New House Farm is situated in the beautiful Lorton Vale in the North West corner of the Lake District National Park. The propery lies between the villages of Lorton and Loweswater, nine miles due west of Keswick and six miles south of Cockermouth on the B5289.

The name New House Farm is something of a misnomer given the age of the property and its current use. The house dates to 1650 when it was part of Lord Egremont's Cumberland Estate. The original name of the property is not known but records show it as New House Farm as early as 1832. Period features now discovered include oak beams and rafters, flagged floors and stone open fireplaces. The house and adjoining barn are Listed Grade II.

Inside the house on the first floor all the bedrooms have en suite facilities and magnificent views. 'Low Fell' is a large double/twin with en suite bath and looks across the valley to Low Fell in the West. 'Whiteside' is a double room with shower and looks to Dodd and Whiteside to the East. 'Swinside' is a large double/twin with bath and from the window seat there is a good view of Swinside covered in heather, (Swinside, incidentially supplies us with our own Spring water). 'Fellbarrow' looks out to the west to Fellbarrow and is a double with shower and 'The Stable' is just to the side of the main house with views towards Fellowbarrow and also to the north. This is the largest room having a large double bed with spacious en suite bath and shower. On the ground floor there are three separate sitting rooms, one with an open log fire on colder days and a cosy dining room.

The cooking is a particular attraction and Hazel produces a fine range of traditional five-course English dinners, with local ingredients, wherever possible. We are fully licensed and always have a good selection of wines in stock.

There are 15 acres of open fields, woods, streams and ponds which guests may wander around with any dogs which may be staying. There are spectacular views all around, particularly of Swinside and Dodd glowing red on a late summers evening, or that of Melbreak rising up at the end of the valley.

The quiet beauty of the Lakes is all around and walks are plentiful and handy, particularly to Loweswater, Crummock Water and Buttermere and the fells. For those driving, Keswick, Cockermouth and the West Coast towns are easy to get to.

Places to visit and attractions include: Historical Houses - Wordsworth's Birthplace - Dalemain - Muncaster Castle, Museums - Minerals - Toy - Pencil, Farm attractions, miniature railways, golf at Cockermouth & Keswick courses and lots of birdwatching locally - Buzzards - Peregrines - Gooseanders - Mergansers - Flycatchers etc.

THIS IS A NON SMOKING ESTABLISHMENT

COMMENDATIONS:

• AA 5 Diamonds
• 1994 Which? Hotel Guide Cumbrian Hotel of the Year
• Michelin Good Hotel Guide
• Good Hotel Guide

PRICES: As from 31 March 2000

Tariff: Prices quoted are per person, per day for dinner, bed and breakfast based on shared occupancy.

• One to two days: 62.00
• Three days or more: 58.00
• Single room supplement: 15.00
• Bed & breakfast: from 38.00
• Winter rates (Nov to March): 55.00