Morland House

Whether celebrating in style or simply spending quality time together, historic Morland House is the perfect place for a memorable holiday. As soon as you enter the oak panelled front hall you will be swept back into a former age. The spacious manor house is in the centre of the rural village of Morland with beautiful views east to the Pennines.

The Grade II listed house dates to Tudor times but much of its character derives from it being the family home of the Markham family since 1828. Over the last two centuries the house has been extended and filled with a fascinating variety of paintings, books, antiques and curios which make a stay here truly special. The bedrooms are named after notable ancestors, so for instance, the Admiral’s bedroom is themed on Admiral John, Lord of the Admiralty, who was a commander in the Napoleonic wars, and the General’s bedroom after General Fred who fought in India and brought his sporting trophies back to Morland in the 1830’s – hence the cases of stuffed birds and antlers from the Himalayas.

Recent modern touches include the all essential home comforts of excellent WiFi, central heating, modern bathrooms – and new beds! The large south-facing double-ended sitting room and the dining room both seat 18 and have open fires and oak panelling hung with family portraits. There is a grand piano for the musically minded.

Hire a local cook (whom we can recommend) for dinner, and you have a splendid setting for a special and memorable family occasion with minimum fuss. There is a separate catering kitchen meaning children can be fed separately in the family kitchen whilst the special dinner is prepared.

The gardens are a very special feature, with four acres of lawns, kitchen garden, rose garden and herbaceous borders. Steps lead down to the stream and a children’s wonderland with riverside walks, waterfalls and secret Victorian quarry garden complete with grotto. There is a private garden for guests, equipped with tables and chairs and barbecue for al fresco eating in the natural sun-trap. The garden is fenced meaning small children, and dogs, can be kept secure.

After a game of croquet, children of all ages will love ‘through the green baize door’ with the fully equipped modernised family kitchen seating 12 and a games room with seven foot pool table, large TV, WiFi and board games. There is a snug with TV and separate utility room.

Three generations of the family are involved in owning and running this cherished home.

The picturesque village of Morland is nestled in the heart of the Eden Valley with stunning local walks to the Lyvennet River. With the M6, A66 and the main line rail station at Penrith only seven miles away. (London Euston 3 hours)

Morland is remarkkably accessible. Both Penrith and Appleby are attractive market towns with all the necessary facilities and shops for convenient holiday shopping.

The Lake District beckons, and the nearest lake happily, is also the most beautiful. Ullswater is only 20 minutes away via a scenic drive through Lowther Park. A trip on the steamer is a must for all ages, and the active can walk back along the fellside and then enjoy tea in Pooley Bridge. This is also a centre for sailing and pony trekking. Fishermen, by arrangement, can get daily permits for trout fishing on the River Eden.

Eating out is now a speciality of the Lakes, with a number of hotels and top-class restaurants. Morland House also has its own very special café on its doorstep – the Millyard which is popular with guests!

The Eden Valley is crammed with historic houses and buildings, animal attractions and other points of interest: Dalemain (country house), Hutton-in-the-Forest (country house), Acorn Bank House & Garden (National Trust), Lowther Castle, Rheged Visitor Centre (films, shops, play areas), King Arthur’s Round Table, Mayburgh Henge, Eden Millennium Monument

Travelling a bit further afield, Hadrian’s Wall near Carlisle, and even the Yorkshire Dales across the Pennines are within reach.

Home to the Markham family since 1828, when a Georgian vicarage, the house was extended in Victorian times and given its remarkable ‘Tudor’ interior.