The Lake District’s most successful self-catering cottage company, Heart of the Lakes, is delighted to be representing one of Ambleside’s most unique holiday properties. The Arthouse, which is located minutes from Lake Windermere, offers the ultimate in five star contemporary self-catering accommodation and sleeps up to seven guests. Owners, Colin Sullivan and John Bray, a well-known artist, were keen to create a luxury environment that cannot be matched in most people’s own homes.
“We’ve stayed in so many self-catering houses over the years and the majority have been disappointing.” said John, who studied at Winchester School of Art and whose abstract original paintings are located throughout the property.
“The Arthouse offers a real luxury five star experience, that – even if the weather is bad, as is often the case in the Lake District – guests don’t want to leave. It has everything one would expect to find in a top hotel, but with that element of independence. When you opt for a self-catering holiday, the accommodation must be better than your own home. That’s what we have striven for here,” he continued.
The new-build property was constructed by local builder, Thomas Armstrong, with local Kendal based suppliers such as Sharps tiles and Webbs kitchens, used to produce the contemporary look and feel. With underfloor heating throughout, Manhattan marble walls and furniture from upmarket Cheshire outlet, Arighi Bianchi, no expense has been spared in creating Colin and John’s concept.
“We had a vision of our finished product and worked backwards.” explains Colin. “We were determined to get the small things right. For example, in our experience, when staying away from home, it’s essential to be able to sleep in a good bed. The beds in the Arthouse are top of the range and that was always going to be non-negotiable. There are dressing gowns in every bedroom and plenty of storage space.”
A combination of luxury and art are rarely found in a Lake District self-catering property, but that’s certainly not the only original feature of The Arthouse. Colin and John, who reside on a 22 acre estate at nearby Storrs, also insist on greeting every guest personally.
“Guests don’t need to collect a key from anywhere when staying at the Arthouse as we are always there to greet them personally. Even when guests are here, we are on call continuously. It’s a very bespoke service.” adds John.
“We are delighted to be representing a property as stunning as ‘The Arthouse’” said owner of Heart of the Lakes, Sue Jackson. “It is no surprise that this exceptional house is already booked up until September. We are extremely proud of our history and reputation at Heart of the Lakes and work very hard to ensure the best possible experience for both visitors and property owners. That we have been entrusted with a property such as The Arthouse speaks volumes as to the continuing high standards that we uphold here.”
