This elegant cottage is studded within the peaceful village of Braithwaite, close to the beautiful shores of Bassenthwaite Lake and Derwentwater, a haven for walkers and cyclists alike.
“For a man trying to get a persistent worry out of his mind, the top of Haystacks is a wonderful cure.” Alfred Wainwright is, of course, speaking of his favourite Lakeland fell after which this cottage has been named. The retro-styled cottage that sleeps up to six people is indeed a “wonderful cure” if you are looking to escape from the pressures of daily life and to immerse yourself in the nature and activities of the Lake District.
Braithwaite is ideally situated for exploring the rivers and lakes. Whether it be the mountainous walks up the Coledale Fells, gentle strolls around Bassenthwaite or Derwentwater or paddling and picnicking in the Newlands Valley, all are easily reached from the village. Rising above the village is the mountainous Whinlatter Forest with numerous mountain bike trails, walking trails, a play trail and the Go Ape high rope course. The shop and cafe in the visitor centre are well worth visiting as is the information display and webcam of the Osprey nesting site overlooking Bassenthwaite. Braithwaite village has three pubs, all serving food and a well-stocked licensed village shop with deli, groceries and newspapers
The town of Keswick is within walking distance or a 5-minute drive and has a tourist information centre, numerous outdoor and independent shops, theatre, cinema, pubs and restaurants offering a wide range of differing cuisines.
The cottage can be accessed either via the front door or back door via the garden gate. The front door opens into a stair well (leave your wellies and coats here) and the living room. The living room has two three-seater sofas and a wood burner with a hearth made of local slate. The TV has access to Netflix for those guests with a Netflix account and Wi-Fi is available throughout the house and there is an iPod docking station. There is a storage/utility cupboard underneath the stairs.
Leading through from the living room is a well-appointed kitchen bathed in natural light. Its oak worktops and ceramic basin exude quality, while the under counter fridge, freezer, dishwasher and washing machine, electric oven with ceramic hob, microwave and DAB radio mean that the kitchen is well appointed and practical. The kitchen table seats six people and looks onto the back garden through a set of glass French doors, through which birds can be seen at their feeders. There is another single door in the kitchen that also leads out to the garden at the side of the house.
A flight of stairs leads to the landing off which are the three bedrooms and the bathroom. The bedroom containing the super-king-size bed (which can be split into a twin upon request) looks out over the cottage's own back garden and other neighbouring picturesque gardens. There is a hanging rail and hooks for clothes, a chest of drawers and two bedside cabinets for storage and a skylight above the bed. The next bedroom contains a roll-top king-size bed with the same view as the previous room. Storage includes a built-in wardrobe with cupboards above and below, a chest of drawers and two bedside cabinets. The third bedroom overlooks the front of the property and contains a set of bunk beds. A fitted alcove with a hanging rail and a shelf serve as a wardrobe and a chest of drawers with mirror completes the room.
The bathroom boasts a large walk-in power shower that has a bench at one end. It is accompanied by two heated towel rails, WC, bathroom cabinet and extractor fan. The bathroom also has a skylight which gives it an airy feel.
Returning downstairs, the garden can be accessed either via one of two doors in the kitchen or the front gate. The L-shaped garden is grassed, has attractive planted borders and an array of bird feeders. A mosaiced table set seats up to four people and a large bench is also located alongside the cottage. The garden shed is out of sight around the corner and can store two or three bikes. There is a BBQ available for those able to take advantage of this 'sun trap' in the summer months.