An exquisite, four-bedroom country home, approximately 0.5 miles from the village of Braithwaite and 3 miles from Keswick, perfect for walking, cycling and family activities.
Refurbished to a very high standard and boasting stunning views of mighty Skiddaw, England's fourth highest mountain, this property is an indulgent gem of a cottage nestled at the mouth of Newlands Valley just outside the beautiful Lakeland village of Braithwaite. Sleeping eight people in four elegant and well-appointed bedrooms this really is a cottage you'll want to visit time and time Again. It's a perfect place for a gathering of family or friends whether you want to have a peaceful retreat from the bustle of 21st-century life or to be within easy distance of the vibrant Lake District town of Keswick. It's been decorated in a delightfully subtle colour scheme with gorgeous furniture making it a perfect place to indulge in long leisurely meals around the lovely dining table or curl up with a good book in one of the deep sofas.
Braithwaite is a marvellous little village at the foot of Whinlatter Forest Park and close to the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake. Perfectly situated for making the most of the fell walking in the area you can walk up Catbells, Barrow or Causey Pike straight from the cottage. Alternatively just below the garden lies a wonderful bridleway following the glistening Newlands Beck which you can take an easy stroll along to the campsite cafe or beyond to the village itself. Little Braithwaite Farmhouse lies just over half a mile from the centre of Braithwaite which boasts three pubs and a restaurant serving good food and local real ales, it also has a much-loved shop which is a hub for village life. Whinlatter Forest is an absolute must for visitors with miles of cycling and walking tracks, an excellent cafe, imaginative playpark and a 'Go-Ape' high ropes course which could see you whooping through the forest canopy on a zip wire!
This cottage is also ideally placed to explore a wider area. The Newlands Valley is one of the most peaceful and picturesque in the Lakes, flanked by high mountains with a quiet road that snakes over to the stunning lakes at Buttermere and Crummock. For the road cyclists among you who enjoy a challenge, the Newlands Pass and nearby Whinlatter and Honister Passes feature prominently in many classic cycling events. If you'd rather explore the more bustling side of Lake District life then you are just over three miles from Keswick, the Lake District's adventure capital which is also a charming market town with its own theatre and cinema. Even with so much to do you might find it a struggle to tear yourself away from this luxurious cottage and its wonderful views.
Sleeping up to eight people in four beautifully decorated bedrooms it makes an ideal house for a family or gathering of friends.
On arrival at the property guests enter via the back door from the driveway. Here you'll find a substantial utility room with washing machine, tumble dryer, microwave, under counter fridge and freezer and bags of space for pooches to sleep or to leave all the muddy boots you're likely to use during your Lake District adventures.
Through from here you enter the stunning kitchen/dining room. This gorgeous space has been designed with a lovely subtle colour scheme, wooden floors and benefits from a large sash window overlooking the rear garden area. It's extremely well equipped for the chefs among you with all the crockery and utensils you're likely to need for your stay, under counter fridge and dishwasher, built-in raised double oven, five ceramic hobs and marvellous island unit and breakfast bar for sociable food preparation. Looking through to the dining area there is a lovely dresser, large oak dining table and upholstered dining chairs, it also has two lovely deep armchairs for relaxing in as the family bustles about you.
Moving across the wide hallway you come to the main living area and what a wonderful cosy room to spend the evening it is. It has a wood burner and two deep comfy sofas for snuggling up and a large Smart TV for entertainment. There is a further living room, or rather snug, further along the hall with another Smart TV and comfy sofa. Perfect for children and teens, also meaning no argument over the remote control!
Moving up the sweeping corner staircase you arrive at a wide landing from which you access all the bedrooms and family bathroom. The first bedroom to the right reveals the first of the stunning super-king-size beds which all have luxurious upholstered headboards. This first room also has a large wardrobe, dresser, a gorgeous en-suite shower room with a large walk-in shower enclosure and a lovely view to the fields at the rear of the house. The next room on the right also boasts an en-suite shower room. This is a wonderful light airy haven of a room with beautifully ornate French-style furniture and a window seat for looking out on the glorious view over forests, fells and Skiddaw itself.
Directly ahead from the top of the staircase is the family bathroom, another luxuriously refurbished space with an shower over the bath, sink and WC. The third bedroom boasts another super king bed and has a wonderful french feel thanks to its well chosen furniture. It has a large wardrobe, dressing table and drawers and a delightful view of tree covered Swinside Fell. Finally you come the the twin room which enjoys a lovely view of the fields to the rear, particularly magical when the spring lambs are gamboling about in there!
Moving outside the house there is a spacious gravel area and grass bank to the rear and a wonderful area to the front of the house with a lawn and seating to soak up that incredible panorama of Skiddaw. Alternatively you can look down at Newlands Beck and bridleway which, with just a wee potter outside the garden gate, younger visitors will love for paddling, stone throwing and general messing about.
It's a stunning cottage both inside and out and the perfect place to enjoy a morning cuppa or an evening glass of wine enjoying the tranquillity and beauty of your surroundings.