Johnby Hall Barn Johnby , Penrith, CA11 0UU

Nestled within the environs of a 14th century manor house, this property has been converted from one of the beautiful sandstone outbuildings of the original hallIt sleeps four people in two delightful bedrooms while also welcoming up to four well behaved dogsThe whole place has been thoughtfully designed for guests to make the most of the history and magic of its ancient situation while still benefiting from all the comforts of a warm and welcoming modern homeIt has retained original features such as exposed beams in the lofty double height spaces while being elegantly decorated with sumptuous textiles, a subtle colour palette and antique furniture.

It also benefits from fantastic, far reaching views over fields to the Pennines in the distanceIt makes a fabulous holiday home for a couple or family as, not only does it have extensive shared grounds with countless nooks and crannies to explore, but it is also a working farm with adorable pigs roaming about the surrounding fields from which Johnby's renowned sausages are madeIt even has a walled orchard and an area of woodland for your little forest sprites to set up campFor guests with an interest in history it's a truly magical place to stay.

The stunning sandstone manor house which has grown around its original pele tower has clues to its history peppered around its groundsBy prior arrangement with the owners guests at the cottage can even have breakfast in the main hall at JohnbyAscending the mighty stone staircase you'll be welcomed to the magnificent dining room with its deep sandstone windows and antique pianosPerfect as a treat for a special occasion.

The area around the barn has so much to offer visitors it's hard to know where to startNestled between the grandeur of the Lake District fells and the Eden Valley there's a world of walking to exploreFrom lofty Blencathra, accessible from nearby Mungrisdale, to Helvellyn one of the Lake District's giants just down the road at Ullswater there are so many epic rambles to enjoyFor low level potterers the choice is vast, why not try the gentle tree covered amble to beautiful Aira Force? Alternatively hop on the bike to explore the local lanes and the Coast to Coast cycle way also passes by just down the road.

Penrith is just on the doorstep, a charming Cumbrian town with a wealth of independent shops while Keswick, the Lake District's adventure capital is just 14 miles awayOn arrival at the barn guests enter via the main door from the parking area in the farmyardDirectly ahead is the gorgeous modern shower roomWithin its spacious shower enclosure is a powerful mixer shower and a huge 'drencher' head, perfect for massaging away any aching muscles after long fell walks.

The room is fresh and modern and, as noted earlier, has discreetly incorporated grab rails by the sink, toilet and showerMoving into the corridor along the length of the house it's hard not to be distracted by the enormous picture windows facing across the grounds and fields to the Pennines in the distanceThe other wall is occupied by a huge map of the area, perfect for the cartophiles among you to plan your Eden Valley and Lake District adventuresMoving on to the lovely bedrooms.

The master bedroom is a stunning double height room with exposed original beams, a beautiful king size wooden sleigh bed, large antique wardrobe and two remotely controlled velux windows drenching the room with lightMoving up the three shallow steps to the bunk bedroomThis is a delightful space for children with the bunk beds in an 'L' shaped configuration which makes an ideal little space for a den where the owners have already thoughtfully left shelves with books and toysThere is a double height chest of drawers and delightful wall decor including pictures of knight s of old where eagle eyed young detectives can find a connection to Johnby Hall itself! The lower bed is a larger European sized single, meaning this room could be used for a third adult.

Onward through to the gorgeous open plan living space, guests will find a sociable and warm double height room benefiting from those stunning floor to ceiling windows as well as double doors out onto the court yardThe living room element has a comfy sofa, a rocking chair, armchair and television with FreeviewIt's a wonderful place to enjoy a good book while occasionally looking up to check on the visiting bird life, just perfectThe kitchen and dining area is spacious and well equipped.

There's a lovely long dining table, a huge traditional wooden dresser adorned with a wonderfully eclectic and colourful collection of crockeryThe kitchen has a washing machine, dishwasher, fan oven, halogen hobs, under counter fridge and small counter top freezerIn all it's a wonderful place for sociable food preparation and long post meal chats around the tableMoving outside it's hard to know where to begin.

The barn's back door leads out to enclosed formal gardens which are a wonderful sun trap when the weather allows, ideal for a morning cuppa or a sunset glass of wine! The rest of the shared grounds are a spellbinding world to exploreThere's the walled orchard with apples, damsons, quinces and medlars where pheasants happily roam around, large lawns for cartwheeling should you so choose, play equipment for the children, a summer house with a magnificent panorama, woodland for your little wood sprites and pooches to discover and last but certainly not least some exceedingly handsome pigs as neighbours.