A great abode for small families, this cottage provides a lovely base from which to explore both the local village and the Lake District National Park where cruises, climbs and panoramic picnic spots await.
This is a quirky cottage full of original features in a great location in the middle of Greystoke village. Sleeping four people in two bedrooms that share a bathroom, the cottage has a cosy living room with flagstone floor and wood burner plus a bright, spacious kitchen-diner. Original floorboards, beams and fireplaces fill this cottage with its own unique character offset with simple furniture and stylish finishing touches. The sheltered garden faces south, making it a true sun trap, and the bench against the front wall is a perfect spot for a morning cuppa. The cottage looks out over the Grade II-listed village school to the houses and fields beyond with just a glimpse of the felltops. One of the bedrooms is accessed through the bathroom and if you can work around this little quirk, you will fall in love with this delightful cottage and feel right at home.
Greystoke is an attractive village benefiting from a vibrant community and has a popular pub, post office, cafe, historic church and an open-air heated swimming pool (open May to September). This cottage is ideally placed to take advantage of them all: the post office is opposite the end of the drive, the pool is just up the road, and the pub is around the corner facing the village green. There are walks from the door with a network of footpaths, bridleways and green lanes to explore. For cyclists, the backroads head out in all directions to provide numerous options for quiet, attractive cycle rides through pastoral landscapes heading north to Carlisle, east to the Eden Valley or south and west into the Lake District.
Though found in the heart of a peaceful village, this cottage is still within a short drive of the hustle and bustle of Penrith, Carlisle or Keswick, all of which have pretty and historic centres to wander around whilst browsing the range of independent shops. Plus, there are plenty of options for a quick bite or something more substantial when you need it! Walkers will enjoy exploring the quiet northern fells with their rolling slopes and far-reaching views, whilst water lovers can head out on a choice of crafts on stunning Ullswater, a long winding lake surrounded by magnificent fells. The historic houses of Dalemain and Hutton-in-the-Forest are close by with house, gardens and tea rooms to sample, whilst Lowther Castle and Brougham Castle offer evocative ruins to spark the imagination. There is so much to explore in this area with the whole northern Lake District plus the Eden Valley on the doorstep. And, after a busy day out, this cottage will be waiting to welcome you back to relax and recharge the batteries ready for tomorrow!
Inside, the accommodation is full of character features, from traditional wooden beams to original stone floors. There is also a cosy wood burner in the living room and a pretty garden sun trap to enjoy. This traditionally built stone cottage has plenty of space for four guests in two bright bedrooms, a double and a twin. The dual aspect twin bedroom can only be accessed via the family bathroom. This quirky layout gives a clue to the cottage's history; at one point, the whole row was once one property.
The front door at the end of the garden path leads straight into the cosy living room. The lovely old flagstone floor, exposed timber ceiling beams and sandstone fireplace indicate the history of this cottage whilst the wood burner, rug and two-seater sofa and two armchairs give it modern comfort. The TV with Sky, side tables with lamps and plenty of logs for the wood burner complete the atmosphere for cosy evenings in; curl up with a book, take in a film or play a board game and enjoy.
Through the door at the back of the living room the hallway doubles as a utility area with washing machine and tumble dryer, there are also pegs so you can take advantage of the washing line in the sunny front garden. The under-stairs cupboard contains an ironing board and clothes airer to complete your laundry needs.
To the left two steps lead into the bright modern kitchen diner. This is a perfect social space for family and friends with a dining table at one end of the room and a well-equipped fitted kitchen at the other. The dining table seats up to six people for memorable meals in. The kitchen has an electric oven, hob and extractor, microwave, toaster and a free standing fridge/freezer and ample cupboard space for storing supplies. The window over the sink looks out over the front garden and French doors give access to the garden at the side of the room.
Back off the other side of the hallway the steep stairs lead up to the first floor. Up a further two steps, straight ahead is the double bedroom. This lovely light room looks out over the front garden to the village, fields and woods beyond with tantalising glimpses of the fells. The original wide old floorboards and feature stone fireplace are complimented by simple furniture, bedside tables, a chest of drawers and a hanging cupboard to retain the character of the room. Take a moment to sit on the window seat and enjoy the rural views and tranquillity.
To the right at the top of the stairs up a step the family bathroom doubles as a corridor to the second bedroom. The bath has a shower over and there is also a heated towel radiator to make sure of those cosy towels to wrap up in.
Another two steps at the far end of the bathroom take you up and into a dual aspect twin bedroom. The windows side and front make this room really bright whilst exposed beams add character, the views are over the garden to the village houses and fields beyond, Again with just a glimpse of the fells in the distance. This carpeted bedroom has bedside tables, a chest of drawers and a hanging cupboard for storage.
Outside the front door the pretty enclosed front and side garden has a mix of flower beds and lawn on multiple levels; those with young children need to be aware that there are unfenced drops between the levels. A table with three chairs sits outside the kitchen doors at the side of the cottage with views of trees, fields and the old village houses for dining alfresco. The shed here can offer secure cycle storage so you can make the most of the peaceful local lanes and the coast to coast route passing close by. Beside the front door a perfectly positioned bench is a real sun trap, perfect for taking a few minutes off to enjoy the peace and quiet with a cuppa or a favourite tipple.
This is a delightful little cottage, a little quirky but with all its original character retained and celebrated it makes a cosy place to stay and make the most of all this beautiful area has to offer.