Escape to the Lake District National Park with this delightful former farmhouse with breath-taking views and wonderful walks up Blencathra and Skiddaw from the doorstep.
This traditional Lakeland farmhouse sits nestled on the southern slopes of Blencathra in a quiet rural setting just outside the village of Threlkeld. The location in the heart of the Lake District National Park is ideal for keen walkers and cyclists, though the property also makes an excellent base for those who wish to simply relax and enjoy the stunning views and local wildlife. Lambs graze in the field behind Ings and the large south facing garden is frequented by red squirrels and a wide variety of bird life. The property is reached up a tree lined track through a five-barred gate from the lane.
It was originally refurbished from an 18th-century farm house and adjoining barn by the actor and Oscar winning director Colin Welland (Chariots of Fire, Z-Cars, Kes); locals inform us that he used to proudly display his Oscar in the kitchen window! Whilst thoroughly modernising the property, he retained many of the traditional features and the accommodation is now a cosy farmhouse with slate floors, wooden beams and shutters and two wood burners. The property is an ideal holiday destination for a large or extended family, though also perfect for two families wishing to holiday together or several couples / singles. It is particularly spacious, with two lounges (upstairs and downstairs) - ideal for families with children of different ages or where there are differences in film choices for the evening!
The views are simply spectacular! To the rear of the property the land rises steeply to the summit of Blencathra. To the front, the large south-facing garden has picnic tables and sweeping views down over St Johns in the Vale; the summit of Helvellyn can be seen on a clear day. Wildlife abounds - a small investment in food for the birds and red squirrels reaps great rewards.
The cottage is situated just to the west of the village of Threlkeld, which boasts two popular pubs serving excellent food, both of which are within easy walking distance (0.9 miles) of the property. The bustling market town of Keswick, on the shores of beautiful Derwentwater, with its shops, restaurants, theatre, cinema and other amenities is only 4 miles away and can even be accessed on foot or by bike along the newly reopened Keswick to Threlkeld railway path, a sheltered riverside family- friendly route. Walking enthusiasts can scale the summit of Blencathra and Skiddaw directly from the kitchen door, which also provides access to a footpath gently linking Threlkeld with the hamlet of Wescoe (WH Auden lived and wrote here). High Rigg provides a delightful family alternative, meandering along a low ridge with high fells to either side or a short drive away, younger walkers can proudly scramble to the summit of Catbells. The possibilities are endless. There are plenty of opportunities for mountain bikers in the immediate locality, including the Glendaraterra Valley leading to the back of Skiddaw, and the Old Coach Road. The single-track routes of the trail centre at Whinatter forest are reached by a short car journey. Road cyclists fancying a quick workout before breakfast can cycle up to Castlerigg Stone Circle and enjoy the panoramic views before putting the bacon on! The cottage lies virtually directly on the Coast to Coast cycle route.
The cottage is ideally situated not only for Derwentwater and Ullswater, but for striking west to Buttermere and Loweswater and south, following a beautiful route through St John’s in the Vale and along the shores of Thirlmere to Grasmere and Ambleside. Whether it’s high adventure or a relaxing break that you seek, this cottage can cater for you, and from the comfort of the living room, the skyscape and dramatic changes in light on Castle Rock to the south, and Blencathra summit to the rear , will have you reaching for your camera.
Leave muddy boots and wet coats in the covered porch or alternatively in the adjacent drying room containing a washing machine, tumbler dryer and under the counter freezer. Then continue into the modern country-style breakfast kitchen with beautiful granite worktops. Well-equipped with a Range-style electric oven and gas hobs, handy microwave, two fridges and separate pantry, the chefs in the group are sure to love cooking up a feast in here. The useful dishwasher means there'll be no fighting over who has to do the washing up - though with the view of Blencathra from the kitchen sink, maybe you won't mind! Enjoy your morning coffee at the dining table in here (comfortably seats five adults or seven children), or pull up a seat and keep the cook company. Down three steps from the kitchen is the lovely dining room; gather round the large ten-seater dining table and compare notes on the day's events over a hearty homecooked meal. The south facing view from the window, framed by wooden shutters and a charming window seat, are sure to help inspire tomorrow's adventures.
A stone step from the dining room leads into a fantastic master bedroom suite with a feature king-size wooden bed, handy wardrobe and chest of drawers for storage. Pull back the curtains and open the shutters in the morning and the view over the garden and beyond will take your breath away. You can even enjoy it from the comfort of your bed. The fantastic, modern adjoining en-suite shower room features WC, wash basin, heated towel-rail and large shower cubicle. Also on the ground floor (on the same level as the kitchen) is a delightful twin room with an original feature fireplace and a view onto the slopes of Blencathra, as well as storage in the form of a wardrobe and separate chest of drawers.
Back up through the kitchen and you will find, on the same level a cosy downstairs lounge with TV, garden access and a beautiful wood burner. By day you can enjoy watching the varied bird life and at night nurse a glass of wine and watch the dancing flames.
Continuing on the same level the adjoining bedroom has twin beds, wardrobe and chest of drawers and a lovely feature fireplace. Open the shutters here and your gaze may be met by a nosy lamb. Look beyond and Blencathra towers majestically, often with a dusting of snow in the winter months.
Onwards and upwards to the first floor. On the right the family bathroom features a WC and wash basin, a spacious shower cubicle and panelled bath for a long hot soak. Upstairs you will also find the remaining three bedrooms. There’s a cosy twin room with a handy small chest of drawers for storage, and a delightful single with built-in cupboards. Both these bedrooms have fantastic south-facing views towards St Johns in the Vale, High Rigg and Clough Head. A large landing cupboard with hanging space provides additional storage. The pretty double bedroom faces the other way and has atmospheric views up the slopes of mighty Blencathra. This room also has a useful wardrobe and chest of drawers
Down three steps from the landing is the piece de resistance, a large high- ceilinged lounge, with views on both sides ,easily large enough to accommodate all nine guests, with quirky wood burner and double doors to an outside terrace overlooking Blencathra. Enjoy watching a film on the large TV, or maybe play some party games. There is a wall of bookshelves filled with books and DVDs, a selection of toys and games and even a dressing up box. Come rain or shine you will not be bored at this cottage.
The outside space on offer certainly matches up to what’s inside. The large garden is sure to delight children and adults alike. A wooden framed swing is a delightful addition and there are picnic benches, perfect for al fresco dining with a stunning view. There is a fantastic large area of grass, ideal for a game of catch or just a spot of sunbathing - weather permitting of course! To the side is a wilder part of the garden with mature trees, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the great variety of birds and wildlife who also like to pay the cottage a visit. There is ample parking for five or six cars and a handy wooden shed where you can store bikes if you prefer to explore on two wheels (please bring your own bike locks as the shed is not locked).