Torver, Coniston • Lake District National Park
A peaceful self-catering Lakeland cottage for five, first recorded in 1853 and standing among open fields with no immediate neighbours. Views of Coniston Old Man and Dow Crag from the windows, a roaring Charnwood stove, and footpaths straight from the door.
The Cottage
Old cottages usually ask you to compromise on light and space. Ellis Howe keeps its 19th-century character and adds a 2001 extension built to frame the fells.
Solid oak flooring, a generous oak dining table and expansive glazing that frames uninterrupted views of Coniston Old Man and Dow Crag. Watch western weather fronts roll over the peaks in warmth, while children enjoy the upper gallery den.
Original slate-flagged floors, exposed oak beams, ceiling hooks that once held pots and pans, and wooden window shutters, anchored by a Charnwood C4 multifuel stove. An adjoining reading snug is stocked with OS maps, Wainwright guides, novels and games for rainy afternoons.
Three upstairs bedrooms with white iron bedsteads, pocket-sprung mattresses, patchwork quilts and deep window seats. The spacious tiled bathroom lets you gaze at the fells from the bath.
A limed oak kitchen (ceramic hob, dishwasher, microwave, fridge-freezer), a concealed utility washing machine and heated towel rails in both bathrooms for drying wet fell gear. Outside: a stone terrace, raised lawn and perennial cottage garden.
Fell & Pub Map
A hand-drawn sketch of Torver, with the village and the fells where they really sit. Choose a place to see what is on your doorstep.
Gallery
1853 Heritage
Before it was a holiday cottage, Ellis Howe was the heart of Torver: a village shop and post office for the best part of a century.
Read the Full 1853–1979 History →1853–1861
A “double-pile” house, with a church warden recorded here in 1853 and schoolteacher Margaret Mawson in 1861.
1881–1979
Operated for nearly a century as Torver’s village shop and post office by Mary Coulthard and later, for over 50 years, by Rachel Prickett.
1990–2001
Sold in 1990 and extensively renovated, with the dining room extension designed and built in 2001.
Practicalities
Parking for up to 3 cars is directly across the road in a layby dating from the cottage’s days as the village post office and shop. Guests have parked here safely for the 25 years we’ve been here.
“Lovely well equipped and cosy cottage ideally located with many great walks from the door.”
“A lovely peaceful spot, perfect for exploring the Lake District. The views were great, and close to great walks.”
“Lovely cottage in great location for walking, with many walks on the doorstep. Cottage has many period features, interesting history and felt a true get-away. Lovely view of the Old Man of Coniston from the dining room.”
Questions
Yes. Footpaths to Coniston Old Man and Dow Crag start at the doorstep, so the car can stay where it is. You skip the busy National Trust car parks entirely.
Yes. The Wilsons Arms in Torver is about 200m from the cottage, an easy walk after a day on the fells. Coniston is 2 miles away.
No. Ellis Howe is strictly pet-free and non-smoking, which makes it a good choice for guests with allergies.
Five guests plus one baby, across three bedrooms: one double, one twin and one single. There are two bathrooms.
There is parking for up to 3 cars in a layby directly across the road, dating from the cottage's days as the village post office and shop. Guests have parked here safely for the 25 years we've been here.
Friday. Check-in is from 3pm and check-out is by 10am.
Electricity, the initial fuel for the Charnwood stove, 100% cotton bed linen, bath towels and tea towels.
Yes. A cot, high chair and stair safety gate are provided. Please bring your own cot linen.
Yes, reliable broadband Wi-Fi is included.
No. Bookings for groups under 21 cannot be accepted.