If you’re looking to escape the pressures of daily life and immerse yourself in a beautiful location surrounded by uninterrupted mountain views, this characterful holiday home (which sleeps up to four people) is the place to stay. According to recent guests, the cottage is not only full of “immense character and charm”, but is “good for the soul” too. With no more than a few dozen houses, Applethwaite is the most sought-after village around Keswick, and it isn’t hard to see why. The village is a sleepy little hamlet, more reminiscent of Madeira than England,
And the lane isn't going anywhere else; the main road by-passed Applethwaite long before bypasses were thought of, so the road remains very quiet other than the occassional car and walkers. Beside the lane riotous gardens bloom azalea, rhododendron, every kind of shrub hugging the hillside. Streams cascade down Skiddaw on their way to the River Derwent, and tumble merrily beside the road and farmsteads.
And yet, you're only a mile and a half from Keswick, with all it has to offer. You can walk there along the road, or on one of the many paths cutting through the village, on their way up to Skiddaw, Latrigg or into the woods around.
Tucked away in the peaceful hamlet of Applethwaite, this cottage sleeps up to four people and is surrounded by uninterrupted mountain views. The accommodation is located on the ground floor with three steps up to the kitchen and dining area. Aside from the spectacular views, the property has a beautifully thought out garden and is packed with artistic period features.
Having parked in the driveway, follow the path to the rear of the house, which will give you a chance to walk through the tiered garden. You will gain a sneaky peak into the living room through its French doors, but it isn't until you step through the door that the full wonder of the cottage is exposed.
Straight ahead and to your left are the two bedrooms. The first contains a super-king. Both bedrooms can access the Jack and Jill en-suite containing a walk-in shower and WC. Both doors lock from the inside so that one bedroom can have sole use of the bathroom. There is a built-in wardrobe and a huge mirror that reflects the original oak beams and double aspect views with windows looking onto the back garden. The second bedroom contains a king-size bed and a charming wardrobe and has a high view onto Raven Lane. Both rooms contain electric radiators.
If you turn right from the cottage entrance, the cottage opens up via the first living room. In here is a spectacular collection of artwork and period items surrounding a wood burner and lining the oak ceiling beams. The French doors allow plenty of light into this cosy living room that houses a three-seater sofa, arm chair and TV.
Up three steps from the living room is the kitchen and dining area, which seats four people. Again, plenty of light floods the room from a skylight and two windows that look out to the back garden and towards the North Western Fells. Catbells and Causey Pike are particularly distinctive from the viewpoint of the property. More artistic period features set off the exposed brickwork and white wooden panelling that makes this kitchen such a pleasure. It contains a gas oven and hob, microwave and under-counter fridge. A freezer can be found in the pantry/utlity cupboard in the corridor joining the kitchen to the second living room. The cottage doesn't provide a washing machine/dryer, there are however laundrette facilities in Keswick which is a short drive away.
Just before you reach the second living room, you will pass the main bathroom on your left. It contains a bath and shower over the bath and WC, lit by a skylight. A collection of masks from around the world lines the bathroom wall and is a real feature of this cottage!
At the end of the house is the second living room. There is no TV here, but a three-seater settee and arm chair, a table that extends to seat six people and a large hearth housing a wood burner, so this is the room for socialising or settling down with a good book. This room has windows on each of its four walls, so it is light and airy, but maintains its cosy feel set off by the original oak beams. A stunning panorama of the Western Fells can be viewed from the front window and garden to the rear.