A cosy retreat for couples or families, this charming property is ideally placed for exploring the Georgian town of Cockermouth, the Lake District National Park and the Cumbrian coastline.
This cosy little gem is tucked away in the very heart of the attractive Georgian town of Cockermouth. With a comfortable, homey living room, charming kitchen/diner and two bright double bedrooms, it is a lovely retreat for a family or two couples holidaying together. Effortlessly combining old cottage character with modern comfort and a relaxing vibe, Challoner Cottage is a beautiful home from home in a great location. A quiet private garden at the back is a pleasant surprise ideal for a relaxing drink or dining alfresco and completes this perfectly formed holiday retreat.
Situated just a couple of minutes' walk from the centre of Cockermouth, this cottage could not be better placed for enjoying everything this bustling town has to offer. A good choice of restaurants, bars, cafes and independent shops line the streets and there is sure to be something for all tastes. Jennings Brewery is a Cockermouth institution offering regular tours with the all important tastings and shop. At the other end of town you can visit Wordsworth House, boyhood home of William Wordsworth and his family. There is a choice of riverside strolls and footpaths heading into the surrounding pastoral countryside.
Cockermouth is well located for exploring the whole of north and west Cumbria. There is a huge choice of walks for all abilities with Keswick, Loweswater, Buttermere and Caldbeck all within 30 minutes' drive. For a change of scene why not have a day at the seaside? From Maryport, just 15 minutes away, head north along the Solway Coast for stunning views across to Scotland or south to explore the red sandstone cliffs of St Bees. Heading inland, you will come across tranquil Bassenthwaite and the surrounding Lakes Distillery, Mirehouse stately home, Lake District Wildlife Park, and Whinlatter Forest Park! You will be spoilt for choice whatever you like to do and wherever you go you will be assured of a warm, cosy place to relax in this cottage at the end of the day.
This former worker's cottage was built around 1890. A typical two-up two-down which has been extended and beautifully brought up to date without losing the original features, it is a comfortable cottage full of character effortlessly combining old and modern. Upstairs is cosily carpeted whilst the downstairs has practical wood or tile floors, the doors are original and a beautiful feature of the house.
The front door leads directly into the welcoming living room. Take a seat on the sofa or armchair and relax in front of the original stone and brick fireplace with electric stove, perfect for evenings in front of a mesmerising flame without having to put more logs on! The Freeview TV has a built in and Netflix too, whilst the built in cupboards around the room contain a good range of books and games so there is plenty of entertainment on offer. Amongst the books are local walks guides and OS maps so you can cover the coffee table and plan the next days adventure in comfort. The window looks onto the street and there are paintings of local views on the walls.
The pretty stained glass door at the back of the living room leads through into the characterful dining area containing a table with four chairs. The feature tiled fireplace has shelves above and still has the original bread oven alongside, a lovely piece of history preserved. The dining area is open plan with the kitchen which is small but perfectly formed. Everything you could need has been carefully planned in: electric oven and hob, dishwasher, under-counter fridge and freezer, microwave and a Tassimo coffee machine (remember to bring your own pods) plus all the equipment you need in neat fitted cupboards. There is even a washing machine and tumble dryer in the cupboard around the corner, with iron and ironing board in the cupboard under the stairs, not normally a feature to make much of but the door is an original timber latch door and another lovely part of the history of the cottage. With a rooflight and a window onto the yard this is a bright and sociable room.
At the back of the kitchen is the door out into the yard and at the end of the hallway is the downstairs shower room. This modern, clean and bright room is spacious with a heated towel radiator and tiled floor.
The steep carpeted stairs lead up to the first floor from the dining area. At the top of the stairs are two double bedrooms both lovely and light with a bright relaxed style. Turn right for the front bedroom, pretty in white and pastel colours with solid oak furniture and a window overlooking the street. A wardrobe with drawer beneath, blanket box, bedside tables, mirror and chair deal with the practicalities and there is a charming window-seat on which to while away an hour or two with a good book.
On the other side of the stairs the other double bedroom is decorated and finished in a similar relaxing and homely style with a window looking to the back of the house over gardens and trees to the backs of the historic houses beyond. There is a set of drawers, bedside tables, a hanging stand and a built in cupboard.
The private back garden has a paved area with pot plants, a table and two chairs just outside the back door with four steep stone steps leading up to an area with decorative stones, shrubs and on to a lovely deck with table and four chairs. This seating area is surprisingly private for a town garden, surrounded by a brick and stone wall it is sheltered and being west facing gets the afternoon and evening sun. A relaxing spot to sit and enjoy some peace and quiet, a cup of tea, glass of wine or even a meal alfresco it is a lovely feature of this delightful cottage.
This cottage combines some lovely original features and a homely feel with light bright rooms and lots of little finishing touches to make it feel just right.