In the Forest of Bowland, down winding country lanes, hidden in the trees is the unique and mismatched looking bungalow Roeburnscar. Set on an organic farm, with its own private river and forest to explore, it is the perfect peaceful getaway for star-gazers, hikers, and nature lovers.
Sleeping 9 people, space is generous but cosy, with a large living area, huge kitchen, bathroom and 4 bedrooms, many overlooking the veranda at the back of the house. The final bedroom is located within a separate flat, with a self-contained kitchen and bathroom, connected to the side of the main house. Walls of windows along the bedrooms at the back of the home allow for stunning morning views down the gorge. At night the sound of owls, the running water, and the wind blowing through the trees lull you to sleep.
One of the selling points (if you need one after “private river and forest”) is that it is a green home run by owners with a mission of reducing their carbon footprint. The heating and hot water are run from their own timber burner which they come to tend to everyday; leaving a warm and welcoming scent of wood-smoke in the air. The electrical appliances and cleaning products provided are all eco-friendly, and low water usage is encouraged.
It is not so much a luxurious stay but a glimpse into simpler living; a mix of modern and antique decor, lots homemade furniture, limited tech but lots of books and board games at your disposal – comfy, cosy and conscious.
Exploring the 200-acre farm is encouraged with maps provided for local walks plus a tack room with boot washing area just outside the main building. From the house and garden, you can venture into the woods below where you’ll find bluebell fields, sun-speckled avenues through the trees, fossils and minerals in the river and its shores, and plenty of animals.
We enjoyed taking food and a few beers down to the river to relax and paddle for the afternoon. In warmer months you could definitely swim in it! When we weren’t wandering the woods, we visited the local village Wray. We enjoyed the annual Scarecrow Festival, where all of the local residents and businesses create and display wacky and imaginative scarecrows. It has pubs, shops, and cafes and is quite quaint indeed.
Wray is comfortably close to Cumbria and Lake District, the Lancashire countryside and Lancaster, meaning you aren’t far away from something else to do. We drove to the nearby Jubilee Tower, a historic tower at the top of the moors with fantastic views over Morecambe Bay. We followed it up with a gorgeous walk around the Abbeystead Reservoir.
The most special thing about Roeburnscar for me was the tranquillity. It is ideal for people who want time to reflect, to write or draw, to be with nature. To forget about the daily pressures and stresses of city life. And above all who want some peace and quiet.
Liv x
