This stunning barn conversion boasts splendid views of the fells. There are endless walking opportunities from the front door, as well as nearby attractions including Muncaster Castle.
Sleeping 4 guests in 2 bedrooms, plus one lucky dog, this welcoming holiday home was originally formed part of Linbeck Farm from the 1600s, with the ground floor bedroom then as the byre. A pretty French door has now replaced the doorway previously used for returning cattle. The history of the original site dates even further back, with ‘lin’ meaning flax and ‘beck’ meaning stream, providing an indication of what was produced in this idyll situated just three miles from the picturesque valley of Eskdale.
The views from this 18-acre child and dog-friendly smallholding are unrivalled. A plantsman’s garden has been lovingly raised from seed, producing soft fruit and featuring rare rhododendrons from China and Nepal. The garden is shared with the friendly owners (who live in Linbeck Farmhouse), as well as their hens, horses and pig. The garden is rich in wildlife including red squirrels (who love to race up and down the Ash tree!), jays, woodpeckers, great tits and blue tits.
The immediate area offers limitless opportunities for climbing, cycling and walking, with over 30 climbs of varying difficulty (graded Diff to E3) just on Brantrake Crag behind the cottage. It is a superb base for exploring this scenic part of Cumbria or for just relaxing and watching the weather go by from the warmth of your four-poster-bed! Nearby Muncaster Castle has beautiful gardens and a wonderful owl sanctuary. Ravenglass on the coast has an interesting Roman history and is the main departure station for the famous La’al Ratty miniature steam railway. Wastwater is six miles away, framed by the magnificent fells of Great Gable and Scafell Pike, the latter of which is the highest mountain in England and can be seen in all its magnificence from the cottage.
This welcoming holiday home at Linbeck is wheelchair friendly for guests with reduced mobility.
The main living quarters (kitchen, lounge, bedroom) are situated on the first floor, accessed from steps at the rear of the property. The open-plan layout feels spacious, social and full of original character.
The oak and slate-furnished kitchen contains a split level electric oven, four-ring electric hob, microwave, dishwasher and a large American-style fridge/freezer. The dining table seats up to six guests. Two two-seater leather sofas as well as a three-seater sofa provide plenty of space to relax. The Smart TV has a full Sky package, as well as a facility to login to your Netflix or Prime accounts. There is a separate WC, as well as an abundance of books and games.
The double bedroom on the first floor features a fabulous four-poster-bed, with an even more fabulous patchwork quilt (created by Joy, who previously lived here - see if you can spot her signature!). The bedroom has an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower, heated towel rail, WC and wash basin. Scafell Pike can be seen from the bedroom on a clear day.
Downstairs, on the ground floor, is a second double bedroom suitable for guests with reduced mobility. The room has a large Smart TV with Sky, two external doors and a huge walk-in wardrobe. The en-suite bathroom has a low entry shower, heated towel rail, WC and wash basin.
In terms of the cottage's suitability for wheelchair users with reduced mobility, there is access to the ground floor bedroom via a flat threshold (with a small lip); the ground floor bathroom is en-suite and has a low entry shower; the living area and kitchen can be accessed via the outside. The owner has a wheelchair and a toilet raiser for loan upon request.
A washing machine and tumble dryer can be found in the stable (ground floor, outside), along with a Belfast sink, perfect for rinsing off muddy outdoor gear. Bicycles can be stored here or locked securely in the workshop.
There is space for parking up to two cars next to the property and the garden is shared with the friendly owners, who live next door.