Brettargh Holt Mansion 32 is a remarkable pet-friendly residence close to Levens, Cumbria.
Positioned on the edge of the Lake District National Park, this striking property offers bubbling hot tubs, saunas, a gym, two characterful woodburning stoves, and several games rooms.
Built in 1871 as a family home for the Brettarghs and designed by local architect Joseph Bintley, Brettargh Holt began life as a distinguished Victorian country house.
Over time, its story has evolved through various chapters, including ownership by the Brettargh family, Sir Charles Walker, and a period as a hotel, before undergoing careful restoration for contemporary stays.
Digitally controlled gates open onto a long, tree-lined driveway that leads you towards the house, with the stone façade and extensive grounds gradually revealing themselves, creating a strong sense of arrival from the outset.
Pull into the generous private car park, where there is ample space for groups arriving together, EV charging available on site, and a dedicated entrance area complete with a dog wash station, boot stand, and coat hooks, providing thoughtful practicality for guests returning from walks with muddy boots and paws.
Step through a panelled corridor into the entrance lobby and pause to read the plaque outlining the house’s history, the welcoming warmth of the woodburning stove greeting you before you continue on to the impressive bifurcated staircase.
Here, the scale of Brettargh Holt Mansion quickly becomes apparent, with the grand staircase inviting you to linger as a chandelier sparkles overhead, while the ceiling atrium and patterned Victorian tiled floor draw you onwards through the ground floor.
The layout opens into a series of striking yet well-balanced living spaces suited to both socialising and relaxation, with the sitting room encouraging guests to spread out for conversation, games, or evenings spent watching TV above the decorative fireplace, tall windows overlooking the surrounding grounds.
Nearby, the snug offers an inviting spot to gather later in the day, centred around the woodburning stove and arranged for relaxed conversation, while the study provides a quieter retreat for reading or moments away from the social heart of the house.
As evening draws in, the bar area near the staircase naturally becomes a hub, with generous seating and a 75” TV creating an easy place to settle with a drink, before light leads you through to the billiard room and onwards to the conservatory, where seating for up to 32 guests makes it easy to bring everyone together, and doors open directly onto the gardens so gatherings can extend outdoors.
At the heart of the house, the main kitchen soon becomes a focal point, with guests gathering around the central island to chat over coffee or help with meal preparation, the inclusion of two of every appliance allowing multiple people to cook together with ease.
When it’s time to dine, step into the impressive dining room, where six large tables set the scene for long, sociable meals beneath a garden-inspired mural, while nearby bar areas keep drinks close to hand and the catering kitchen allows chefs to work discreetly during larger events.
Evenings unfold at your own pace, whether settling into the cinema room for film nights on the 100” surround-sound screen or enjoying friendly competition in the games rooms, where billiards or shuffleboard, and table football offer plenty of entertainment.
The billiards games room is particularly notable, with wall panelling, a feature fireplace, a 75” TV, and direct access into the conservatory, keeping movement between spaces fluid, while a distributed speaker system throughout the main ground-floor shared rooms allows music to set the atmosphere.
Days can be filled with a range of activities, from starting with a workout in the gym and easing into the sauna facilities, to enjoying the table football room, while outside, the expansive rear patio offers ample seating, making it an ideal place to light the barbecue, share outdoor meals, play table tennis or garden games, or pause with a drink as the day unfolds.
As the air cools in the evening, unwind in the hot tubs or spend time in the infrared/coal-heated sauna and let the pace slow naturally.
When it’s time to rest, the 15 bedrooms provide generous accommodation across the ground and first floors, offering flexibility while remaining close to the heart of the house, with accessible ground-floor options located near the main living areas, each finished with en-suite facilities for ease and convenience.
Upstairs, a well-proportioned family room and spacious bedrooms create a restful retreat, many featuring built-in wardrobes, seating areas, and TVs, with large bay windows framing views across the landscaped grounds, while distinctive bath features in selected rooms, including freestanding and claw-foot designs alongside spacious walk-in showers, add a touch of indulgence to the end of each day.
The spacious family room with custom built-in bunk beds is well suited to younger children.
Step outside whenever you wish to stroll across the lawns, gather on patios, or linger beneath the trees without leaving the estate, with covered barbecues, outdoor seating, and the surrounding grounds offering space to slow down, celebrate, or simply enjoy time together.
Beyond the gates, visit the renowned topiary and formal gardens of Levens Hall, explore the layered history of Sizergh Castle, or spend time by the water at Windermere before returning to the impressive presence of the house.
Brettargh Holt Mansion 32 offers a stay defined by scale, character, and shared enjoyment, where memorable spaces are designed to be experienced, enjoyed, and remembered.
Brettargh Holt Mansion 32 is an ideal setting for family gatherings, weddings, or corporate events.