Does the notion of being truly off the beaten track in a marvellous Grade I-listed cottage at the foot of magnificent mountains appeal to you? If so then this stunningly situated cottage will surely fit the bill. Sleeping up to six people in four comfortable bedrooms, the cottage is a wonderful period property on a working farm within the environs of Hartsop Hall at the southern end of the Ullswater Valley. Situated just off Kirkstone Pass between Patterdale and Ambleside, and surrounded by fields and fells, it has a truly welcoming farmhouse feel about it with simply glorious views from every single room. The cottage has also been well thought-through for guests with limited mobility. There is a downstairs single bedroom with en-suite shower and easy wheelchair access out into the patio area of the garden.
Nestled under Hartsop Above How, the cottage offers unrivalled fell walking opportunities from the door. If you've come to the Lakes well-prepared to take on its mighty peaks, then you'll be spoiled for choice. The Helvellyn range, High Street, Dove Cragg and Fairfield are all within range of the cottage. While more gentle ambles such as the ancient bridleway (upgraded for wheelchair use) passing the house to nearby Brotherswater will delight those in wheelchairs or with little ones in tow. This utterly idyllic body of water is perfect for a paddle or a wild swim if you're feeling more daring. Why not pack a picnic and enjoy it on the shore? There's also a regular bus service operating between Penrith and Ambleside opening up a vast choice of linear walks from which you can relax on the bus back!
If you'd like to explore town and village life in the area then, despite its remoteness, you are well-placed at this cottage. Ambleside, one of the Lake District's most loved towns, is just a 20-minute drive over Kirkstone Pass while in the opposite direction just a few miles away you have Patterdale and Glenridding, two lovely little villages where you can make the most of the water-based activities on beautiful Ullswater. A cruise on Ullswater's stately steamers is a treat in any season where you can take in the stunning scenery that has captivated visitors for hundreds of years. For more local village life why not walk over to Patterdale and invest in some of the delicious homemade bread from the village shop? Alternatively you could just stay and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the cottage's immediate surroundings while possibly taking a gentle stroll over to the local pub for a meal or a pint of real ale. However you choose to spend your time here, we're sure you'll want to visit Again and Again.
Guests enter the cottage from the rear courtyard straight into the warm and welcoming farmhouse kitchen. It's a beautiful light room with a dining table for six, a door out onto the garden and a window seat in its large sash window; a perfect place for enjoying a cuppa and admiring the staggering panorama. The kitchen is well-equipped with a large electric range oven with ceramic hobs, a microwave, dishwasher, fridge/freezer and under-counter washing machine. Of course there is also all the crockery and cookware you will need for your stay. There's a built-in larder cupboard and an under-stairs utility cupboard where you'll find a tumble dryer, iron, ironing board and plenty of storage space for muddy boots etc.
Onwards to the cosy and comfortable living room. It's a charming dual-aspect room with traditional furnishings, well-chosen local art, books, board games and TV with DVD. This is a wonderful space for cuddling up on one of the three deep comfy sofas in front of the open fire and chatting about your Lakeland adventures.
The ground-floor en-suite single bedroom is beyond the living room. If your party isn't using it as a bedroom it can be a handy study or extra living space. It has a single bed, TV, dressing table and a half-glazed door leading out onto the patio. The spacious en-suite shower room has helpfully-placed grab rails for the sink and WC as well as a large shower area with mixer shower and easily accessible shower controls. The shower also has a seat in it for ease of use. Guests must have sufficient mobility to move from their chair to the seat though as there is a step into the shower.
Moving upstairs, guests come to the stepped landing from which the three further bedrooms and bathroom are accessed. The bedrooms are all well-proportioned with wonderful views whether across the valley or to the fellside at the back. Firstly, to the spacious master bedroom. This has a king-size bed, a built-in cupboard and two chests of drawers for storage. There are also two lovely sash windows looking to the front and the rear of the house, ideal for taking inspiration on where to head for your day's walking. The second king-size room has a built-in wardrobe, chest of drawers and view to Hartsop Above How behind the house. The third King-size bedroom shares this outlook and has a chest of drawers for storage.
Outside the house there's a courtyard for parking to the rear and a delightful enclosed garden to the front with a patio which can be accessed from the kitchen and downstairs single room. There is a table and chairs for outdoor dining and a bench for enjoying a sunny morning cuppa while taking in the magnificent views.