Aquila is a modernist gem with a seductively clandestine appeal, set right on Haweswater’s sparkling shoreline within the tarns and fells of the Mardale Valley near Bampton. From relaxing affairs to adrenaline-fuelled adventures, this luxury retreat provides unique self-catering escapes in the Lake District National Park. Paradise found.
Approaching this unique waterside home via its sweeping mountain road, you could almost think you’d been led to the elaborate hideout of a Bond villain’s lair on arrival at Aquila. The interiors incorporate steel beams, concrete ceilings and smoked oak floors which give the luxury self-catering retreat a cool, contemporary vibe. In contrast, the gardens have been landscaped to merge seamlessly into the panorama of fells and mountains beyond. The Mardale Valley is a serene space for unwinding, set within one of the most peaceful and beautiful nooks of the Lake District.
At 30 square metres, the lofty master room has a king-size bed and industrial-style en suite shower room bedecked with Italian ceramics, discrete spotlighting and shower big enough for two – making it quite the honeymoon suite! The double bedroom is a magical space in which to wake up to the mountain vistas, whilst the twin bedroom has beautiful views of the lake which are sure to inspire sleepy children as they drift off to sleep. Alongside the bedrooms on the first floor, the family bathroom flaunts a vintage 1930s cast iron bath, perfect for soaking weary limbs following a day spent tearing up the great outdoors.
With Haweswater reservoir below, guests have the luxury of a stunning 100 square mile wildlife haven right on the doorstep. Until recently, Haweswater was famously home of England’s only Golden Eagle and, with the magnificent display of birdlife all year-round, the reserve is a twitchers’ paradise. Further afield, the local area provides a playground for outdoor activities; motorboat across Lake Ullswater, take a 4×4 over the rocky hairpins of Gatescarth, plunge into Askham’s 20 metre outdoor swimming pool or climb the highest peaks in Cumbria’s Eastern Fells to reach its soaring summits – in true 007-style.
As put by the grand old bard of the lakes, there is ‘nowhere in so narrow a compass with such a variety of the sublime and beautiful’. Follow in the footsteps of Wordsworth and others inspired by the beauty of this mountainous national park ever since the Romantic poets arrived in the 19th century. Why not put ink to paper and capture your own poetic musings as a special reminder of your luxury Lakeland escape? In summertime, look forward to wild swimming and al fresco garden barbecues. And when winter falls, follow glittery, frosted walking paths to find dramatic lookout spots all to yourself. Walk up to The Haweswater to enjoy hot toddies in the cool Art Deco bar, before family movie nights back at Aquila.
Parking is on the private driveway, accommodating up to four cars. This modern homestay benefits from an electric oven, dishwasher, washer-dryer and fridge-freezer. The property is just a few metres from Haweswater and is fenced from the south side.
