The Barn, Atkinson Ground, Coniston

A soulful Lakeland retreat where storybook summers and firelit winters unfold beneath big starry skies…welcome to The Barn.

Let the adventure begin…

Tucked into the tranquil hamlet of Atkinson Ground, The Barn is a true Lakeland getaway where adventure begins at the boot room and ends beside the fire. Just five minutes’ drive from Coniston Water – or a 15-minute scenic walk straight down to the lakeside – the setting of this sublimely restored 17th-century bank barn is inescapable, with panoramic views framed as living watercolours from every window, capturing the ever-changing moods of the fells, the glimmering lake and the craggy majesty of the Old Man of Coniston.

Though the setting feels deep in the countryside, Coniston village is just five minutes away by car, with Ambleside reachable in under twenty. Follow the winding country lane away from the bustle of the town and into the stillness of Atkinson Ground, where The Barn sits quietly among trees and stone.

Literary Lakeland setting

Atkinson Ground itself holds a quiet claim to literary fame - mentioned in Pigeon Post, one of Arthur Ransome’s beloved Swallows and Amazons tales, a series that captured the essence of Lake District adventure. That same warmth and wild-hearted spirit lingers here, woven into the hills and encapsulated in the stone and slate of The Barn itself, which, from the outside, keeps faithful to its Lakeland roots.

Private parking is available directly outside the barn for two large cars - or three medium-sized vehicles - so you can unload muddy boots and sleepy passengers with ease before stepping into the warmth within.

Warmth and welcome

Inside, the welcome is instant, with easy access into the first floor of the banked barn via a glazed door, where you can drop off suitcases and rucksacks in the bedrooms. However, it’s only a couple of steps further to the side gate, opening to an outdoor dining terrace with bistro table and chairs, lying off from the walkers’ and kayakers’ boot room entrance.

The porch - or ‘paw-ch’, for four-legged guests - is perfect for muddy boots and mucky paws, with shelving to stash your boots and plenty of hooks upon which to hang dewy waterproofs after a day on the fells or splashing about on the lake. There is even a handy WC tucked alongside.

Savour the views

From here, the home opens into a spacious, sociable kitchen-dining-living space, with a wood-burning stove and everything you need for lakeside feasts and rainy-day baking. There’s a freestanding American-style fridge freezer, a range cooker, a Nespresso machine, and shelves stocked with the proper kit for family-style cooking — from cake tins to casserole pots. If you need any essential ingredients for your evening meal, alongside local shops, you can also arrange for supermarket deliveries. There’s even a utility room with washer, dryer and space to air wet gear.

Space to stretch out

Accessibly situated on the lower level, a family bathroom replete with spacious shower, heated towel radiators, wash basin and WC, is ideal for freshening up after a day on the lake. Five bedrooms over both floors provide flexible sleeping accommodation for between eight and ten guests. For teenagers and those who love their space, a large bedroom offers zip-and-link beds alongside table football and a PlayStation for rainy days and early risers, whilst another king-size room downstairs gazes up towards the silhouette of the Old Man of Coniston and surrounding fells.

Glass and oak stairs wind up from the kitchen to a light filled landing, where industrial-style pendant light bulbs add a flash of contemporary flair, contrasting with the huge barn window overlooking the quiet lane to the front.

Soak and sleep

Here, discover two sumptuously sized super-king bedrooms on this level, basking in dramatic lake views, while a fifth twin room off the lounge emanates cosy cottage charm with its original wooden floor and quaint low windows, providing a peaceful perch under the eaves and leaves.

Also on this floor, discover the second of the two-family bathrooms, a room made for deep relaxation and furnished with a freestanding claw footed tub and separate walk-in shower.

Elevated living

Cocooned in light and framed by breathtaking views of the fells, the sitting room beckons beyond glass and oak doors - a serene sanctuary. Sink into deep, cloud-soft sofas around the sculpted stone fireplace, where a crackling fire warms both body and spirit after an invigorating day’s adventuring.

By day, the ever-changing skies over Coniston Water take centre stage through wide picture windows; by night, stargaze out over the scenery. With its soft shades, curated local Lakeland artwork and effortless comfort, this is a space made for slow mornings, good books, movie nights and long conversations that stretch into evening.

Outside, the garden is a space in which to survey the beauty of the lake and mountains from the comfort of your home-from-home, where a sheltered, slate-chipped terrace is ideal for alfresco dining. Children can play in the lawned section, before enjoying a feast from the pizza oven and barbecue beneath the shelter of the summer house with outdoor sofas and heaters - perfect for watching the dusk settle over the town, or the morning mist rise from the lake, whatever the weather.

Local life

Designed for outdoorsy families with a love of real Lake District living, The Barn is perfectly placed for year-round adventure: the best of the Lake District unfolds in every direction.

Just below lies Coniston Water – one of the Lake District’s most iconic waters, a place of shimmering reflections, still morning swims and timeless history.

Hop aboard the Steam Yacht Gondola, which glides elegantly across the water from April to October. Step ashore at Brantwood to explore the historic home and wild gardens of writer and social thinker John Ruskin, or head across to the western shore for quiet picnics and shoreline walks beneath towering trees.

Back in Coniston village, the John Ruskin Museum brings local stories vividly to life - from geology and copper mining to Donald Campbell’s record-breaking escapades onboard Bluebird. Walkers will find trails for all temperaments: from gentle rambles along the lake to the rugged ascent of the Old Man of Coniston, whose ever-watchful peak is visible from The Barn itself. And for forest adventures, Grizedale is just a short drive away, with sculpture trails, biking routes, and high ropes thrills among the trees.

When it comes to refuelling, Coniston village offers a hearty welcome. Cosy pubs, cafés and tearooms line the streets - perfect for warming up after a lakeside walk or celebrating a summit with something stronger. The Coniston Inn, right on the water’s edge, serves up local ales and lakeside views, while spots like the Bluebird Café and The Yewdale Inn offer relaxed fare and a friendly buzz.

A little further afield, the renowned Drunken Duck Inn awaits halfway to Ambleside, known for its inventive menu, craft beers and sweeping fell views. Whether it’s a flaky pastry by the fire, an ice cream in the sun, or a long, lazy supper with friends, good food and drink are never far away.

Here, where the wild beauty of the Lakes meets the comfort of a home made for family and for making memories, life slows to the rhythm of your choosing. Splash in the shallows, scale the peaks, explore hidden trails, then come home to flickering fires and cosy corners — and the promise of tomorrow’s next adventure.