A charming, 16th-century Lakeland home for six, tucked down a quiet lane, with glorious views, an abundance of original features and delightful, wooded gardens.
Does the idea of an indulgent, historical gem of a cottage, nestled along its own lane, on the edge of woodland at the foot of three magnificent valleys appeal to you? Well if so this cottage could be everything you're looking for. Situated at the edge of the Eskdale, Miterdale and Wasdale valleys, this glorious cottage is the perfect place for a family or group of friends to escape the bustle of 21st century life and truly relax. Sleeping six people in three beautifully appointed bedrooms and offering simply staggering views of the surrounding countryside, it's a welcoming and magical world of low beams, undulating floorboards nooks and crannies that will cast a spell over its visitors.
Eskdale is a tranquil and much loved western Lake District valley which offers glorious cycling opportunites and walking for all abilities. Not only this but it boasts five excellent pubs, a beer festival, ancient Roman history and, last but not least, the wonderful La'al Ratty; a narrow gauge steam railway gently pottering up to the mighty fells from the coastal village of Ravenglass. The valley has a character all of its own and has a world of interest to explore from paddling in the crystal-clear River Esk to finding hidden Japanese gardens and taking in the views from a 2,000-year-old Roman Fort. The majestic Wasdale Valley in the western Lake District is justifiably famous for many reasons. It is the proud home to England's deepest lake, highest mountain, smallest church and even the competition for the World's Biggest Liar! The view from the foot of the lake was also voted Britain's Favourite View. Despite this fame it remains a wonderfully tranquil, unspoiled and timeless place with an atmosphere all of its own. Why not walk straight from the house over Irton Pike to the peaks of the Screes, the mighty wall of crag and loose rocks which runs the length of the lake?
Alternatively guests might just be happy to close the gate behind them and just enjoy their own extensive grounds. With gardens to all sides capturing every drop of sunlight the day has to offer, you could enjoy a sunny morning cuppa looking at Birker and Muncaster Fell or perhaps a sunset evening meal or glass of wine while looking over rolling fields to Irton Pike. On the other hand, find a comfy spot and sit looking over the rear garden where a multitude of birds visit. However you choose to spend your visit, this elegant, magical and welcoming place is sure to be somewhere you'll want to visit time and time Again.
The 16th-century cottage is accessed by a winding private lane on which care should be taken especially in vehicles with a low clearance. Once through the gates guests enter their own peaceful world - if you can tear yourself away from the beautiful view, open the door into the stone-flagged porch-way with plenty of space for hanging coats and leaving muddy boots after your Lake District adventures. Moving through the wooden latched door you enter the gorgeous living room. With its low beams, wooden pillars, stone fireplace with wood burner and deep plush sofas it's a warm and inviting place to relax and enjoy the peace or alternatively curl up in front of the SkyTV with DVD. There is also a CD player available. There's even a built-in corner bench next to the fireplace with cosy cushions which just cries out to be used for bedtime stories.
Just off the living room is the beautiful, light dining room with its huge dining table and upholstered chairs, perfect for gathering all the family for meals and comfy enough to have long post-dinner chats planning your adventures. It boasts two huge windows making the most of its glorious views, and if you're lucky, you'll be graced with a visit from one of the local adorable red squirrels who happily enjoy their meals right outside the window! Why not curl up with a good book in the window seat and keep watch?
Moving back through the living room to the lovely farmhouse kitchen. Guests will find it very well-equipped with a large range-style fan oven with halogen hobs, dishwasher and all the crockery and utensils you're likely to need housed in a wonderful traditional wooden dresser. The room has skylights and low-level windows looking into the woodland at the rear of the house, just ideal for spotting visiting deer and squirrels over your morning cuppa! Off the kitchen is a handy utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer.
From the kitchen you'll find a shower room and beyond this the newer extension to the house where the downstairs, king-size bedroom is. This is a wonderful peaceful space with a fairytale iron bedstead, its own sofa, wardrobe, television and dual aspect windows. What better way to start the day than furnishing yourself with a cuppa, heading back to bed and looking out through the wide windows at the great view? Glorious stuff. The shower room has a lovely corner enclosure with Victorian-style fixtures. At this end of the house there is another slate floored porch with doors to the front and rear of the house and yet more storage for coats and shoes. This is an ideal space for members of your party with reduced mobility as, aside from the two small steps down into the bedroom, the rest of the ground floor is on one level.
Moving back through to the original part of the house, take the latched door off the living room to the bathroom and staircase. Mind your head as you go as beyond here as you really enter the characterful heart of the house. Two stone steps take you down to the gorgeous beamed Victorian bathroom. It has a traditional suite and a stunning high-backed, claw-foot bath with shower attachment in which you can soak away aching muscles from your outdoor exertions! Once Again mind your head as you ascend the wooden corner staircase which brings you out onto the landing. From here you'll find the large twin room, delightfully furnished with antique dressers and wardrobe and with glorious views out onto Irton Pike. This room has zip-and-link beds which can be made into a super-king-size bed should your party require it (please notify us on booking if require this).
Lastly you reach the master bedroom, and what a calm and indulgent haven of a room it is. Furnished with elegant French-style furniture it has an ornate king-size bedstead, a large built-in wardrobe and an en-suite WC and wash basin. Added to this the window affords guests a glorious panorama of rolling fields to Muncaster Fell and Irton Pike.
Moving outside the property guests will find a magical garden of nooks and crannies to explore as well as wide open vistas taking in every angle of its spectacular setting. To the rear of the house is a substantial summer house boasting games tables, a darts board, a veranda and even its own bar! It's a truly wonderful space for the younger members of your party to commandeer as their own. To the front of the house there are lawns, and multi-level patios with outdoor dining facilities offering guests somewhere to sit and enjoy every drop of daylight available, whether it be for a sunrise cuppa or a sunset glass of wine. This is truly a spellbinding world that you'll be very reluctant to leave.