overview ees wyke country house

A trip to the Lake District was in order and I headed to the pretty village of Near Sawrey to spend a night at the gorgeous Ees Wyke Country House along with taking in a couple of beautiful local walks.

Situated just a couple of miles from Hawkshead it is wonderfully situated by the eastern shores of Esthwaite Water as well as not being far from the western edge of Windermere. Two different yet wonderful lakes to be near.

rear view ees wyke at near sawrey

Some Ees Wyke History

A delightful and well placed example of a Georgian building it was originally built in 1742 as a retreat in the Lake District for a Lancashire mill owner. The original name for the building was Lakesfield.

BaldHiker Retreats

From that date it stayed in private hands as a residence all the way up until 1976 when it was converted to a guesthouse.

ees wyke near sawrey entrance

However, around the turn of the 20th Century, the building was rented as a holiday home by the Potter family that included a certain Beatrix Potter. She must have fallen in love with the village whilst staying herself here at what is now Ees Wyke, because the famous Lake District residence, Hilltop Farm, that she bought and lived in, is literally only a few hundred metres along the road.

entrance hall ees wyke

Checking In

The place is stunning before you even set foot inside. On entering the driveway you get to see the building against the backdrop of rolling green fields, the blue of Esthwaite Water and the hills and mountains behind that. Keep looking and you get views of the Langdale Pikes as well as Coniston Old Man. A magical spot to be in.

outside seats with view

I rang the bell at the front table and within seconds there was a welcoming and smiling member of staff to greet me. A warm welcome amongst the lovely warm and colourful decor. This was going to be lovely I could tell already.

Once settled in I was treated to a lovely and needed coffee with a cake.

welcome afternoon tea

As well as the first taste of the luxury in the landscapes surrounding. The lounge room has amazing views to relax amongst.

chairs by window

I also got to meet here the owner, Richard who glady showed me around some more and made sure I had all that I needed.

From Richard and from all the staff, you are well looked after and welcomed.

The Room

Every room here is unique and specially decorated in their own way. I was to be in the Jade Room.

bed in room ees wyke

I can best describe the whole interior together with the room as being luxurious as well as homely at the same time. A hard trick to pull off but here they have done it wonderfully.

Lovely and bright and lovely and warm. The bed was extremely comfortable.

Everything you expect from a room is provided from tea/coffee, TV, desk, plus some great unique extras like a decanter of a ‘nightcap’, perhaps whisky or sherry.

One thing that also blew me away too was the view! Fields, trees and peaks fanning out from the window.

ees wyke room with a view

Dining

Dinner is served at 7.30 pm and having already chosen from the menu I was really looking forward to it. The menu changes daily using local produce with 2 options for each course.

menu ees wyke

For chef duties it was back over to Richard who has helped the restaurant here win an AA Rosette for the 14th year in a row.

The dining area is surrounded by windows leading to the lake, The Old Man and Langdale Pikes. There are definitely worse backdrops that is for sure, by a long way.

ees wyke dining room

For my starter I chose the wild mushroom dish and it was exquisite.

You could really tell how fresh the mushrooms were as well as taste the full flavour together with the herbs. What a way to start the tastebuds going.

mushroom starter

Now for the mains, and i just had to go for the roasted cornfed Guinea Fowl. I personally am wary of game food normally as it has to be done right for my palate to take it. Richard’s guinea fowl was lovely. The texture of a perfectly cooked chicken, without the excessive gamey taste that normally puts me off.

It was a proper pleasure to enjoy every mouthful and to savour the flavour.

guinea fowl main

Whilst away I always try and treat myself to a dessert. Today I saw exactly what I wanted on the menu for my whilst away, sweet treat. Apple and strawberry crumble.

apple and strawberry crumble dessert

It came served piping hot with the aroma flowing from its serving pot. The crumble and warm fruits when combined with the cream, hit the spot! Thank you Richard.

Now then, the breakfasts at Ees Wyke have a reputation that follows them. The AA breakfast award as well as well as a Good Hotel Guide entry for the last 17 years.

So of course I went for the Lavish Lakeland Breakfast.

ees wyke breakfast

All perfectly cooked and boy did it set me up for a day’s walking!

Of course other breakfast options are available. From cereals to compotes, from fresh juices to porridge and croissants. The breakfast buffet is awash with choices.

Relaxing

ees wyke breakfast

After evening dinner though it was time to relax after a great dinner that had followed a great local lakeland hike. The wine and beer menu perused and ordered from, why not lean back in the lounge and let your mind wind down.

In the warmer days you can sit outside on the garden patio, with your drink and look at those stunning views.

view with patio

Conclusion

So before I headed back up the stairs and corridors to my room, it was time to plan the walk for the next morning. There are so many to do, straight from out of the front door of Ees Wyke. More on those in my next posts.

corridor ees wyke

If you want to visit a romantic and beautiful part of the Lake District, with stunning views, walks galore and so many interesting things to see and do in the area then I highly recommend Ees Wyke Country House. I must mention again, for the food too.

Far from the hustle and bustle of the central stretch of the lakes, go away, wind down, enjoy.

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