Stay at this unique cottage steeped in Lake District mountaineering heritage. It's the former home of Richard Fisher, twin brother of George Fisher, both climbers and mountain rescue pioneers. Combining traditional charm with modern home comforts in a perfect position nestled at the foot of mighty Skiddaw. Sleeping up to seven adults and one child this 17th century cottage just oozes character with many period features such as exposed beams, stone flag floors and beautiful open fireplaces. Its artistic owners have lovingly remodelled it over the intervening years to make the spaces more light and open while losing none of its traditional farmhouse appeal. At the same time it boasts a modern kitchen, bathroom, original art works and sculpture. All this and a crystal clear beck descending from the fells running through the back garden. In all, everything you might want from a Lake District cottage.
Applethwaite is a peaceful south-facing village just a mile outside Keswick. It benefits from its proximity to all the bustling Lake District adventure capital offers while remaining a tranquil spot. The village boasts a wealth of walks and cycling right on the doorstep. Not least a path leading straight from the back garden from which you can head up Latrigg for some wonderfully rewarding views of Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite. Alternatively take one of the routes from the village that head up Skiddaw, one of England's highest mountains. If a sedate stroll is more to your taste why not take a stately turn around the grounds of nearby Mirehouse? This beautiful mansion with literary connections has formal gardens, a wild flower meadow, a heather maze, a rhododendron tunnel, a poetry walk and four adventure playgrounds in the woods.
Keswick, the northern Lake District's foremost town, is just a 2-mile walk away. It's a vibrant market town offering a range of outdoor shops, cafes and pubs. Its enviable position on picturesque Derwentwater means that you have plenty of opportunities to mess about in boats. Why not hire a kayak or rowing boat and find a romantic beach for a picnic? Alternatively take one of Derwentwater's elegant launches and enjoy a more relaxed view of Borrowdale's stunning scenery. The town also boasts its own art deco cinema showing independent films and surely one of the most stunningly situated theatres in the country offering a varied programme of plays and live music throughout the year. So whether you're hoping to stretch your legs in the fells, explore the history and literary heritage of the area or just enjoy a glass of wine absorbing the stunning view from the back garden then this is your perfect cottage.
This property is a unique detached house nestled in beautiful Applethwaite, just a short distance from Keswick. It is a 17th century farmhouse which, while retaining all the historical detail of the buidling, has been lovingly remodelled by its artistic owners to make the most of space and light. It has three king-size bedrooms and a single children's room and is blessed with a wonderful warm atmosphere and an enviable position.
On arrival at the house there is parking outside for up to three cars in the courtyard. Through the front door you are greeted by the beautiful open-plan living and dining area but first explore the studio and boot room to your right. This wonderful little room has been several incarnations in its time. Once upon a time it acted as the village post office, and more recently it was the artist's studio of Richard Fisher and with its lovely light and stunning view of Latrigg you can see why. Now guests can use it as a games room, cloak room and drying area. It's a beautiful light space with its own open fire. Its proximity to the Wi-Fi might have teenagers clamouring to claim it as their own.
The aforementioned living area is a delight. The Fisher family who have owned this beautiful place for many years have been firmly rooted in the Lake District's heritage in the fields of both art and mountaineering and it shows in this lovely space. Taking the 17th century farmhouse the room has been opened up to flow through to a high ceilinged dining area, a modern kitchen and a light drenched breakfast area with two windows looking out on the garden and the views beyond. The living room has a beautiful open fireplace, exposed beams and features original art and sculpture as well as vintage mountaineering equipment. While it has been made an open-plan area it has not lost any of its cosy atmosphere. For quiet evenings indoors there is a TV with Freeview in the living area. The large dining table is perfect for family meals and you can picture yourself whiling away the evenings planning and dissecting your Lake District adventures with the added inspiration of the local artwork around you.
The new kitchen retains its stone flagged floors and is well equipped with dishwasher, microwave, fan-oven and halogen hobs. Right next to this is the breakfast alcove where you can sit and enjoy the view over a morning cuppa or spot some of the varied birdlife that visits the garden. Why not open the double doors out on to the garden on a sunny morning and listen to the stream bubbling past?
From the dining area the staircase takes you up to the four bedrooms and bathroom. The gallery-style landing makes a great place to stop occasionally and appreciate the stunning original oil painting and the view out into the village, perhaps while you're perusing the large selection of books at the top of the stairs that the owners have thoughtfully left.
Upstairs you'll find three beautiful king-size bedrooms and one children's single room. All of the rooms are decorated with a stylish mixture of antique and modern furniture and views to die for. The single room is small with a child's bed with side bar, ideal for youngsters with a tendency to thrash around! This room has a sweet little window with a view out towards the Newlands valley and Grizedale Pike, a magical perch for budding mountaineers to look out. On this section of the house there is also a handy loo, very well placed for little ones to use during the night. The first of the king size rooms has a delightful view out onto Latrigg, the second looks out on to the quiet village. The master bedroom has a wonderful large wooden bedstead facing a huge window with a magnificent panorama with a feast of mountain tops on the skyline. This truly is the perfect place for a cuppa in bed, the trick will be negotiating who goes to put the kettle on.
The house is blessed with a huge bathroom that boasts a large shower enclosure with a powerful drencher shower as well as a Victorian cast iron bath. It's an ideal spot to soak aching muscles after long lakeland walks, the vintage Abrahams brothers climbing photograph above the bath should certainly give you inspiration to make the most of the fells.
Venturing back downstairs the double doors from the kitchen and breakfast area lead out into the garden. There is a covered area with a table and benches for outdoor dining or just for admiring the view and listening to the sound of the stream which runs though. This crystal clear beck running down from Skiddaw makes an absolutely magical feature for any littlies, or adults for that matter, keen to dip their toes. Through the garden gate and over the stream a path leads to the public right of way to Spoony Green and Latrigg itself, the very definition of walks from the back door. Alternatively, pour an evening glass of wine and just soak up the marvelous scenery surrounding this unique cottage.