Duke of Portland Boathouse, Pooley Bridge, Ullswater

The Duke of Portland Boathouse Ullswater is a unique, iconic, luxury Lake District Cottage described as an 'ideal honeymoon cottage in a location to die for' with stunning views of Lake Ullswater and the fells from the balcony or through the bedroom doors.


Known as the most romantic lake, Ullswater is the perfect base from which to enjoy a romantic break away. Whether you’ve just come down from the fells or come in from the water after trying one of the water sports on offer including canoeing, sailing and paddle boarding, head to one of the traditional Cumbrian Inns for welcoming refreshments or a meal. Dotted along the shore line of the lake are a number of villages with shops, inns and art galleries and fine eateries, perfect for celebrating special occasions including Another Place and 1863 Restaurant. Getting around the Lake District could not be easier, the A66 takes you to Keswick in less than half an hour or take the Kirkstone Pass which takes you to Ambleside or Windermere for a days exploring in the South Lakes.


Perched on the northern banks of Lake Ullswater, the Duke of Portland Boathouse is a base from which to relax, unwind and celebrate, whether it is a honeymoon, birthday, anniversary or to pop that all important question. During the 18th century the boathouse belonged to the 3rd Duke of Portland, along with the rest of his Cumberland Estate, the boathouse was sold to pay off his legal debts - his loss is our gain! The cottage is equipped and furnished to the highest standard, shades of Farrow and Ball are mixed with sumptuous furnishings and luxury fabrics, making the cottage warm and cosy no matter what the time of year. The boathouse is one of the most iconic and most photographed buildings in the Lake District and was voted “the best waterside retreat” by BBC Countryfile Magazine, with its unparalleled views across the lake to the mountains beyond it is easy to see why.


Climb the stone steps leading to the oak entrance door and step inside the open plan living area with underfloor heating beneath rustic oak floors and magnificent cruick beams. The bespoke kitchen has granite work tops and a generous breakfast bar with comfortable stools for intimate dining for two, perfect for enjoying the feast you have just prepared in the well equipped kitchen with LPG oven and hob, microwave, dishwasher, fridge and Vertuo Nespresso coffee machine (bring your own pods).


Continue through to the cosy lounge with welcoming wood burning stove, sit back and relax on a sumptuous leather sofa whilst enjoying your favorite TV show or listening to music on the Bluetooth sound system. Please note there is no Wi-Fi at the boathouse, but this gives you the perfect excuse to switch off from the outside world and reconnect with tthe breathtaking nature all around you.


Head through the glazed double doors to the romantic bedroom, enjoy the views down the length of the lake, or gaze out at a starlit sky from the comfort of the king size bed with luxurious Egyptian cotton bedding or relax in the copper bath sipping champagne.


You know you are truly somewhere special the moment you step out of the double doors onto the balcony. Admire the breathtaking views whilst enjoying breakfast or just sit and contemplate the beautiful surroundings and its wildlife whilst watching the sun set over the mountains, cosy rugs are provided for chillier evenings.


Freshen up in the luxurious slate shower room with overhead shower, WC and hand basin. Fluffy towels, bathrobes and slippers are provided together with a range of toiletries.


The boathouse has its own private jetty and a quarter of a mile of lakeshore with fishing rights.


All gas, electric, bed linen, towels, dressing gowns and toiletries are provided. Private parking for 1 car through secured gates (the boathouse is on a bend so care is needed when entering and departing the boathouse) or parking is available in the layby opposite.


Featured in Cumbria Life Magazine

This unique, iconic, luxury Lake District 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. TV, DVD 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.