Beautiful, traditional cottage in the Lakeland village of Grasmere, with its independent shops and eateries, perfect for walks by the lake, hiring boats and days out in Ambleside.
Built around 1705 (and at one time mortgaged by Beatrix Potter's husband, William Heelis), this cottage is a traditional rural dwelling in the idyllic village of Grasmere. It sleeps up to four people across two bedrooms, both of which are en-suite. Guests may light the wood burner in the open-plan living, dining and kitchen area on arrival in the cold, winter months, or throw open the doors to the pretty four-tiered garden during the summer. The cottage retains elements of the 18th century rural lifestyle: a refurbished three-seater composting WC in the garden's out-house. For modern guests, two indoor WCs are available...!
Situated on a quiet lane en route to Wordworth's former home at Allan Bank in the pretty village of Grasmere, this cottage is convenient to local amenities and attractions. Grasmere is a most attractive Lake District village with a stunning mountain backdrop and lots to explore. There are a good selection of pubs, cafes and restaurants and lots of charming little gift shops, interesting art galleries and the world famous gingerbread shop in Grasmere.
Nestled right in the heart of the Lake District it offers fantastic walking opportunities. Helm Crag (1.5 hours to the summit), Silver Howe (1.5 hours to the summit) and Easedale Tarn (1 hour) are all very accessible walks that can be easily managed from the cottage's doorstep. There is plenty to offer the casual walker, whilst also keeping the more serious hiker fully entertained. From strolls along the Coffin Route to Ambleside to full-day hikes around the Fairfield Horseshoe, there is something for everyone. The cycle path leads you from Grasmere to Ambleside via Rydal. A short meander out of the village brings you to Faeryland on the shores of Grasmere where you can hire rowing boats or simply sit back and drink in the views whilst sampling their tea and cakes.
This cottage is not suitable for children aged under 12 years old.
In this traditional rural 18th-century cottage, a family would once have lived upstairs while their livestock remained in the safe confines of the ground floor area. Today, the cottage makes for a cozy hideaway from wintery weather or a carefree retreat from which to throw open the doors to the garden in the heat of summer.
The door to the cottage opens directly into the open-plan living room, kitchen and dining area which features the original low ceiling beams, so mind your head! The living room has a warm and homely feel, with a four-seater settee and club armchair surrounding the wood burner, for which one bag of logs is provided by the owner. A Smart TV including a DVD player provides alternative viewing to the sheep grazing in the pasture across the lane.
The kitchen has been refurbished using natural material, such as a heavy slate worktop and oak cupboards and the original 18th century large slate flagstones on the floor. The kitchen features an electric oven, gas hob, dishwasher and a tall fridge/freezer. For all the modern refurbishment, the buckled oak beams and feature sections of bare stone wall remind guests of the history of the cottage and add a sense of character and charm.
A microwave and washer/dryer are available for use in the utility room, where there is also space to store muddy boots and jackets.
Upstairs, the master bedroom features a king-size bed, storage and a TV, as well as an en-suite bathroom containing a luxury rainfall shower over the freestanding bath, towel rail and WC. Views from the bedroom look towards Loughrigg Fell past the pasture and the inn at Grasmere, as well as over the cottage's garden; a view also available to bathers in the en-suite.
The second bedroom plays host to twin single beds, wardrobe and TV with views towards Loughrigg Fell. Its en-suite contains a walk-in rainfall shower, heated towel rail, WC and basin.
Outside, is a well thought-out garden spread across four tiers, some of which are lawned and others paved with slate. An iron garden table and six chairs offer views of the surrounding mountainscape, as well as the many varieties of tits, nuthatches and red squirrels that eat from the bird feeders. A curious point of interest of the cottage is that the original three-seater WC has been restored as a composting toilet, to show how it would have looked. Please note, it is not suitable for use.