Looking for an escape to the Lake District with fabulous views, right in the centre of a lively chocolate-box town? Then look no further than this one-bedroom second-floor apartment, commanding stunning views over the slate rooftops of Keswick and out to Walla Crag, Latrigg, Barf and the massive Skiddaw range of mountains. It is a Grade II-listed building, orginally constructed as the County Hotel in the early 19th century and converted into flats in the 1970s. It is still an imposing building and stands opposite the war memorial on County Square.
This apartment is owned by a London actress, who used it as a base when she was working at the Theatre by the Lake. For the past 15 years, a variety of actors and actresses have used the accommodation for the duration of their performances at the Theatre. She describes the flat as a quiet and cosy escape and still enjoys nothing more than watching the colours of the seasons reflected on the slopes of the Skiddaw range. Who needs television when nature provides such mesmerising viewing?
Keswick is a jewel in the crown of the Lake District National Park, situated on picturesque Derwentwater and surrounded by stunning fell views to all sides. It's known as the adventure capital of England and it's easy to see why as you can try your hand at almost any outdoor activity with a wealth of instructors on hand to help you find your wild side. If a gentler time in the great outdoors is more to your taste then there is a huge choice of things to do from easy low level walks and cycle rides to catching the lovely Derwentwater launch and soaking up the stunning scenery from the water.
Entry to the apartment is via an imposing set of double doors and up a staircase to the second floor. Inside the apartment is a small hallway leading to the living/dining room and kitchen, bathroom and double bedroom. The living room is a good size and contains a dining table for two situated next to the window, which overlooks the slate-clad buildings of the town, Fitz Park, Skiddaw, Latrigg and the Bishop's Rock on the side of Barf Fell. A two-seater sofa, ergonomic chair with foot-rest, a TV/DVD, and a shelf full of books and local maps complete the living area.
The charming bijou kitchen leads off the living room and stocks a range of quality electrical appliances, including oven, hob, extractor fan, fridge with ice box, microwave, dishwasher, toaster and washing machine. There is no tumble dryer, but the launderette is a 2-minute walk down the road, where a dryer may be accessed. The kitchen features coloured mood lighting and the living room view is also shared with the kitchen.
What the apartment lacks in space is made up for in views and this is certainly true of the double bedroom, in which you can wake up to a view of Walla Crag. There is plenty of storage in the bedroom, including a chest of drawers, bedside cabinets and a large mirrored wardrobe. The bathroom features a shower over the bath, WC and heated towel rail.
A parking permit is provided for the Otley Road car park close by from March to September. Outside of these months free roadside parking is available on streets nearby. There is a bus stop outside the apartment (known as the 'County Corner' stop named after this building).