Swallows Loft is a light and spacious apartment, in a historic Old Vicarage. Flanked by Lakeland fells, with walks from the door, located in tranquil Far Sawrey, in the heart of the English Lake District. With views over to Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top and the Coniston Fells beyond. A unique and welcoming space, Swallows Loft is near the western shore of Lake Windermere. We combine Lakeland charm with modern comforts for couples, friends, solo travellers or family. A calm space to relax & escape
The space
Nestled within a beautifully converted historic vicarage, Swallows Loft is a comfortable first-floor retreat offering an opportunity to relax enjoy uninterrupted views across one of the Lake District’s most captivating landscapes.
Steeped in a historic location, within mature grounds in an exceptionally peaceful corner of the National Park, the apartment lies deep in the countryside that inspired Beatrix Potter’s timeless tales, Wordsworth’s poetry, and Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons. Here, rolling fells, changing light, and sweeping vistas create a setting of rare tranquillity.
From every window, panoramic views unfold across the Sawrey Valley towards Coniston Water and the dramatic Langdale fells beyond — a constantly shifting backdrop that brings the beauty of the outdoors into every room.
Designed with relaxation in mind, Swallows Loft is light-filled, spacious, and thoughtfully curated throughout. Soft textures, and carefully chosen furnishings combine contemporary comfort with the character of the building’s heritage, creating a warm and welcoming countryside escape.
Perfect for couples seeking a restorative retreat or friends to gather, the apartment offers generous living space and an atmosphere of calm and quiet. Families and well-behaved dogs are warmly welcomed, making it an ideal base for both adventure and relaxation.
Swallows Loft invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and experience the Lake District at its most peaceful and inspiring.
Internally there is a welcoming bright hallway with rooms leading off. This provides plenty of space for muddy boots, coats and drying off wet children and dogs.
Large lounge-diner:
With high ceiling and tall sash windows which flood the room with light. This bright room is south facing. It has great views of Near Sawrey, Beatrix Potter’s Hilltop home, and the Coniston and Langdale fells from each window.
The deep sofas sit around a cosy wood-burner, positioned in original marble fireplace. With a dining table seating four which overlooks the gardens. This space is perfect for planning the day ahead over breakfast.
If the weather is bad, hunker down with a good book, have a relaxing drink, then a candle-lit dinner (or a short stroll to our local pubs!). The easy to use wood-burning stove has a log basket (with initial supply of logs and kindling).
Smart TV with Amazon Prime, Netflix and all catch up channels ITVX, BBC iPlayer C4, and a DVD player, with selection of DVDs. Please bring your own log in to access the TV apps. WiFi access available. A good selection of local guide books, maps and board games are also available.
Children are well catered for, there is a travel cot if required, high chair, potty too!
We also have a selection of toys, books and games to entertain little ones.
Kitchen:
Thoughtfully equipped to provide a quick breakfast or gourmet meal; with halogen hob, AEG oven, Bosch microwave, kettle, toaster, French press coffee maker, slow-cooker, dishwasher, washing machine and fridge-freezer. Plenty of quality kitchen utensils if you wanted to dine in any evening.
Bedrooms:
There are two bedrooms to choose from, both are spacious light and airy. Each benefiting from Hypnos beds to ensure a truly luxurious and comfortable place to relax and sleep.
Bedroom 1:
The first room is a large bright room with Neptune double bed. It is well-designed with beautiful views across the shared gardens of the Old Vicarage towards Hilltop and Esthwaite beyond.
Bedroom 2:
The second largest bedroom has a luxurious super-king-size zip-and-link Hypnos bed (which can be made up as twin beds on request) again with great storage. This room has a window seat, which looks out from the tall sash window over the Sawrey Valley and the Coniston Fells beyond.
Bathroom:
Finishing the apartment is an attractively designed bathroom with shower over a long deep bath, basin with storage and WC. Luxury hand wash is provided (please bring your own toiletries).
Location:
We are located on the quieter side of Lake Windermere; away from the crowds! But with easy access to Hawkshead, Ambleside, Coniston, Grasmere and the stunning Langdale Valley.
Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top home (open to the public), is a short walk from our door (and you can catch a glimpse from the front bedroom!)
Swallows Loft is in a central location to explore lakes & fells. A perfect location for hikers, bikers, ramblers and tourers! The Langdales; including Crinkle Crags and Stickle Tarn. Coniston Lake and Old Man is easily reached and many more fells are within a short driving distance.
Cycling and mountain biking are also accessible directly from the door with routes to Wray, Claife Heights, Grizedale and beyond.
We are also well situated for The Lap ultra event, Gravel Bike and Great North Swim events. Many guests and their supporters have stayed with us when entering these events.
If messing about in boats is more your choice; SUP (paddle boarding), kayaking, sailing and swimming are all easily accessible. Local hire of boards, boats, canoes and wetsuits are also available from Ferry Nab, Windermere.
There are also plenty of swimming locations in our local tarns and Lake Windermere or Coniston Water.
We welcome many returning guests and sometimes the best moments are the slow ones- so take a breath, relax, and cosy up with your loved ones while you enjoy the view..
Exterior:
The grounds of The Old Vicarage have a large rear communal garden, shared with other apartment owners and their guests.
The front garden areas for our neighbour’s private use only.
The shared garden area is to the rear of the house, up the stone steps, the uppermost area of lawn. See photo for details.
There is plenty of space for all to enjoy; with dining table and chairs and relaxing Adirondack chairs in which to sit with a sundowner and take in the fabulous views over the Sawrey valley.
As you would expect, for consideration of other guests and owners; we respectfully request that dogs are exercised off the property. Please be a responsible dog owner.
Follow us @swallowsloft for more information
Guest access
The apartment is in a converted Vicarage, set in own grounds shared with only 4 neighbouring apartments. Our apartment is on the first floor, with breathtaking views from every window.
Guests also have shared access (via steps) to the rear garden lawn, where comfortable seating areas invite you to relax in the morning and afternoon sun, while taking in sweeping panoramic views and spectacular sunsets over the Old Man of Coniston.
Within this area of the garden, you also have access to an outdoor dining table and chairs which offers views down the valley and overlooking the Sawrey Valley, then the Coniston and Langdale fells beyond.
Allocated parking for 1 car (see map). Private use EV charger available (we can activate this remotely for you and charge at cost).
Additional parking is available on the Braithwaite Hall car park at the bottom of the lane, for a small donation.
Other things to note
Additional rules:
No smoking, no recreational drugs.
We take great care of our holiday home. The apartment should be left in the same condition as when you arrive.
The apartment sleeps 4 people only + baby
Dogs:
One dog and their well behaved owners are welcome. Please ask if you have more than one dog (we will do our best to accommodate you).
We respectfully ask that dogs avoid climbing on the furniture or beds. Pets are not allowed in bedrooms. They must not be left alone in the apartment. Any damage will be charged via Airbnb.
Both our local pubs are very dog friendly too.
Please exercise your dog off the property and pick up after your dog, both in the garden and the wider fells. Most importantly follow the countryside code and keep dogs safely on a lead, due to sheep and other livestock.
Wood burning stove:
An initial supply of logs provided. Please note there is no fire guard, as the hearth does not accommodate this. Children must be supervised at all times. Please be vigilant, especially with toddlers and babies.
EV charger is available and will be charged accordingly.
Local amenities:
The apartment is located in the small village of Far Sawrey. The nearest grocery store is the Co-op in Hawkshead; 2.5 miles away. Hawkshead also has a number of independent shops, a chemist and newsagent.
Further supplies are available in the nearest towns of Ambleside and larger Co-Op or there is a small Sainsbury’s in Bowness or a large Booths supermarket in Windermere (across on the ferry).
