The central feature of the main living area (above left) is a fireplace of Elterwater stone. Large windows on each side of the fireplace have deep window seats, perfect spots from which to enjoy the views across National trust land to the beck. The comfortable, traditional sofas and armchairs are upholstered in cheerful Monkwell fabrics.

The TV is a Panasonic Nicam 29” with surround sound and Satellite system with Sky film,  sports channels and Sky +, which enables easy recording of up to 2 satellite channels, pause and live play etc. There is also a Sony micro hi-fi system which plays CDs and tapes (please bring your own), a DVD player (no films supplied) and a pay phone. Board games are also available. The wall lights and central low voltage downlighters can be dimmed in a number of combinations so that light levels can be changed to suit your mood. The wall lights’ glass shades were hand blown at Adrian Sankey’s glassworks in Ambleside.

The prints hanging on the walls in this room are throughout the house are by Judy Boyes, whose gallery is next door to Meadow Bank.

The far end of the living area forms the dining room. (above right) The farmhouse table has an antique pine finish, with an extension leaf which allows it to seat 10 people. The large sideboard houses board games and a good supply of table mats, as well as the house ‘file’ of sightseeing information. The old fireplace recess is an attractive feature of this end of the room. From the dining room, a hallway leads to the front door (at the side of the house), to the stairs to the upper floor and to the second living room..