Merlewood was formerly the family home of the poet Laurence Binyon. Today it provides 55 wonderfully comfortable self-catering holiday cottages and apartments in beautiful and peaceful surroundings, within easy reach of the southern Lake District.
Nine elegant apartments in a Grade II-listed Victorian mansion. 46 beautifully appointed cottages. The whole site nestling amidst secluded woodland and rolling pasture, just two miles from the border of the English Lake District, and commanding fabulous views over the magnificent Morecambe Bay.
Soak up the splendour of the graceful drawing room. Enjoy a swim in the heated pool after a strenuous workout on the tennis court. Stroll through the woods and savour the peace and quiet of the countryside. And, at the end of a lovely day, sit on the terrace with a sundowner and contemplate That View.
Windermere, Coniston Water et al are within easy striking distance, while for the more urban-minded the city of Lancaster - often, and unjustly, overlooked in the guide books - is just a half-hour drive away.
A selection of dog-friendly holiday homes to let where we also welcome kids and young families. Enjoy our on-site steam room, indoor swimming pool, children's playground and even crazy golf. There is plenty to see and do both at Merlewood and in the surrounding areas all of which you can enjoy from the comfort of your luxury holiday property.
Cottages: The majority of Merlewood's ten sleek and spacious, cottages (six of which welcome dogs) are two-storey and sleep four guests. For larger groups holidaying in spectacular Cumbria, two three-storey cottages are available, and these sleep eight guests. All Merlewood's...
cottages have access to a terrace, meaning you can sit out and enjoy that fresh Cumbrian air. Here you are in a fantastic position to explore the incredible scenery of the Lake District, or head south to the dramatic coastline. As with all the holiday units at Merlewood, the cottages are decorated in a manner sensitive to the local environment; soft, neutral hues, bright and airy by day, cosy and welcoming at dusk. In a word, restful – just like the fabulous view over Morecambe Bay! Each cottage is within easy distance of the main building, which has a clubhouse and communal facilities. The cottages at Merlewood lend themselves to family holidays, or to trips away with a group of friends, offering comfortable, communal living.
Apartments: Slightly away from the main building, but still close enough to make use of the pool and clubhouse, the 36 apartments in the grounds of Merlewood's stately 19th century manor house provide all you need to enjoy a holiday amongst the fresh air and stunning scenery of Cumbria. With one, two and three-bedroom apartments on offer, these properties can accommodate between two and six guests. These open-plan properties feature spacious kitchens and dining areas for those peaceful evenings in, while living rooms and bedrooms are decorated with subtle, relaxing touches. All of which contribute to making your stay in a Merlewood apartment a restful and happy one. Many of the apartments offer sublime views down towards Grange-over-Sands and Morecambe Bay beyond, while others look out on the glorious woodland that surrounds the site. Fourteen properties are pet-friendly, so provide the perfect base for a walking holiday and the homely interiors are guaranteed to make your stay in the southern Lake District a memorable and happy experience.
Main House Apartments: Dating from the 19th Century, the manor house has been expertly restored to an exceptional standard, with the nine apartments benefitting from certain details and features that keep the history of their beautiful setting alive. All the properties at Merlewood offer high levels of comfort. But if it’s sheer elegance you’re after, the main manor house is where you’ll want to be. Built by Manchester calico printer Alfred Binyon in 1853 the house has enjoyed a chequered history: from private estate, to hotel, to War Office training centre, to ecological research station. But the Grade II listed building is, arguably, only now fulfilling its true potential, with accommodation that provides a winning combination of comfort and style. Each of the nine manor house apartments has been expertly furnished, but retains an element of its 19th Century charm, providing a retreat that is both charismatic and perfectly soothing. One has been adapted for wheelchair access and all provide a fantastic base from which to explore surrounding Lakes and fells but, at the end of the day, welcome you home to well-designed, relaxing living rooms and bedrooms for a great night's sleep.
