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Luxury, romantic boathouse on the shores of Lake Ullswater, perfect for special occasions.

Lakefront cottage with kitchen and balcony

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Exterior - Luxury, romantic boathouse on the shores of Lake Ullswater, perfect for special occasions. (Ullswater)
Fridge, microwave, oven, dishwasher - Luxury, romantic boathouse on the shores of Lake Ullswater, perfect for special occasions. (Ullswater)
Outdoor dining - Luxury, romantic boathouse on the shores of Lake Ullswater, perfect for special occasions. (Ullswater)
Fridge, microwave, oven, dishwasher - Luxury, romantic boathouse on the shores of Lake Ullswater, perfect for special occasions. (Ullswater)
1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets - Luxury, romantic boathouse on the shores of Lake Ullswater, perfect for special occasions. (Ullswater)
In the heart of the Lake District, Duke of Portland Boathouse offers a romantic retreat with views of Lake Ullswater and the fells from its balcony or bedroom patio doors. This iconic boathouse features an open-plan layout, bespoke kitchen, wood burning stove and luxurious slate shower room. Enjoy private fishing rights on its own jetty.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 235 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor Space
  • Free WiFi
  • Mountain view
The current price is AED 1,588
AED 1,588 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Luxury, romantic boathouse on the shores of Lake Ullswater, perfect for special occasions.

This unique, iconic, luxury cottage is an 'ideal honeymoon cottage in a location to die for', stunning views of Lake Ullswater and the fells can be viewed whilst relaxing on the balcony of this traditional boathouse or from the bedroom through the patio doors.

Unsurprisingly, the Duke of Portland Boathouse has been voted "the best waterside retreat" by BBC Countryfile Magazine! It's location at the top of Ullswater gives it superb, unparalleled views across this beautiful lake.

It is one of the most iconic and most photographed buildings in the Lake District. The boathouse originally belonged to the 3rd Duke of Portland in the 18th century but he had to sell it along with his Cumberland estates to pay his legal bills. His loss is our gain!

Park beside the boathouse and climb the steps to enter a unique, romantic and cosy interior that provides everything needed for a perfect stay at every time of the year. Shades of Farrow and Ball are mixed with sumptuous furnishings and luxury fabrics.

The boathouse has an open plan layout with magnificent cruick beams and underfloor heating beneath a rustic oak floor and comprises:-
The bespoke painted kitchen with granite work tops provides all you need with a generous breakfast bar and comfortable stools for intimate dining a deux. There is an LPG oven and hob, microwave, dishwasher, fridge, coffee machine (accepts vertuo nespresso coffee pods, not provided.) After dining you can sit back and relax on a sumptuous leather sofa in front of the wood burning stove. Smart TV and Bluetooth sound system are all provided for your entertainment. Unwind in the luxurious slate shower room with overhead shower, WC and hand basin. Fluffy towels and bathrobes are provided together with a range of toiletries. Enjoy the views down the length of the lake from the romantic bedroom. You can gaze out at a starlit sky from the comfortable king size bed with luxurious Egyptian Cotton bedding or relax in the slipper bath sipping a glass of champagne! Double doors open onto the balcony from which you can truly experience the breathtaking views! An amazing place to enjoy breakfast or just sit and contemplate the beautiful surroundings and its wildlife. Cosy rugs are provided for chillier evenings! The boathouse also has its own private jetty and owns a quarter of a mile of lakeshore with fishing rights. If you are tempted out of the boathouse, the renowned Another Place Hotel is a short drive down the lakeside for fine dining. Alternatively there are traditional Cumbrian pubs in nearby Pooley Bridge.PLEASE NOTE: Dogs are not accepted at this property.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Garden

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Service animals only (pets not allowed)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • On a lake

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden
  • Property does not allow children
  • Unit size: 377 square feet

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Exterior
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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

This property does not allow children

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

527731
Vrbo Property

About the neighborhood

Map
Ullswater, Cumbria

What's nearby

  • Ullswater - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Lowther Castle and Gardens - 9 min drive - 9.2 km
  • Whinfell Forest - 18 min drive - 19.9 km
  • Lodore Falls - 30 min drive - 37.3 km
  • Lake Windermere - 35 min drive - 38.7 km

Getting around

  • Penrith Station - 11 min drive
  • Carlisle (CAX) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Rooster - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Arturo Lounge - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Dockray Hall - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Luxury, romantic boathouse on the shores of Lake Ullswater, perfect for special occasions. pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Luxury, romantic boathouse on the shores of Lake Ullswater, perfect for special occasions.?

As of 5 December 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Luxury, romantic boathouse on the shores of Lake Ullswater, perfect for special occasions. on 8 December 2025 start from $433.13, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Luxury, romantic boathouse on the shores of Lake Ullswater, perfect for special occasions.?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Luxury, romantic boathouse on the shores of Lake Ullswater, perfect for special occasions.?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Luxury, romantic boathouse on the shores of Lake Ullswater, perfect for special occasions. located?

Situated on a lake, this cottage is steps from Ullswater, and within 3 mi (5 km) of Dalemain and Dalemain Country Park. Rheged and Gowbarrow Fall are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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Luxury, romantic boathouse on the shores of Lake Ullswater, perfect for special occasions. Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 46 out of 60 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 60 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 60 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 60 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 60 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Unique memorable experience

I really enjoyed my stay, I especially appreciated that their is no multiple days minimum requirement, as it's not cost prohibitive and achievable for everybody to enjoy a night in a near million pounds property, that to my knowledge is the best scenically located and novel rental in all of Cumbria.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

So much more....

We stayed at the boathouse as a base for cycling, walking and exploring but it really was so much more... We swam from the slipway, fished from the jetty and watched the birds and the fish and the lake and the view. We really were Duke and Duchess for our short but memorable stay.

10/10 Excellent

Sue K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A piece of heaven

A beautiful 4 day stay in a gorgeous location. Very relaxing with stunning scenery. Easy to book and excellent clear arrival details. The boathouse is so unique with care paid to every detail to make our stay so enjoyable. We will recommend to friends and family.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Beautiful property in perfect location

Beautiful location,charming property ,near a small village with lovely pubs and coffee shops ,highly recommended
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Carol and greg J.

2 nights at the Duke of portland boathouse

Lovely comfortable relaxing stay, fab location and views. A very special place to stay as a birthday treat.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Duke of Portland Boathouse

Beautiful, unique property in the most stunning location. Stayed for two nights in this lovely home. Tastefully and sympathetically restored with the most gorgeous furnishings. Looking out over the lake was just amazing! Will definitely be back!
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Idyllic and breathtaking place

This place is what dreams are made of. Its beautiful in its setting, the interior wows you as you enter and the surrounding views and nature takes your breath away. I had been looking at the Boathouse for a while and it exceeded all expectation. There were swallows nesting in the eaves so we got to watch them feeding their young. It was exceptionally clean and a nice touch was a bottle of bubbly in the fridge. We are planning our next trip...no more words needed!
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

A unique and beautiful place to stay with stunning views and a peaceful ambience.

We had an amazing time at the boathouse. A unique and beautiful place to stay with stunning views and a peaceful ambience. We were impressed with the cleanliness and the duck food was a lovely touch! Highly recommended, we would love to stay again.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

A beautiful accommodation in an idealic location.

A really wonderful place to stay. Beautifully presented, comfortable and cosy. A very much needed break from our crazy every day life. We will definitely return.

10/10 Excellent

Amelia J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Evening by the Lake

Lovely little spot. Very cozy and beautiful setting. I can imagine its even more special in the summers months
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

melody u.

Perfect

Fabulous location. Very cosy and the views are awesome. We managed to sit out on the balcony sipping the complimentary bubbles even in February!!!!
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Would definitely recommend the Duke of portland boathouse .fantastic views .beautiful decorated. X

Had a amazing time at the Duke of portland boathouse. Comfort, every thing you need is there for you. Would definitely recommend it the views are amazing. Even a fantastic pair of binoculars.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Dreamy

Our stay here was truly dreamy, a real escape with every home comfort. The boathouse is an incredibly unique bolt hole, feels totally secluded from the real world and yet is a 1
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kate F.

Spectacular!

Just the perfect night away. Of course what a wonderful view. But also the Boathouse is comfortable, cosy and has everything you need to make your stay enjoyable and very relaxing. We would definitely return.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Clare A.

Duke of Portland Boathouse

Fantastic property in an unbelievable location. Loved the balcony looking over the lake. Not easy getting out of the gates onto main road. More expensive than we would usually spend on a short break but will definitely be back.

10/10 Excellent

Olivia G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

The most beautiful stay ever!! We had the most amazing stay!! Absolutely loved it, from start to finish - didn’t want it to end! We will definitely be back. The most perfect hideaway!! Thank you x
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

John C.

Soo Lucky

Amazing stay, we sat on the balcony and watched the stars and the ripples of the lake splashing below the deck all on a chilly winters evening. We then back into the boathouse to enjoy supper by the wood burner stove. What a memorable treat.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Joanne B.

Amazing Location

3 night stay in April and we were very lucky to see blue skies. The boathouse is furnished in a traditional style with some lovely modern touches. Walking to the sound of the water and the view of the lake and mountains was unforgettable. Pooley Bridge is a short walk away but be careful of traffic as you leave the boathouse it is a busy road.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Absolutely wonderful!

My husband and I had the most incredible stay at this beautiful boathouse! It exceeded expectations in every way - beautifully decorated inside with lovely little touches, so cosy (with a log burner and loads of wood provided) and the most stunning views from every single window. We could have happily stayed for weeks!! Thank you for a fantastic break. Highly highly recommend!
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Gordon A.

Absolutely perfect.

If you want to enjoy a unique, romantic, and luxurious Lakeland experience then look no further. The Boathouse is a wonderful property both inside and out. The location is stunning. The views are amazing. And you are made to feel very special as soon as you set foot over the threshold. Highly recommended.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Absolutely Amazing

Absolutely amazing and unique place to stay. Spotlessly clean, every little detail has been carefully and aesthetically designed to ensure a cosy, comfortable and enjoyable stay. The most amazing views of Ullswater to wake up to in the morning. Thank you! We will be back!
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Great 3 nights to celebrate our wedding anniversary

Septic tank needs dealing with as there was a smell from time to time. Otherwise a very relaxing time and will definitely come back.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

The Boat House

The Duke of Portland Boat House is a little gem situated in a prime position overlooking the Lake at Ullswater. It’s an intimate setting for two, with all amenities including a lovely log fire. Whilst the main road is just to the front of the property, you are not affected by the sound from it, however it was a little disappointing to learn on arrival that the Boat House doesn’t command the privacy it portrays on the photos and you could not be on the balcony looking over the lake without feeling somewhat overlooked, by cars and hikers. That aside, it was an amazing place
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Tabby K.

A perfect little getaway…

I’ve had my eye on staying at the boathouse for years and finally found the opportunity. It was as good as I anticipated. Beautifully renovated with lovely, comfortable facilities. The location is superb and allows for free swimming in the lake which I enjoyed - even if it was cold! It was the perfect distraction from life and a getaway I will definitely be repeating. Thank you.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Magical

Had an amazing night. Everything perfect. The bath with the views was a wonderful experience. A magical place to stay and so warm and cozy. Had the opportunity to kayak in the morning directly from the house and the views and tranquility of the lake were amazing. A hidden gem To put on your bucket list of places to stay. Thank you for the champagne to add to a perfect stay.