This cottage, set at the mouth of St John’s in the Vale, is a wonderful place for up to four people to enjoy a Lake District break in a traditional farmhouse cottage. It boasts a fantastically interesting history as it dates back to the late 1500s and was once on the old packhorse route between Keswick and Ambleside. This history is very evident in its thick walls, exposed beams, traditional windows stone floors while it’s been brought right up to date with cosy heating, comfortable furnishings, modern appliances and everything a 21st century holiday home could need - so much so the cottage has been awarded a four star GOLD rating by Visit Britain. Its delightful garden is the perfect spot to have an outdoor evening meal or just sit with a glass of wine taking in the majestic views.
St John’s in the Vale is a beautifully unspoilt valley where there are a wealth of opportunities for walking. This cottage sits almost equidistant between the mighty peaks of Blencathra and Helvellyn so if you are well prepared and feeling energetic you can wake up and decide which to wander up. Alternatively you might enjoy a more leisurely walk to the church at St Johns in the Vale where the snowdrops, when in season, are not to be missed. The beautiful and mysterious Castlerigg Stone Circle is only a short drive away from the cottage, this is believed to predate even Stonehenge making it one of the oldest stone circles in Europe! Castlerigg’s spectacular position on top of a small hill between Keswick and Threlkeld has 360 degree views including Helvellyn, Skiddaw and Blencathra.
The mining museum at nearby Threlkeld Quarry has some fantastic big machines, gold panning and a steam railway, while Threlkeld village at the foot of Blencathra boasts two pubs and a cafe in the village hall with regular exhibitions of local artwork. Not only this, you are also just a short drive away from Keswick, a bustling market town with a theatre, cinema, restaurants and wealth of cafes and outdoor shops. It is an ideal base to enjoy everything the Lake District has to offer.
On entry you’ll find the warm bathroom which has an over bath shower and provides complimentary toiletries. Beyond this there is a well-equipped kitchen with built-in oven, halogen hobs, microwave, dishwasher and undercounter fridge. There is a utility room outside which houses a washing machine, tumble dryer and freezer.
The main room on the ground floor is the delightful living room with dining area which is a perfect farm cottage room. Boasting a wood burner, TV, DVD, CD/radio with i-pod dock, solid wood dresser and sideboard and comfy furnishings.
The staircase leads up from the kitchen to the first floor where you first encounter the delightful master bedroom which has a king-size bed, wardrobe and dresser. Through the charming traditional windows you have a glorious view across the valley to Skiddaw, England’s fourth highest mountain. The twin room is similarly decorated, with lovely exposed joists and views over the garden.
Outside there is a large orchard-style garden with fruit trees with plenty of places to eat outside on sunny days as well as several quiet seating areas to sit and enjoy the majestic views and the sound of the tiny stream running through the garden.