This impressive farmhouse is brimming with old-world charm, providing a base for eight guests to explore ancient woodland, majestic mountain ranges and the glacial lakes of Bassenthwaite and Derwentwater.
This property sits in an enviably tranquil setting at the top of a quiet lane against the backdrop of Whinlatter Forest. It benefits from spectacular views across the valley towards Skiddaw and Keswick. The farmhouse sleeps eight people comfortably in four bedrooms, two of which are en-suite. Recently renovated to a high standard this listed house provides characterful self-catering accommodation. The owner’s sympathetic restoration retains original features, including beams and staircases, contrasted by contemporary stylish bathrooms and a bespoke kitchen.
Located in Thornthwaite, a peaceful Lakeland village west of Keswick, the property is on the edge of Whinlatter Forest Park famous for its mountain bike routes, family cycling and walking, a Go Ape course and organised activities all year round. A public bridleway passes by allowing access to the tracks and trails right from the door. Bassenthwaite Lake is also a short walk away where, from May to September, visitors can see wild ospreys raise their young either at the lake or via video link from the visitor centre.
Just half a mile away is the small village of Braithwaite. The village has two good pubs and two hotels that welcome non-residents and a well-stocked village shop. It is located at the foot of Whinlatter Pass and the Coledale Horseshoe – a superb group of fells including Grisedale Pike, Causey Pike and Barrow.
An oak porch opens directly into a large farmhouse kitchen. The kitchen is an ideal spot for entertaining. It features original slate floors, underfloor heating, stone work surfaces, old ships beams, a large farmhouse table and 18th-century settle.
The kitchen is equipped with high-quality modern equipment including a double oven, induction hob, integrated fridge and dishwasher. Bespoke kitchen units provide ample storage space. The double-height utility room off the kitchen has a slate floor, butlers sink, ample coat hooks, a washer, dryer and freezer. There is an iron and ironing board available for guest use in the utility room. A large bench and underfloor heating makes it a great place to keep boots, outdoor gear or even wet dogs! Outside there is a tap.
The sitting room is a warm, welcoming space fitted with a wood burner, comfortable seating, TV and the beautiful original slate floor. There is a separate cosy snug providing a lounge area complete with wood burner, oak floor, TV with DVD and desk area. On the ground floor there is also a double-height bathroom converted from the old larder. Original meat hooks still hang from the ceiling! The bathroom features a freestanding contemporary bath, WC, heated towel rail and granite surfaces.
A wide staircase leads to the first floor. There are turns on the stairs and steps off the staircase leading to four bedrooms. The master bedroom has an en-suite bathroom with a rain head shower, WC and heated towel rail. The bedroom boasts a king-size bed and triple-aspect windows taking in the view to Skiddaw across the valley. During the summer you can watch the swifts feeding their young from the adjacent barn all from the comfort of the bed. There is a further double bedroom with en-suite shower room featuring a rain head shower. Additionally there is a twin bedroom that can be made up as super-king upon request. The fourth bedroom is also a twin and contains an adult-size bunk, the top of which can be used for an additional child if required. Please notify us on booking if you require this further child’s single bed to be made up (though please note there is only seating for eight people in the lounge and dining room).
Outside, is a fully enclosed lawned garden to the front of the property. To the rear there is a large patio with garden seating and a built-in BBQ. There are fields to the front and rear of the cottage providing a peaceful environment with stunning views. Whinlatter Forest can be directly accessed from the property as there is a public right of way to the front of the farmhouse for walkers and cyclists.