Providing homely accommodation perfect for families and couples seeking a cosy Lakeland retreat, this delightful cottage is ideally situated for discovering Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake.
This delightfully charming Lakeland cottage is perfectly situated on the outskirts of Keswick. Seamlessly blending old and new with top of the range technology and contemporary furnishings combining with traditional features, this is a beautiful, practical and cosy home from home. The stunning feature inglenook fireplace and Victorian floor tiles in the living room, old slate floor in the kitchen and traditional cottage-style doors give the cottage character whilst the luxury bathroom with roll-top bath is right up to date. Sleeping four in two spacious dual-aspect bedrooms, both with views of Skiddaw and Carl Side, this is a perfect property for a family or couples holidaying together.
With an excellent pub almost next door, which serves real ale and bar meals, a cafe across the road and Keswick town centre a short stroll away in addition to a great choice of walks, including Skiddaw and Latrigg, from your door, you could leave the car at home all week. If you did fancy venturing further afield, being on the edge of Keswick close to the A66 means getting out and about in the car is easy too. Keswick has an enviable location on the shores of Derwentwater surrounded by fells and beautiful views wherever you look. It is deservedly popular but it is still possible to find quieter spots and plenty of peace and quiet. It offers a good range of activities and great access to the fells but if walking is not for you there are still many options for enjoying the area in a less energetic fashion. Why not take in a show at The Theatre by the Lake followed by a meal in their lake view restaurant or visit the traditional family-run cinema to see a film followed by fish and chips in the market square?
This area of the Northern Lake District is a mecca for walkers with a huge number, and variety, of walks from hikes in the high fells to shorter lakeside ambles. Wander through Fitz Park into town, head off on the railway footpath or have a stroll in Brundholme woods; all are close by. The closest fell is Latrigg, this little gem is perfect for a family outing or just an evening stroll for experienced walkers, either way the views are well worth the effort. For a bigger challenge, take on climbing Skiddaw, England's fourth highest mountain; weather permitting you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Lake District and right across to Scotland. There is plenty to do within the Keswick area but if you want a change of scene then Cockermouth, childhood home to Wordsworth, is an easy drive or continue on to the coast. A more adventurous drive can take you over one of the rugged mountain passes to Buttermere.
As a base for exploring the area, you cannot beat this cottage and if you are looking for accommodation with plenty of cosy character but with all modern comforts, then you have found the right place right here.
The cottage was built by Jennings Brewery in 1893 to house workers at the pub, though the downstairs rooms may well have older roots as indicated by the thick walls and traditional slate floor in the kitchen. The house has beautifully combines traditional charm with modern comfort. It feels homely, cosy and you will want to spend time here just relaxing in lovely surroundings.
The back door leads into a porch area which also functions as the utility room. This handy space has a tiled floor with plenty of room for muddy boots. This space also benefits from a number of hooks for coats above the radiator, perfect for drying wet waterproofs, and for cosy warm coats on a cold winter's day! Both a washing machine and tumble dryer can be found in here should you need them.
Just to the left off the hall is a fully tiled downstairs shower room with heated towel rail and, on the right, a separate WC. You will come to the dining room on the right.
The dining room can be found on your right. The solid wood table and four chairs stand on a tiled floor. Whilst you enjoy your meal, you can also enjoy the view of Skiddaw and Carl Side out of the window. An attractive painted dresser contains spare glasses and crockery and a library of local interest books and in the cupboards underneath you will find a selection of games and jigsaws. You can also access the parking area and yard through a side door out of this room.
At the end of the hallway are two steps down to the kitchen with a fantastic old slate floor. The fitted kitchen contains a dishwasher, electric oven and hob, a Dolce Gusto coffee machine, fridge freezer, microwave oven, kettle and four-slice toaster. The kitchen window looks out over the yard and trees at the back of the cottage.
To the left of the kitchen is the cosy living room; with amazing feature brick and stone fireplace and early Victorian red and black chequerboard tiles on the floor, this room oozes character. A three-seater sofa and two chairs surround the fireplace, perfect for cosy evenings in around the wood burner. Just because the surroundings are traditional does not mean there are no 21st-century technology to take advantage of though. There is a Smart TV and DVD player. A rug by the fire and a set of tables complete the furniture in this snug sitting room.
The staircase, typical to cottages of this style, is fairly steep but does have a handrail. The stairs lead up from behind a door in the kitchen; beautifully carpeted with local Herdwick wool carpet, they curve right round on themselves up to a small landing. On the right is the large family bathroom complete with beautiful roll-top bath and spacious shower cubicle; this is a perfect room for relaxing in. The lights on the mirror come on with a wave of the hand and there is a heated towel rail for a snuggly warm towel when you finally decide to get out of the bath after a long soak.
Next to the bathroom is the master bedroom. There is a king-size bed and matching cedar wardrobe, chest of drawers and bedside tables; this room feels spacious, luxurious and calm. Dual-aspect windows give lovely views out to Skiddaw and Carl Side with glimpses of Latrigg through the trees, and round to Clough Head and the slopes of Walla Crag.
Off the left of the landing is the twin bedroom, also dual aspect with views up to Skiddaw and through the trees to Latrigg. There is an oak wardrobe and bedside tables for storage and as well as the Herdwick carpet on the floor.
Outside, there is a gravelled patio area by the back door - the perfect place to enjoy the view up to Skiddaw with your morning cuppa. There is also designated parking for one car next to the cottage, a real bonus so close to the centre of Keswick.