Whether you’d like to get out walking in the magnificent fells, get muddy while mountain biking, enjoy great food or just go hunting for minibeasts and forest elves in your own private woodland, this lodge is a magical place from which to do it.
Here is a stunning property offering stylish accommodation for up to six guests nestled in the beautiful setting of Thornthwaite, just outside Keswick. This delightful cottage benefits from a stunning position overlooking Skiddaw, Keswick and Bassenthwaite Lake itself. Soak up the stunning views from the front terrace with a glass of wine or perhaps you might be lucky enough to spot some of Bassenthwaite’s famous aerial visitors, the ospreys. The area has become famous in recent years for its successful osprey programme, resulting in the first wild breeding pair in the Lake District for over 150 years; what a fabulous setting from which to spot these magnificent birds.
This property is ideally situated to make the most of this fantastic area with two acres of hillside garden and woodland from which you can access the forestry tracks of Whinlatter, England’s only mountain forest park.
Just 5 minutes away is Keswick, and Cockermouth is 15 minutes. Both are pleasant market towns with independent shops, good pubs, restaurants and bars. Keswick has its own art deco cinema and the award-winning Theatre by the Lake not to mention a vast array of outdoor shops and boating on Derwentwater Lake. Thornthwaite village boasts its own art gallery with tea room just down the road and neighbouring village Braithwaite has three pubs. For the foodies among you, the highly acclaimed Cottage in the Wood restaurant is just up the road in Whinlatter forest.
This wonderful building has been brought beautifully into the 21st century with subtle decor, comfortable furnishings and modern appliances.
The entrance to the house is via a utility room with washing machine, dryer and freezer. There is a convenient downstairs cloakroom with WC here and a large cupboard with plenty of storage for your group's coats and muddy boots. Beyond this is the beautiful kitchen with dining area. This room is tastefully furnished with a large dining table and a breakfast bar, not to mention the beautiful views of Skiddaw and surrounding fells. The kitchen is well equipped with an Aga (gas powered), microwave, dishwasher, large fridge/freezer, a Dolce Gusto coffee machine and plenty of storage space.
You might not want to move beyond this gorgeous room with its cosy red Aga and glorious views but just to the side of it is a delightful little light snug with a chaise longue for some quiet reading time. Here there are binoculars for watching the amazing birdlife. Not only does the lodge play host to a wide range of garden birds, but you might also be lucky enough to spot our beloved red squirrels and some of Bassenthwaite's other occasional residents, the mighty osprey. This really is a fantastic spot to take in the amazing views over to Keswick, Latrigg and Skiddaw.
Moving through the lower floor, which has beautiful slate flooring throughout, you'll come to the large and comfortable living room. At its centre is a stunning wood burner for cosy evenings in and it also has plenty of comfy seating and a DVD player.
Moving up to the first floor, the master bedroom has a king-size bed, a dresser and a wardrobe. Next to this room there is also a convenient shower room. The twin room benefits from that stunning view over Bassenthwaite and a wardrobe under the eaves that makes a perfect den for little ones! The third room is a double and once Again has those stunning views. Like the other bedrooms it is beautifully decorated and has a calm and luxurious quality about it. The spacious, modern family bathroom has a lovely 'd' bath with shower over the bath.
Outside the property there is parking for up to three cars, bike storage and the area to the front has a lovely terrace for outdoor dining or just for taking in that magnificent view. Out the back of the property there are 2 acres of hillside garden, leading to open woodland. This is a truly magical place to explore as not only do you have your own partially enclosed garden with a tree swing but then there is your own private wood to have wild adventures and mini beast hunts. The garden and woodland are a haven for wildlife including slow worms, hedgehogs, bank voles, red leg partridges,siskins, nut hatches, tawny owls and more. Added to this, you can also access the forestry tracks that lead in to Whinlatter forest where there is a wealth of walking and mountain biking literally out of the back door.
What a perfect cottage to make the most of this fantastic area.