Four guests are welcome at this spacious, country-style cottage situated in the vibrant village of Caldbeck, close to walking routes and the many sights of the Lake District.
This cottage is tucked away right in the heart of Caldbeck at the back of The Old Rectory. Sleeping four people in two bedrooms, this is a deceptively spacious cottage full of period character. The beautiful living room has a wood burner for cosy winter evenings in and lovely views over the garden for sunny summer days. The bedrooms are both light and bright and have spacious en-suite bathrooms - perfect for two couples holidaying together. Outside, the enclosed private garden is a calm and sheltered spot to relax and enjoy the afternoon sun.
Surrounded by beautifully kept gardens, fields, a churchyard and the Cald Beck, the cottage is just a 2-minute stroll from the centre of the village. Even with that proximity, the main soundtrack is peace, quiet and birdsong. Caldbeck is a pretty little village named after the beck running through it. For food, there are two cafes and a pub to choose from, or you can head to the excellent village shop instead. The historic St Kentigern's Church is just next door and has the grave of John Peel in the churchyard whilst a short walk to the Howk reveals some of the industrial history of the village. There are numerous walks heading off in all directions across the fields and just a mile away is the hamlet of Nether Row with access to the fells and High Pike.
The cottage is perfectly placed for exploring the Solway Coast and Hadrian's Wall country as well as the rest of the northern Lake District. The beautiful and compact city of Carlisle is just a short drive away; wander around the shops, admire the cathedral, investigate the castle and amble beside the River Eden. East of Carlisle follow Hadrian's Wall through wild and rugged countryside to discover fascinating Roman remains or head west to the wide open spaces of the Solway which are full of wildlife. Of course the peaceful rolling northern fells are yours to explore and the vibrant, bustling market town of Keswick can be reached in 30 minutes' drive offering a range of outdoor activities, plus a cinema, the popular Theatre by the Lake, museums, cafes, pubs and shops.
Approached down a long gravel drive and surrounded by glorious well kept gardens, the Grade II-listed Old Rectory is a very grand and beautiful house built in 1785 to serve neighbouring St Kentigern's Church. This cottage housed the gardener, so is not as grand but it is spacious, homely and a bit of a tardis, it also enjoys the same wonderful gardens and views as the main house. From the parking area a gravel path leads you to the left of the main house and through an archway, immediately to the right the garden gate in the wall opens onto the private enclosed garden. At the far end of the garden are four steps leading up to the front door which opens into a useful porch area with plenty of room for bags and boots.
The next doorway opens into a well proportioned living room. Dual aspect, square and with high ceilings it is light and bright yet also cosy, a room in which to feel instantly relaxed and comfortable. A two-seater sofa and two armchairs face the traditional fireplace with sandstone hearth and painted mantlepiece which contains a wood burner with logs supplied, perfect for the longer winter evenings. There is something very calming about this period room where everything fits in just right; there are plenty of side-tables for resting a cuppa or a glass of wine while you kick back with a book, or take in a film on the TV with DVD in the corner. The solid wooden dresser at the back of the room contains a range of local information leaflets and local interest books, whilst the fold down writing desk will entice everyone to want to write postcards home and has a variety of traditional toys and games in the drawers below. During the day the room is flooded with light from the large windows overlooking the gardens to the village, fields and woods beyond, in the evening draw the curtains, switch on the lamps, choose some tracks for the stereo (CD/MP3), light the wood burner and gather round for a board game or two: timeless fun.
A door on the far side of the living room leads into the hallway and straight ahead is the spacious kitchen. Well designed with smart fitted units offering loads of storage, this country kitchen is a pleasure to use; all the mod cons are provided with a large fridge/freezer, electric oven and hob, dishwasher and microwave. The dining table in the corner seats four, ideal for sociable meals in. There will be plenty of volunteers for doing the washing up as the sink is in front of the window and makes the most of the picture postcard outlook of the church.
To the left off the hallway is the ground floor, king-size bedroom; a lovely light room looking out over the immaculate vegetable garden to the quintessential country views beyond. There is plenty of storage in the large fitted wardrobe with shelving, drawers and hanging space, useful lamps on the bedside tables are joined by a DAB radio and there are also two chairs. Paintings of local scenes adorn the walls. The spacious half-panelled en-suite is beautifully done and has a bath with shower attachment, heated towel radiator, stool and shelving. The window overlooks the church.
Following the hallway back towards the right a ramp up a couple of steps passes a very well stocked bookshelf with a wide choice of both fiction and non-fiction titles and a wonderful photo of trail hounds which will make you smile. To the left is a useful utility room with washing machine, Belfast sink and all the other cleaning kit, there is also a back door out to the side of the house. Next door is a wet room shower and toilet suitable for less able guests.
The stairs lead up and round to the first floor, where the bathroom is straight ahead and the twin bedroom up three more steps on the left, a door on the landing effectively makes this into an en-suite if required. The half-panelled bathroom has a bath with shower attachment, heated towel radiator and a chair, the window looks out over the roof to fields and woods. The twin bedroom is a big dual aspect room, lovely and light with beautiful views. There is Japanese inspired artwork and pretty fans in frames on the wall plus solid traditional furniture; a dressing table with mirror and a cupboard with hanging space and drawers. Two chairs and a day-bed offer room to relax during the day to take in the peace and quiet. The views from this room are stunning with a glimpse of the fells to the south and wide views of the woods and fields over the village, you can also see Cald Beck babbling past just outside the garden.
The enclosed private garden outside the front door is a charming and sheltered little sun trap. Facing west, it enjoys the afternoon and evening sun - perfect for sitting out at the table and chairs with a cuppa or a glass of your favourite treat. The traditional cobbles and flagstones are complemented by the old stone trough now filled with plants, climbers round the walls and pretty flower beds. The owners of the cottage are keen gardeners and keep the garden, which wraps right around the house, looking amazing. You are welcome to explore and spend time in the wider garden if you wish to, an opportunity not to be missed. This cottage is a real gem; comfortable, homely and spacious with lovely views, perfect for a relaxing holiday in the centre of a pretty village. You’ll be just 200 metres from the nearest pub. Off road parking for two cars is available.