signal box the weekend of the Kings Coronation, the setting and the outlook in the Cumbrian countryside was 2nd to none, the accommodation itself was perfect and spotlessly clean, Gavin the host was very friendly and informative, I would recommended this to anyone
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Darren C.

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

Relaxing Stay

Lovely property with lots of fantastic forest walks right on your doorstep. Very friendly and welcoming hosts, would not hesitate to recommend this property for a relaxing stay in a beautiful location.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

James B.

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

Great stay perfect for two

Great to stay somewhere different, yes it's a signal box. Warm underfloor heating, neat layout, easy to use wood stove. It's light and bright. Friendly owners, very quiet location and good walks in the wood next door. Perfect for two
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elaine W.

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

Peaceful and tranquil

The property is immaculate. Sympathetically renovated to hugh standard. Everything you need is provided. Excellent locality. Stunning views, local wildlife spotted every day. Lovely owners.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

ray w.

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

Top notch

Perfect place for a quiet break.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

About the host

Hosted by Mr Gavin Matier

Host profile image
We moved into the property on 1st October 2004, leaving city life behind, in search of a more peaceful and fulfilling life, for both ourselves and our two children, Elliott and Jasmine.
Gavin, born in Northern Ireland, left Limavady in 1987 to study at Bradford University. There he qualified as a Pharmacist in 1991 and is the Pharmacy Manager at Sainsbury's Penrith.
Wendy, born in Tyldesley, Manchester left in 1989 to study at Bradford University. There she qualified as a Pharmacist in 1994 and is now the Pharmacy Manager at Green Tree Pharmacy, Kirkby Stephen.
Whilst working in Leeds, we met in 1992 and married 25th August 1996. In July 1999 Elliott was born and in February 2002 Jasmine was born. It was at this point we decided to leave the city life behind and moved to Cliburn.

Why they chose this property

Wendy and I fell in love with both the location and character of the building when we first saw it.
We loved it so much we live in the Station House beside the Signal Box and decided to renovate it, so others could enjoy it as much as us.

What makes this property unique

We live beside the Signal Box all year round and often forget just how lucky we are to live here.
To us peace, tranquility and seclusion are the norm. We step outside our back door into beautiful countryside and a 50m walk has us strolling in Whinfell Forest, where we regularly see the local red squirrels, roe deer, owls, buzzards, pheasants, great crested newts and an abundance of other wildlife. At night little light pollution means that we can stargaze and if that wasn't enough, a short drive and we are walking up one of the many fells or playing in one of the lakes.
What more could you ask for?

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests