Savour a truly special stay at this gorgeous stone cottage in Cumbria that was once a schoolhouse. Sleeping five guests, the three-bedroom hideaway, is situated beside Lyvennet Beck, on the fringes of Crosby Ravensworth, and makes a magical retreat. Nestled in beautiful gardens, and with a winter-warming wood burner, the single-storey abode is 15 miles from Penrith and 5 miles from the beginnings of the magnificent Lake District.
Enter to find spacious accommodation with an array of original features. The impressive lounge/diner, with its honey-coloured woodwork and arched windows, is a fabulous place to gather at the end of the day. Light the wood burner in here, then settle down in its glow to watch the Smart TV and enjoy the home theatre system. Prepare tasty meals with the delicious Cumbrian produce you have sourced then pull chairs up to the table in the lounge/diner to feast together. On summer evenings, have coffee afterwards in the sunroom, which overlooks the stream. At the end of each exciting day, head off to the beautiful bedrooms. These include a king-size bedroom, a single and a double, with an en-suite shower room. There is also a family bathroom. Soak up the serenity out in the delightful garden. Play ball with the children on the grass, keep an eye on them near the water and enjoy spotting wildlife.
Venture 10 miles from the cottage to Haweswater in the Lake District, where there are footpaths to follow along its shores and up on the fells around it. Head 15 miles to Pooley Bridge to take a trip on a steam cruiser on Ullswater or to follow the 20-mile Ullswater Way around the lake. Spend afternoons in Penrith, browsing in the shops and stocking up on local delicacies. Visit the castle ruins while you are there.