This welcoming holiday home in Underskiddaw is the absolute epitome of a traditional Lakeland home. Stone built, with a cosy welcoming interior, gorgeous flower filled garden and unbeatable fell and lake views. What a treat. Sleeping up to five people in three comfortable bedrooms and welcoming up to three dogs it offers wonderful access to the fells from the back garden, and an easy drive to lovely Keswick if you don't want to be too far away from amenities. Evidence of the owners family history is woven through the house and looking out one of the hydrangea framed windows at the stunning panorama you will be able to imagine yourself in a bygone era.
The hamlet of Underskiddaw is well named and the property sits right at the base of the mighty Skiddaw massif. Why not take the winding path through the cottage's own woodland onto Dodd Fell and then onward up to Skiddaw's summit? What a walk to have available from the back door. The cottage also sits right next to The Calvert Trust where there is an excellent accessible pool which you can use by prior arrangement, you don't even have to get in the car. It's also just a stone's throw from Mirehouse, a stately home with glorious gardens, multiple play areas and fascinating literary connections.
Sitting above the road that runs between Keswick and Bassenthwaite, the property is ideally placed to make use of everything on offer in the area. Keswick is well known as the adventure capital of the Lakes but there's plenty more to enjoy there too. You could make use of the great range of cafes, pubs and restaurants; independent and outdoor shops; the regular market or take in a play or concert at the beautifully situated Theatre By The Lake. You could get out and about on Derwentwater either under your own steam or aboard one of the stately launches. Alternatively just spend your time being inspired by the gorgeous views of Bassenthwaite Lake, the surrounding fells and even the occasional osprey from your own lovely garden.
With bags of character, delightful gardens and direct access through its own woodland onto the slopes of Skiddaw at the rear it's a charming cottage for a family or small group to enjoy this wonderful area. It has a cosy traditional feel about it and the owners have left nods to the local heritage throughout giving it a warm and welcoming family feel.
Guests access the cottage down a sloping gravel path from the driveway. Tearing yourselves away from the stunning view you enter the house via the smaller side door. Once inside the cottage, there is a handy downstairs WC set off a spacious utility area with plenty of room for coats and muddy boots. In here you'll find the washing machine, tumble dryer and fridge/freezer. Through from here you reach the well-equipped kitchen. It has a built-in raised double oven, ceramic hobs, a microwave, slow cooker and slimline dishwasher, as well as all the crockery and cookware you'll need for your stay. Aside from this it must surely have one of the best views from any kitchen sink in the world so you might find yourself keen to do the washing up by hand!
Through from the kitchen is the cosy dining room. It was a wonderful traditional feel about it with wood panelling and a wood-burning stove for chilly evenings. Aside from the dining table this room also has a leather armchair and small television with Freeview in case you don't all agree what you'd like to watch. There are books aplenty in here and hidden inside the panelled cupboards are boards games for entertainment.
Beyond this is the welcoming living room, it has two deep comfy sofas, a leather armchair, an electric fire and a Smart TV. Like the rest of the house there are pictures and decorative items all around giving clues to the history of the area and the family that has owned it down through the years.
Moving upstairs to the bedrooms you arrive first at the lovely single room. It make the perfect hideout for a little one as the owners have thoughtfully left vintage children's books. There's a dresser for storage and a view out to the woods at the back of the house which is ideal for spotting birdlife or the odd visiting squirrel. The next bedroom is a super-king. The beds are zip and link and can therefore be made up as twin beds if your party requires (please advise on booking if this is the case). The room has a wardrobe and dresser as well as a glorious view out to the lake, farmland and fells. Lastly we reach the gorgeous master bedroom. This also has a super-king bed (which can be made up as twins upon request), a wardrobe, dresser and two lovely windows taking in the mountain panorama of Grisedale Pike, Whinlatter and Barf among others. The family bathroom is also on the first floor, it has a space-saver bath and an over-bath electric shower and, like several of the other rooms, boasts that glorious view to the front.
Moving outside, the gardens are an absolute treat. Positioned to make the most of virtually all the day's light there is a large lawn, mature shrubs giving year-round colour and of course a profusion of wonderfully scented roses as the name of the cottage suggests. There is a stone terrace with a bench and a small dining table which makes quite the most delightful place for a morning cuppa or a sunset glass of wine. Beyond the gated area at the back there are paths into the woodland from which you can pick up the trail up Skiddaw via Dodd Fell without ever having to go on a road. The entrance to the driveway is also shared with The Calvert Trust which has a pool which can be used on prior arrangement. Please note that while the front garden is enclosed, children and animals should be supervised due to its proximity to the road.