It is set within its own sandstone walled grounds, which are entered through an arched gateway at the edge of the village.

The grounds include an archery lawn, walled vegetable gardens and a Victorian castle folly at the foot of the lawn (now converted to children's play area).

The forested grounds extend for 20 acres, and incorporate a small tributary of the River Eden.

The village of Melmerby is in the Eden Valley, lying between the Pennines and the Lake District, 12 miles from Ullswater and 9 miles from the historic market town of Penrith. There are a number of outstanding walks along the edge of the River Eden.

One of England's largest Druidic stone circles - Long Meg and her Daughters - is also close by.

Melmerby is unusual in that, despite its small size, it contains a pub, village shop and an Egon Ronay award-winning organic village bakery.

In nearby Ousby, 2 miles away, is The Fox Inn which serves excellent food. We recommend "The Lamb Henry".

The first mention of the existence of the manor is in the reign of Edward II (1307-27) when it was owned by John de Denum. It passed some time later to the Threlkeld family, who extended the tower in the 17th century, and again in the 18th century, with a Georgian wing at the front of the house.

Accommodation details:

Ground floor: Hall, beautiful drawing room with oriental rug and open fire, oak panelled gentlemans library with open fire, spectacular dining room with oak flooring and an enormous open fire salvaged from one of the local castles.

Large family living room with open gas fire and adjacent playroom, front cloakroom, a large breakfasting kitchen looks out on the herb garden with Aga, a gas hob/oven and oak hand crafted oak cabinetry, looks out on the herb garden.

There’s also a sandstone larder room, utility room, boot room, back cloakroom, and a sandstone terrace with built in barbecue accessed by French doors from the family living room.

The bedrooms on the upper floors are all furnished with antiques dating from the periods after which they are named with the exception of the luxurious master bedroom.

First floor: Master bedroom with a 5'6" king size bed and en suite bathroom with a large built in shower and a cast iron roll top bath and dressing area.

The master bedroom is connected to the 1st twin bedroom with one 3' bed and one 4'6" bed (Jacobean Room).

The Jacobean room has direct access to the external back staircase leading down to the herb garden.

The 2nd double bedroom with 4'4" bed (Chinese Empire) has washing facilities.

The 3rd double bedroom (Regency) has a vast antique canopied four poster 4'10" bed and an en suite bathroom with built in shower and separate bath, and is connected via two doors to the 2nd twin room with 3' beds (Georgian) which has a decorative open fire.

The 4th double bedroom with 4'5" bed (French Regency) also has a bathroom en suite. (NB: the latter two en suite bathrooms have second doors which allow access from the landing).

Second floor: 5th double bedroom (Victorian) with a mahogany four poster 4'10" bed, open fire and en suite bathroom, a billiards room with a full size table and an open fire.

6th double bedroom with 4'4" double bed (Edwardian) and a further twin bedroom with 3'3" beds (The Nursery) and a separate WC/shower room.

The house is furnished throughout with antique furniture, other amenities include:

An oil fired four oven Aga.

A gas hob and additional oven.

Dishwasher.

Washing machine/Tumble dryer.

2 American fridge/freezers.

Microwave.

2 TVs, DVD and videos (in family living room and children's playroom).

Cot and high chair available.

Open fires on the ground floor as described above.

Oil central heating (2 large boilers).

Very large and well maintained gardens.

Ample parking.

Babysitting and dinners cooked or delivered by arrangement.

Shooting can be arranged with prior notice as well as fishing along the River Eden.

Croquet equipment is available and Melmerby lies close to the new coast to coast Cumbrian cycle route.

Paint balling in the woods above Melmerby is provided by Ex Marine Company Bravo 4 Zero. for the adventurous! By arrangement with the housekeeper.

Melmerby Hall and Stag Cottage have proved very popular for family and friend reunions so it is advisable to book early.

Sorry, no smoking or dogs.

No fireworks please except for the 5th November and New Year