Hillside Farm - by Estatesmen

Summary:
Nestled in the scenic Eden Valley, our charming 4-bedroom lodge at Hillside Farm in Kirkby Stephen offers the perfect escape into the tranquility of the Lake District. With spacious interiors, stunning views, and a private setting, it's an ideal spot for family gatherings or peaceful retreats. Just minutes from the town center, you’ll enjoy both privacy and easy access to local shops, pubs, and outdoor activities.

The Space:
This beautifully appointed 4-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom lodge combines modern comfort with the natural beauty of its rural surroundings. The open-plan living area features a cozy wood-burning stove, large windows framing breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, and comfortable seating perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration. The fully equipped kitchen is perfect for preparing family meals or enjoying take-out from local eateries.

Each of the four bedrooms is generously sized, with plush bedding and scenic views. The lodge offers 4.5 bathrooms for ultimate convenience, including en-suites in all four master bedrooms. There is also a dedicated space for children or groups, with toys, books, and games available. The property also includes a utility room with laundry facilities, ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable stay.

A highlight of the lodge is the private garden, which is ideal for outdoor dining, relaxing in the fresh air, or enjoying a sunset with a drink. You’ll also have access to nearby walking trails on the farm, where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Guest Access:
Guests will have exclusive access to the main house, including the private garden and driveway. A secure lockbox is available for easy self-check-in, and detailed instructions will be provided prior to your arrival.

To help us prepare for your stay, we kindly ask that you let us know your estimated arrival time in advance. This ensures we can make everything ready for a smooth check-in.

Please note that the annexes on the left side of the house, the nearby hangars, and the garage next to the annex are private and not accessible during your stay.

The Neighborhood:
Located on the outskirts of Kirkby Stephen, our lodge sits within a peaceful, working farm surrounded by open fields, stone walls, and rolling hills. The setting offers a true taste of the Cumbrian countryside—quiet, scenic, and rich with natural beauty.

Kirkby Stephen itself is a charming market town just a few minutes’ drive away. Here you’ll find traditional pubs, cafés, a local bakery, convenience shops, and independent stores. The town is known for its friendly community and historic stone buildings, as well as its place on the Coast to Coast walking route, making it a popular stop for ramblers and nature lovers.

Nearby, you can explore:

Smardale Gill Nature Reserve – A peaceful walk through a former railway track surrounded by wildlife and dramatic scenery.

Nine Standards Rigg – A striking group of stone cairns offering panoramic views over the Eden Valley.

The Yorkshire Dales and Lake District – Both are within easy driving distance for stunning day trips.

Whether you're here for walking, relaxing, or simply soaking up the rural charm, the area offers a perfect escape from city life.

Getting Around:
While the lodge offers a peaceful escape in the heart of the countryside, it’s still well-connected for those wishing to explore the region.

By Car: We strongly recommend bringing a car, as this gives you the freedom to explore local villages, scenic routes, and nearby national parks like the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District. The property has ample free parking on-site for multiple vehicles.

Local Town Access: The town of Kirkby Stephen is just a short drive (around 5 minutes) from the lodge, where you’ll find shops, pubs, and amenities. There’s also a petrol station and supermarkets for essentials.

Public Transport: Kirkby Stephen has a train station located on the Settle-Carlisle line, one of the most beautiful rail journeys in England. Taxis are available locally, though they may need to be booked in advance, especially in the evenings or off-peak seasons.

On Foot or Bike: The area is ideal for walking and cycling, with a number of scenic trails and quiet lanes right outside your door. We provide a guidebook with recommended routes and local tips to help you explore on foot or by bike.

Whether you're planning day trips or simply want to enjoy the landscape at a slower pace, getting around from our lodge is both easy and enjoyable.

Other Things to Note:
House Manual & Special Instructions

Hot Tub / Jacuzzi:

Always close the lid securely when not in use. Leaving it open causes the system to continuously heat, leading to excessive electricity use.

Any additional electricity charges or damage from the lid being left open may be deducted from your deposit.

Shower before use to help maintain clean water.

No glassware is allowed in or near the hot tub — plastic cups are provided.

Children must be supervised at all times.

Toilets & Septic Tank:

The lodge uses a septic system. Please flush only toilet paper — no wipes, sanitary products, or other materials.

Do not use bleach or harsh cleaning products, as they may damage the system.

Fireplace:

There is a working open fireplace in the TV room.

Use only the firewood provided.

Never leave the fire unattended, and ensure it is fully extinguished before sleeping or leaving the house.

Outdoor Furniture & Wind:

The property is in an exposed rural area and can experience strong winds.

Please secure or bring in outdoor cushions, parasols, and lightweight furniture when not in use.

Bring everything indoors if high winds are expected.

Sofa Bed:

The living room features a sofa bed available for additional sleeping space.

Bedding is provided and stored in labelled tubs in the utility/laundry room or wardrobes.

Bins & Rubbish:

Bins are located inside the garage, which can be accessed through the laundry room.

Please separate waste into general rubbish, recycling, and glass according to labels.

Surroundings & Animals:

The lodge is surrounded by open countryside, and you may see sheep grazing nearby, depending on the time of year.

Please do not enter any gated fields or disturb animals.

Children should be supervised when outdoors.

Water & Plumbing:

Water pressure may vary slightly depending on usage.

For best results, avoid using multiple showers or taps at the same time.

Noise:

Please keep noise to a minimum after 10:00 PM to respect the peaceful rural environment and any nearby neighbors.