Join friends and family in this cosy cottage for eight guests on the fringe of the Lake District. Hike high into the fells around Ullswater, visit the bustling market town of Keswick or journey east to the rugged beauty of the North Pennines.
Beautifully presented, this country-style cottage offers welcoming accommodation for up to eight people. Head inside and you're sure to feel right at home. There's a fantastic kitchen, dining area, living room complete with wood burning stove and a stylish modern shower room on the ground floor. Upstairs on the first floor are the four fabulous bedrooms and the luxurious bathroom. As well as parking for one or two small cars, the cottage also has a delightful rear terraced garden and a large garage that's ideal for storing bikes.
Surrounded by beautiful countryside, the village of Hackthorpe also has easy access to the motorway and into the heart of The Lakes - you really have got the best of both worlds here. There are local footpaths to explore straight from the front door or bring your bikes with you for an adventure on two wheels. Lowther Castle, now just an intriguing façade, and its grounds can be found on the edge of neighbouring Askham; here you'll find a wealth of walking and cycling trails to explore as well as a fabulous café and adventure playground for the children. Head up nearby Askham Fell for stunning views of Ullswater. If you'd prefer to be closer to the water, why not hire a boat or try some wild swimming? You can always hitch a ride on the stately steamer if you'd rather somebody else did the hard work!
For a longer day out, why not head into Keswick, the adventure capital of the North Lakes? Sign up for an activity with one of the local adventure companies - try raft building, ghyll scrambling or canyoning. The beautiful South Lakes are also within easy reach; indulge in some retail therapy at Ambleside before continuing to Windermere Village and its neighbour Bowness, where there's plenty to entertain everyone. Hackthorpe itself has a friendly local pub that’s located just over the road from the cottage, perfect for a refreshing drink and a hearty meal after a day out exploring.
The well-equipped farmhouse-style kitchen is the heart of this home from home. The cooks in the group will love the electric range-style oven, set in a feature former fireplace. There's also a handy microwave, fridge-freezer and lovely Belfast sink overlooking the rear garden. Early risers can enjoy a peaceful breakfast at the four-seater table in the kitchen before everyone else is up or pull up a chair and keep the cook company.
Continue through to the living room, both spacious and cosy thanks to the large wood burner. There are two three-seater sofas and a cute two-seater love seat, perfectly positioned around the wood burning stove for relaxing evenings in in front of the fire. There's a TV for entertainment or curl up on the quaint window seat - the ideal place for catching up with a good book. Gather round the eight-seater wooden table in the dining room for a hearty homecooked meal or spread out your maps and guidebooks and plan tomorrow's activities.
Also on the ground floor is a handy utility room that's ideal for storing wet coats and boots. In here you'll also find the washing machine and tumble dryer, as well as a fantastic shower room. With a WC, washbasin and large shower enclosure, it's perfect for reinvigorating tired muscles after a day in the fells.
Onwards and upwards to the first floor where you'll find the four bedrooms and the cottage's second bathroom. First up is the fabulous master bedroom with a king-size bed that’s perfect for indulging in a long lie in - you are on holiday after all! This room also has a wardrobe and a useful dresser. The double bedroom is no less lovely, and a useful built-in wardrobe provides plenty of storage. The further two bedrooms are both twin rooms; one has a handy chest of drawers, the other is a cosier room, built into the eaves.
The first-floor bathroom is a real treat! As well as the expected WC and washbasin, there's a fantastic modern shower enclosure and luxurious free-standing slipper bath that's oh so inviting.
Outside to the front of the cottage is parking for two small cars (please take care when parking as the turning into the drive is quite tight and there is a low wall on the roadside), whilst at the rear of the cottage is a delightful terrace garden. With a raised patio area and rattan furniture set, it's a lovely spot for dining alfresco.