Discover this fully refurbished 17th-century sandstone byre and hayloft; the byre was once home to livestock but has now been converted into two bedrooms, whilst the hayloft is now the open-plan kitchen, dining and living room. The cottage sleeps up to four guests across two bedrooms. Clever use has been made of original features, such as the slit windows that used to ventilate the hayloft. Natural daylight floods the space by means of skylights, windows and the glazed venitlation slits. Dogs are welcome and the owners (who are dog owners themselves) offer the use of their 4.5 acres of fully-enclosed meadow for dog walking.
The barn is surrounded by picturesque views: Criffel on the Galloway Coast in Scotland can be seen on a clear day from the window and the Isle of Man can be seen from the garden. The sunsets over the Solway Coast are priceless and offer a colourful and changing view at the end of each day. The village of Low Moresby was a mining community and a mine shaft (known as the 'old coal pit') was accidentally discovered on the land by the owners. The whole village is riddled with mine shafts that have now been filled in; curiously, the only property without a mine shaft underneath it was the house belonging to the manager of the mine... None of this is obvious from the beauty of the surrounding landscape, but such local knowledge serves as a reminder of the area's industrial past.
Cumbria's west coast is one of Britain's best kept secrets, with plenty to do and see off the beaten tourist track. Whitehaven is the nearest town and offers gems such as the Beacon centre and the Rum Story, which recounts Whitehaven's position as an important industrial port at the peak of the slave trade. Eating fish 'n' chips on the prom by Whitehaven Marina is a must. The recently regenerated Rosehill Theatre draws high-quality productions from around the nation, as well as boasting a historically important interior designed by Oliver Messel. Lesser visited but stunningly beautiful areas of the Lake District National Park are easily reached from the barn, including Ennerdale (20 minutes' drive), Wasdale Head and Eskdale (both 40 minutes). Routes to England's tallest mountain, Scafell Pike, can be reached from Wasdale Head, which also happens to boast England's deepest lake, Wastwater.
The entrance opens into the utilty or boot room, in which bikes and muddy shoes and clothes can be stored. A useful washing machine is located in the same room, as are drying facilities. A sink and freezer are also located here.
At the top of a locally crafted ash staircase, the barn opens out into a studio-style kitchen, dining and living room. The kitchen features an electric oven, four-ring gas hob, microwave, fridge and toaster. Meals can be enjoyed either at the dining table or at the modern breakfast bar. The living room area contains a three-seater settee and two matching armchairs grouped around a TV and DVD. The high-vaulted space is heated by a wood burner and is lit by four skylights, two windows (previously the entry points into what was the hayloft) and a series of window slits, which used to be used as ventilation. Views from the kitchen are of Goosegreen Meadow and, from the living room window, the garden, meadows at Lowca and wind turbines, with views of Criffel on the Scottish coast on a clear day. The wooden floor has been reclaimed from the old Cleator Moor Working Men's Club.
Downstairs from the utility room are the bedrooms and bathroom. The double bedroom contains a large wardrobe and drawers, as well as French doors leading out to the patio area, with views of the garden and meadows beyond. The second bedroom contains two single beds, a chest of drawers and has a view to what was the farmhouse opposite. The bathroom has an shower over the bath and WC.
Outside, there is space for at least two cars to park. The patio contains a table and chairs, perfectly situated to soak up the evening sun whilst immersing yourself in the peace and calm of the surrounding nature. There is another picturesque seating option further up the hill in the private and enclosed meadow. The owners of the cottage (who live opposite) allow guests to walk their dogs in their 4.5 acres of full-enclosed meadows, which do not have any livestock grazing. The owners ask guests to keep to the path whilst the orchids are in bloom, which is usually May and June (the owners will advise when this is).