This 17th-century cottage is steeped in history and character, and neighbours the owner’s farm near the pretty hamlet of Pardshaw in Cumbria, just 12 miles from the Solway Firth.
Built in 1662 by the Robinsons of Loweswater, this lovely holiday property is a traditional whitewashed Lakeland cottage set in the peaceful hamlet of Pardshaw. Its comfort is not to be found in modernity, but in traditional architecture, furnishing and decor; with an outlook to its picturesque lawned garden planted with charming trees, shrubs and areas of bluebells. The cottage sleeps up to six people across three bedrooms and welcomes two well-behaved dogs.
The owner of the cottage is the farmer of the adjacent Waites Farm, who welcomes guests to walk on their land and visit the farmyard to meet their milking cows and Suffolk cross-breed and Greyface sheep. In fact, the lovely owners are happy to taxi guests to and from the two local pubs if desired. Each of the pubs offer good local ales and homemade dishes.
The property is around a 5-mile walk or drive to Loweswater and the famous Kirkstile Inn. Its nearest town is Cockermouth; a lively Georgian town with a variety of boutiques, cultural attractions, supermarkets, pubs, cafes and restaurants too. The cottage is also a great base for exploring the main western Lake District locations including Crummock Water, Loweswater and Buttermere. These beautiful, unspoilt areas are peaceful and picturesque with lots of opportunities for walking and cycling. You can also drive to the coast within 20 minutes and enjoy the harbour at Whitehaven and the sands of the Solway Firth.
The interior rooms are spacious and many have double aspect views. The kitchen features a dining table seating up to six people, electric oven and hob, microwave, dishwasher, freestanding fridge/freezer and plenty of storage space. There is a WC set off from the kitchen, which contains a washing machine and tumble dryer. Views are of the courtyard to the front and lawned garden to the rear. The fabulously warped oak beams in the kitchen belie the cottage's 350 year history.
The living room is reached via the dining room, which contains a G-Plan dining table for six people and a selection of period furnishings. A tall window overlooking the garden bathes the dining room in natural light. The living room itself features an open fire, a three-seater settee with two matching armchairs, a Smart TV and DVD player and a selection of books. The French doors open to the picturesque garden beyond.
Upstairs, are the three bedrooms and bathroom. The master bedroom is spacious and comprises a king-size bed, enormous wardrobe and cupboard space, a chest of drawers, armchair and en-suite bathroom. It's views are over the garden towards the Loweswater Fells. The en-suite contains an shower over the bath, WC and wash basin.
The two twin bedrooms sit at the front of the house and look over the front courtyard and quiet lane beyond. Each has a wardrobe and chest of drawers. The bathroom on the first floor contains a walk-in shower, WC and wash basin.
The comfort of the cottage is supplemented in the warmer months by the scenic garden outside. Both front and rear gardens are fully enclosed (although a determined dog may discover a way out). At least three cars can park in the front gravelled area. There is a large lawn with charming planted borders in the garden behind the house and an old kitchen garden (not suitable for young children) behind the main garden. The view from the kitchen garden is of Melbreak and the Loweswater Fells.