Accessibility Guide and Description

Introduction

The Cottage at Hill Top is the converted barn-end of Hill Top, a former farmhouse (or “long house”) dating from around 1680, and standing in some nine acres of grounds. Guest accommodation comprises both the integral former barn-end of the house (around 1,100sf) and an external Pavilion Games Room (600sf), together with a courtyard garden, large lawns and access to beautiful private woodland. The Cottage offers unparalleled panoramic views across the Rusland Valley - from the Coniston Fells in the north-west to where the River Leven enters Morecambe Bay in the south-west near Greenodd. Hill Top was the last home (between 1960 and 1967) of Arthur Ransome, most famous as the author of the “Swallows & Amazons” series of books. His wife Evgenia was once the private secretary of Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky.

Pre-Arrival

Bookings can be made directly with us on 01539 531452 or by emailing stephen@hilltopvista.com.

The Cottage at Hill Top is in a rural location, but is relatively close to many amenities.

The nearest bus top is in Backbarrow, around a mile and a half away. The nearest railway station is in Ulverston, around seven and a half miles away.

Arrival and Car-Parking Facilities

There is dedicated private parking for two cars on the driveway directly outside The Cottage. (Further extensive parking is also available at the opposite end of the house.) This and other external access areas are illuminated automatically via sensors when dark. Other low level lighting is controlled via timers and light sensors.

Luggage can be unloaded here and then taken via a broad paved area to the main entrance at the rear of the Cottage.

Due to the nature of the site, there are various steps both up and down to this entrance. There is no handrail.

Regrettably, both the site and Cottage are unsuitable for wheelchair access.

Guests are kindly asked not to wear shoes in The Cottage and complimentary guest slippers are provided for their comfort.

Entrance Lobby

The floor here is of limestone and there are three wide steps down to the lounge and utility room. There is no handrail.

Integral Lounge/Dining Room/Kitchen

Through its French doors this room offers spectacular views across the Rusland Valley. With its oak floor throughout, there is a leather sofa and two matching easy chairs, and an oak dining table for four people. There are various small side-tables. On the wall is an HD LED flat-screen TV with Freeview together with a Blu-Ray player. In addition there is a hi-fi system including digital radio and CD player.

Guests are requested to exclusively use the rear entrance lobby for accessing the property and not to use the French doors for such.

The kitchen has a matt black granite work surface, and there is a large Neff fridge/freezer, electric under-mounted oven, electronic ceramic hob and dishwasher, as well as a microwave oven.

Utility Room

This is situated off the main entrance lobby and contains both a toilet and hand basin (on a matt black granite work top), under which is a large capacity Samsung Ecobubble washer/dryer.

The floor here is of limestone.

Outside, under a covered area, there is a retractable washing line.

Bedrooms

There are two double bedrooms, both with en-suite bathrooms. Each bathroom has a corner bath and separate shower with electronic controls. The bathroom floors comprise relatively non-slip porcelain tiles. Each bathroom has both a radiator and a heated towel rail. The lower bedroom has an HD LED flat-screen TV with Freeview.

Please note that there are no handrails in the bathrooms.

The bedrooms have oak floors and, as everywhere else in the cottage, all woodwork is of oak.

Thirteen steps lead to the upper bedroom.

Pavilion Games Room

This large independent, purpose-built Pavilion offers guests various modern games facilities including a three-quarter size oak snooker table (there is also a set of pool balls), table tennis, darts and an exercise bike. The Pavilion has its own “kitchenette” and toilet (both with porcelain tiled floors). The games floor is of high-quality oak-effect laminate. It has its own independent heating, and outside there is a large verandah which overlooks the courtyard garden. There are four easy chairs in the Pavilion which may also be taken out onto the verandah. There are numerous steps to negotiation between the Cottage itself and the Pavilion, and likewise to the garden.

Guests are requested to wear only soft shoes with no black soles in the Pavilion.

For comfort and safety, guests are requested to ensure that children are supervised at all times. The facilities provided are unsuitable for smaller children and should only be used by adults and older children as parents may deem appropriate.

Garden

Guests have access to their own formal Courtyard Garden directly adjacent to the property and leading from the Pavilion. In addition to a large garden table and four chairs, there is also a purpose-built charcoal-fired barbecue. Under the nearby covered area, there is a further small garden table and two chairs.

Beyond the Courtyard Garden, which offers spectacular floral displays from spring through to the end of the autumn, there is a large well-tended lawn. These grounds extend over various levels, and are generally surrounded on three sides by dry-stone walls. The entrance to the drive is gated. Parts of the grounds are steep with some rocky outcrops, typical of Lake District terrain.

Ancient Woodland

At the opposite end of Hill Top’s grounds lies its beautiful ancient woodland which is accessible from the car park. Known as Backhouse Brow and extending to over seven and a half acres, guests are welcome to venture into this truly magical place though we would kindly ask that they first discuss this with us before doing so. The woodland is on a steep hillside, rising over 200ft and with wonderful precipitous rock outcrops. We have marked an easy trail for visitors to follow with an accompanying written guide. In view of its nature, children must not be allowed access without supervision.

Broadband

A WiFi broadband connection is available for the use of guests.

Terms & Conditions

1.  Definitions

In these terms and conditions:

• The ‘Holiday Let’ means the agreement made on the date shown on the Booking Confirmation between the Owners and You under which the Owners grant to You and Your Party licence to occupy the Holiday Property for the Holiday Period for the purpose of a holiday subject to the Terms and Conditions.
• The ‘Booking’ means the agreement for the Holiday Let.
• The ‘Booking Confirmation’ means the confirmation sent to You by letter fax e-mail or any other electronic form confirming the agreement for the Holiday Let for the Holiday Period.
• The ‘Commencement Date’ means the date shown on the Booking Confirmation as the commencement date of the Holiday Period.
• The ‘Departure Date’ means the Departure Date referred to in the Booking Confirmation as the date on which You are required to vacate the Holiday Property.
• The ‘Deposit’ means the deposit referred to in the Booking Confirmation.
• The ‘Good Housekeeping Deposit’ means the amount stated at the time of booking in respect of the Holiday Property.
• The ‘Holiday Cost’ means the Holiday Cost stated in the Booking Confirmation and includes the Good Housekeeping Deposit.
• The ‘Holiday Property’ means “The Cottage at Hill Top, Ealinghearth, Haverthwaite, Cumbria LA12 8JR”.
• The ‘Owners’ means “Stephen & Janine Sykes” the owners of the Holiday Property.
• ‘These Terms and Conditions’ means the terms and conditions (including the definitions) set out in this document.
• ‘You’ means the person or persons referred to on the Booking Confirmation as the customer.
• ‘Your Party’ means the other person or persons staying with You at the Holiday Property.

2.  Nature of the Agreement

This Holiday Let is granted by the Owners to You for the purpose of a holiday and is not intended to create the relationship of landlord and tenant between the parties. You shall not be entitled to a tenancy, or to any form of statutory security of tenure either now or when the Holiday Period ends.

3.  Licence to Occupy

• The Owners permit You to occupy the Holiday Property for the Holiday Period for the Holiday Cost and to use of the furnishings, kitchen equipment, crockery, glasses, bedding and towels provided in the Holiday Property.
• The maximum number of persons permitted to occupy the Holiday Property is strictly limited to four including children.
• No children under 10 years of age are permitted to occupy the Holiday Property unless otherwise agreed in advance.

4.  Payment

Unless otherwise agreed you must pay 10% of the Holiday Cost and any extras for each week or part week booked, when placing the booking with the Owners. The balance of the Holiday Cost and any extras is due six weeks before the Commencement Date. Where a Booking is made less than six weeks before the Commencement Date the Holiday Cost and any extras is payable in full when making the Booking.

5.  The Holiday Period

The Holiday Period will commence at 5:00 pm on the Commencement Date and You must have vacated the Holiday Property with Your Party and effects by 9:00 am on the departure date.

6.  Keys

• The Owners will issue to You one set of keys to the Holiday Property at the Commencement Date and these will be made available directly by the property Owners unless otherwise arranged. You must return the keys to the Owners on the Departure Date. If You lose a key, the Owners will replace it upon your paying the reasonable costs of having the replacement cut. Note that all keys are security keys which cannot be copied without authorisation.
• When going out You must securely lock the Holiday Property and either retain the keys securely with You or use the external keysafe for which the Owners will provide a code number.

7.   Outgoings

• Electricity and oil are included where applicable in the Holiday Cost. The Owners reserve the right to charge You for any excessive use of electricity and oil where applicable.
• Fuel for the barbecue is not provided but is usually available for purchase from the Owners.

8.  Linen/Equipment

• Good quality clean bed linen will be provided at the commencement of the Holiday Period.
• A good range of towels and tea towels are provided at the commencement of the Holiday Period.
• The Owners will provide washing up liquid, dishwasher and washing machine powders.

9.  Use

The Holiday Property must not be used except for the purposes of a holiday by You and Your Party during the Holiday Period and not for any other purpose or longer period.

10. Your Obligations

You and Your Party must:

• allow the Owners access to the Holiday Property at all reasonable times and in the case of emergency at all times with or without You or Your Party being present to enable maintenance work to be carried out and to enable the Owners to comply with all relevant statutory requirements and the requirements of all regulatory bodies to which the Owners belong relating to the Holiday Property
• not invite or allow any other persons to occupy the Holiday Property or stay overnight
• not invite or allow any other persons to use the facilities of the Holiday Property without the express permission of the Owners
• not use the Pavilion Games Room for anything other than its intended purpose
• keep the Property and all furniture, utensils, equipment, fixtures and fittings in or on the Property in the same state of repair and condition as at the commencement of the Holiday Period and to ensure that at the end of that period the Property is left in the same state of order and cleanliness in which it was found
• be responsible for the repair of any damage or payment for the replacement of damaged items pursuant to these Terms & Conditions
• not do anything that may reasonably be considered to cause a nuisance or annoyance to the Owners or to any other occupier of adjoining or neighbouring premises
• not smoke in any part of the Holiday Property. At the departure date no sign of smoking shall be evident at the Holiday Property
• not to use candles or any other form of naked flame in any part of the Holiday Property
• not do or permit any act that would make any insurance policy on the Holiday Property void or voidable or increase the premium
• abide by any Guidelines which the Owners display at the Holiday property both for the use of the facilities and Your safety
• notify all members of your Party before the Holiday Period starts of your and their obligations under this paragraph

11. Owners' Obligations

The Owners will, subject to these Terms & Conditions and except in an emergency, allow You and the Your Party enjoyment and use of the Holiday Property for the Holiday Period free of interruption.

12. Safety Regulations

The Owners confirm that:

• the furniture and furnishings comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 as amended
• the electrical appliances and equipment provided by the Owners are safe and will not cause danger and that all electrical appliances and equipment manufactured after 19 January 1997 are marked with the appropriate CE symbol.

13. Early Termination

This Holiday Let may be determined before the end of the Holiday Period by the Owners giving You notice only in the event of You or a member of Your Party being in material breach of the terms of these Terms and Conditions or by reason of fire or some other catastrophic event of the type covered in a comprehensive insurance policy. In the case of determination otherwise than by reason of your default or the default of a member of Your Party the Owners shall return to You the appropriate proportion of the Holiday Cost attributable to the unexpired remainder of the Holiday Period and the balance due of the Good Housekeeping Deposit.

14. Cancellation

The Owners reserve the right to cancel the Holiday Let where operational circumstances cause the Holiday Property to become unavailable during the Holiday Period including withdrawal of the property as a Holiday Property. In such circumstances the Owners will refund to You all monies paid.

15. Cancellation by You

• If You cancel the Holiday Let, You are still liable to pay the balance of the Holiday Cost. You should consider insuring your holiday against such an eventuality.
• The Owners will seek to re-let the Holiday Property at the best possible price for the Holiday Period. If the Holiday Property re-lets for the Holiday Period, monies received by the Owners will be used to refund You for the Holiday Cost paid less any extras already paid and a handling charge of £50.00. Any shortfall in the price of the new letting will be borne by You. This refund will be made within two weeks of the Holiday Period.

16. Lost Property

The Owners will retain any items left at the Holiday Property for a period of 28 days from the Departure Date. Items will be returned to You if requested, at a cost to cover postage and packing. The Owners do not accept responsibility for the safe carriage of any items returned. Items of food and drink will not be returned.

17.  Pets

For the comfort of all guests no pets are permitted at the Holiday Property.

18. Compensation

The Owners cannot accept responsibility or pay any compensation where the Holiday Let is frustrated in circumstances amounting to force majeure, including events such as the destruction and damage of the Holiday Property through fire, flood, explosion, storm or weather damage or adverse weather conditions, neighbouring building works, burglary, criminal damage, riot or civil strife, industrial action, natural or nuclear disaster, war or threat of war, actual or threatened terrorist activity, non-availability of public transport, destruction/interruption of utility services, epidemic, temporary invasion by pests and/or similar situations beyond the control of the Owners, either before the Commencement Date or during the Holiday Period.

19.   Vehicles

Vehicles are parked and left at the Holiday Property entirely at your own risk.

20.   Amenities

Use of any amenities provided are offered entirely at your own risk and no responsibility can be accepted for injury, loss or damage to You or members of Your Party.

21.   Refuse Collection

You are required to put refuse/recycling in the appropriate place to await collection in accordance with the instructions left at the Holiday Property.

22.   Holiday Insurance

You are highly advised to ensure that you have adequate insurance to cover your ciircumstances and responsibilities including accidental damage.

23.   Visitors Book

Any comments written by you in the Visitors Book may be reproduced on the Owners’ website but with no identification in order to preserve your anonymity.

Lake District Green

Our Environmental Policy

The Lake District is a very special place and in 2017 was granted World Heritage Status. At Hill Top we are committed to sustainability, energy efficiency, recycling and all matters which may affect both the local environment and Lake District as a whole.

We believe that our aims, whilst comprising an integral part of the holiday experience, should be entirely unobtrusive to our guests.

Hill Top dates from 1680 and is a fine example of a “long house” - part farmhouse and part barn. It is an important building in the area both in view of its age, commanding position over the wonderful Rusland Valley and, in more recent times, its well-known former owners. We are determined to ensure the future of Hill Top, in all its aspects, in a manner which is entirely sympathetic to its environment.

Here, in brief, are some of the things which we consider are important:

Energy Efficiency

• Renovations for both The Cottage and Hill Top in its entirety have been designed to create highly insulated and energy-efficient buildings.
• The original construction of Hill Top itself comprises very thick stone walls of a very efficient inner and outer facing with an insulating “rubble” fill.
• Modern high efficiency argon-filled double glazing throughout in hardwood frames.
• Low energy and LED lighting throughout.
• External lighting largely controlled by sensors and timers to minimise light pollution and energy wastage.
• Modern high-efficiency oil-fired boilers and hot water tanks.
• Modern central heating with both zone and individual radiator thermostats.
• Modern energy efficient appliances.
• Outdoor under-cover area for natural drying of washing.
• Excess heat from using the washer/dryer provided in the utility room offsets the heating requirements of the building.
• Large modern bunded (double-wall) oil storage tank to minimise deliveries.
• The two boiler rooms are integral to the main house and external pavilion, thus efficiently warming those buildings with any excess heat.
• Oil consumption is monitored continually both electronically and manually to ensure the most energy efficient running of the buildings whilst ensuring the comfort of guests.

Waste, Recycling and Storage

• We have our own biodigester sewage treatment plant resulting in no impact on the environment.
• We provide washing products which both minimise the impact on this treatment and also help any guests with allergy problems.
• Separate bins are provided for general waste and glass/cans, paper, cardboard and plastics for recycling.
• Paints and other chemicals are stored in a locked, temperature-controlled environment.
• The oil tank is situated well away from direct access to the road and is filled via a purpose installed pipeline via a triple locked connection point with electronic over-fill sensor. The oil tank is also locked.

Use of Local Resources and Sustainability

• All design, building works and landscaping have been carried out entirely by the best local professionals and trades people.
• All window frames, external and internal doors etc have been hand-made by local carpenters.
• All windows and doors are made from sustainable hardwoods.
• Very extensive use has been made of local Burlington slate both for roofing and within the garden design. Thus, all new and renovation building works entirely compliment Hill Top as an historic building and its prominent location.
• Hill Top’s grounds are largely enclosed by well-maintained typical Lakeland dry stone walls.

Local Community, History and Affinities

• The Rusland Valley is a very special place and we provide guests with details of local walks directly from Hill Top.
• We have developed a number of relationships with local businesses for which we have negotiated discounts for guests.
• Whilst our business is self-catering and we do not provide food as such, we do give guests certain “staples” on arrival and try to ensure, where possible, that these are as local as can be appropriately acquired.
• We are keen collectors of original art and we have a growing collection of paintings and ceramics by well-known local artists, including members of the prestigious Lake Artists Society.
• We feel that Hill Top is important to both the local area and the Lake District as a whole both because it is a fine example of a long house dating from 1680 and because of its connection with one of the twentieth centuary's best loved children's writers. It is therefore equally important to maintain Hill Top in first-class condition and offer visitors the opportunity of experiencing the house as guests.
• Between 1960 and 1967 Hill Top was the last home of Arthur Ransome, best known as the author of his “Swallows and Amazons” series of books for children. His wife Evgenia was once the private secretary of Russian Revolutionary Leon Trotsky. Both are buried in nearby Rusland. We have a large collection of photographs, books and memorabilia connected with the Ransomes.
• We are always happy to show people around Hill Top and talk about the Ransomes' connection which we have researched extensively. We also give talks about Hill Top and the Ransomes to interested groups.
• We have available several short video presentations relating to Hill Top and the Ransomes which guests can watch on their television.

Grounds

• With its well-maintained grounds comprising lawns, gardens, pond, field and some seven and a half acres of ancient woodland (known as Backhouse Brow), largely enclosed by beautiful dry stone walls, Hill Top is a haven for wildlife. Deer from the Rusland Valley frequent our woodland which also contains extensive badger setts. Mallards often fly up from the Rusland Valley to use our pond during the spring and summer. The extensive flower beds attract enormous numbers of bees and butterflies in summer. Our woodland is carpeted with bluebells and other wild flowers in the spring, and is notable as an example of temperate Atlantic rain forest. Although historically coppiced to make charcoal for the once-thriving iron industry in nearby Backbarrow, we are keen to leave the woodland largely untouched in view of its nature. Also, evidence of charcoal burners’ activities can be found within Backhouse Brow, including a stone hearth and the stone base of a circular hut.