#{ServerName}
1 / 18  
2 / 18  
3 / 18  
4 / 18  
5 / 18  
6 / 18  
7 / 18  
8 / 18  
9 / 18  
10 / 18  
11 / 18  
12 / 18  
13 / 18  
14 / 18  
15 / 18  
16 / 18  
17 / 18  
18 / 18  

Middle Cottage

Portinscale, Cumbria
holidaycottages.co.uk logo

This property is managed by holidaycottages.co.uk info_outline

Sleeps 4
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 1
Change Fri
Dogs welcome 1
4 star
Enclosed garden / patio
Open fire / wood burner
Internet access
Pub nearby
Family friendly
Parking on site / nearby
Travel cot available
Highchair available
8 more

At a glance

  • Pretty 18th-century terraced cottage in Beatrix Potter countryside
  • Traditional details made extra special by a feature wood burner
  • Derwentwater is 0.5 miles for water sports such as kayaking and canoeing
Property code: SZ341

This historic cottage close to beautiful Derwentwater is an ideal base for small families keen to experience the great outdoors on foot, by bike or even by canoe.

A very warm welcome to this traditional 18th-century terraced cottage for up to four people nestled in lovely Portinscale. Retaining charming period features, boasting personal bespoke touches everywhere and its own off-road parking spaces, it makes an ideal base from which to explore this popular area. The owners have lovingly restored this place to feature the low ceilings, exposed beams, and sash windows, giving a feeling of its heritage, while creating a comfortable and cosy 21st-century holiday home. It's small and perfectly formed for a romantic getaway for two or a family Lakeland adventure.

Portinscale is a much-loved village just a short drive or pleasant walk to the bustling market town of Keswick. With some of the best fell walking in the country available right from the door and the shore of picturesque Derwentwater just a stone's throw away, this cottage really is perfectly situated to make the most of its surroundings. The village has two marinas at which you can hire all manner of vessels to mess about on the water. Why not pack a picnic, hire a boat and find your perfect beach to eat your lunch in glorious surroundings? Alternatively take a walk up the iconic form of Catbells just outside the village, the views are spectacular. There's a hotel, a good local pub and an excellent cafe all within a very short stroll of the house. Explore some of Beatrix Potter's legacy at Lingholm Kitchen and Walled Garden just outside the village and treat yourself to a delicious lunch while you're there!

Heading out of the village there's plenty to do. Whinlatter Forest Park is nearby with walking and cycling trails for all abilities, an imaginative play park for children, a popular cafe and even a high ropes course for the adventurous teens and adults among you. History buffs will enjoy a visit to nearby Mirehouse, a family owned stately home with delightful gardens and literary connections. Keswick is just a few minutes’ drive or an easy walk away. There's a fantastic choice of shops, eateries and visitor attractions to enjoy there. You can take in a play or concert at the gorgeous Theatre by the Lake or catch one of the wonderful Derwentwater Launches around the lake hopping off back in Portinscale. However you choose to spend your visit you'll find it is a base filled with character and warmth.

This traditional 18th-century terraced cottage has a wealth of period features, hand crafted woodwork, well-chosen local art and modern appliances making it a welcoming and comfortable base from which to explore the area.

Guests arrive to the rear of the property and enter via French doors into the open-plan living, dining and kitchen space. It's a lovely welcoming room, well thought-through to make the most of 18th-century cottage proportions to suit 21st-century requirements! There are coat hooks and plenty of space for muddy boots both inside and outside.

The well-equipped kitchen has modern cream units, a built-in fan oven, induction hobs, microwave, under-counter fridge, freezer, washing machine, dishwasher and all the crockery and cookware you will require for your stay. The dining space has two specially adapted church pews made more comfortable by prettily printed cushions. The living room has two brown leather sofas arranged around the wood burner and feature slate fireplace, perfect for curling up to chat about your day's adventures. The magnificent panorama of Catbells above the fireplace might even inspire you to don your walking boots. There's also a Smart TV, DVD player and digital radio for your entertainment. The owners have thoughtfully left a selection of books, DVDs and games to keep you occupied too.?

Moving up the handcrafted corner staircase brings you to the small landing with three wooden latched doors. First to the master bedroom: this has a king-size bed, a dressing table along with built-in cupboard and drawers. The twin bedroom also has heavy wooden bedsteads and a 'tall boy' with drawers for storage (it is worth noting that, while the beds are full sized singles, the room is more suited to children rather than adults as there isn't much available floor space). The bathroom has a modern white suite with over-bath electric shower.

Moving outside the house there is a charming garden area with its mature shrubs including an umbrella-like variegated holly tree with bird feeders. There's a sheltered area over a bench by the house, and a raised deck with a dining set for four. Make the most of morning sunshine by having your cuppa or breakfast on the deck! Alternatively grab an evening glass of wine, take a seat and enjoy the visiting birdlife. At the edge of the garden is a gravelled parking space for one regular sized car. Further back, to the side of the garages is a concrete hard standing, solely for the use of guests, to accommodate a further car.

  • 2 bedrooms – 1 king-size, 1 twin
  • 1 bathroom with shower over the bath and WC
  • Oven, hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, washing machine and dishwasher
  • Wood burner – first set of logs provided
  • TV, DVD, radio
  • Towels not provided
  • Small garden with decked area
  • Off-road parking for 2 cars
  • Pub and shop within 1 mile
  • Please note there is limited floor space in the twin bedroom, so may be more suited to children
  • Arrival: 16:30 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00, unless otherwise stated in your arrival details
  • 1 dog allowed. Dogs are charged at £20 each per full or part week
  • There is an Accidental Damage Deposit of £200 when booking at this property, however this may be waived for £25. We’ll provide more details about this when booking your holiday.

Kylie Harmon-Twidle

This property is personally managed by Kylie.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 31 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.6 starsOverall cleanliness 4.6 starsOverall cleanliness 4.6 starsOverall cleanliness 4.6 starsOverall cleanliness 4.6 stars4.6
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.3 starsOverall equipment 4.3 starsOverall equipment 4.3 starsOverall equipment 4.3 starsOverall equipment 4.3 stars4.3
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.5 starsOverall comfort 4.5 starsOverall comfort 4.5 starsOverall comfort 4.5 starsOverall comfort 4.5 stars4.5
Overall location
Overall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 stars4.9

Reviewed by Kate 11th March 2024

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

The property appeared to have been recently refurbished to a high standard but, unfortunately, the space standards are poor and really not practical for four people especially if anyone has mobility issues. The central heating didn't keep the property warm initially but this was resolved by the cottage company who were extremely helpful. The fireliRead moreghter failed to light despite efforts with extra paper and there was only one extra piece of wood (not a log!). Otherwise we enjoyed our stay. Hide

Reviewed by Susan 1st March 2024

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

A gorgeous little cottage. Not a lot of floor space, but more than enough for the 2 of us. So very cosy on an evening with the fire on. The bed was really comfortable too. We had great weather & had an hour or so sitting in the garden each evening, enjoying the bird song. Easy walk into Keswick through the fields..best of both worlds - busy town / Read moreshops if you want it & then back to Portinscale for peace & quiet. Hide

Reviewed by Liz 16th February 2024

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Reviewed by Bryan 2nd February 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Michael 16th January 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

A charming, comfortable cottage, well equipped with most of the essentials and well located with respect to Keswick (a pleasant 15 minute walk away) and the western side of Derwent Water. Would definitely stay again.

Reviewed by Pamela 11th November 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

I thought the garden at the rear was enclosed as it was a "Canine Cottage". Building work going on next door but didn't affect us as we went out early. Had been pre-warned about that work taking place.

Reviewed by Mark 20th October 2023

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Fantastic location and everything you need.

Reviewed by Peter 25th September 2023

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Reviewed by Margaret 1st September 2023

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Cottage clean and compact. More suitable for just two adults. Comfortable beds. Location excellent as could walk from cottage or catch bus so no need to get car out so much.

Reviewed by Joanne 11th August 2023

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

Nice little cottage . The was a couple off things that could be better the twin bedroom the is no way off getting down the bottom off the beds without hurting yourself ,might be better as a single. The upstairs is on a quarky angle as the bed in the double feels like you might fall out off it . Floor boards are very noisy.

Reviewed by Gillian 7th July 2023

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

The cottage is quite small, we were a couple with one dog but it would be a tight fit for four people. The garden is not secure for your dog so you need to block the end of the garden as its completely open. We parked the car there and blocked either side of it with the plastic garden chairs. Nice walks straight from the house. You can walk to KeswRead moreick avoiding roads in about 15-20 minutes. Beds are comfy. Shower is ok but not very powerful. Parking is easy for two cars. Hide

Reviewed by Adrian 16th June 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Excellent cottage in a perfect location walking distance into Keswick. Would go again.

Reviewed by Terry 9th June 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Fantastically situated for a short walk into Keswick. Lovely village pub just up the road serving good pub food and great selection of beers, very welcoming after a day out walking. The cottage is lovely, well equipped and a sun trap sitting outside watching the world go by. Very peaceful and a very deceiving cottage as from the outside it looks quRead moreite small but inside it is a different matter, good use of space. Hopefully we will stay again. Hide

Reviewed by Tansy 5th May 2023

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

The cottage is in the perfect location from visiting Borrowdale and Keswick. Having two off road dedicated car parking spaces is a luxury. The cottage is small but perfectly formed with everything you need for your stay. Good use is made of the space available, we had a very enjoyable stay.

Reviewed by Sarah 21st April 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

A charming, character cottage in a superb location. Private parking was great, the cottage is well equipped, very tastefully decorated and furnished. The bed was extremely comfortable. We only used the wood burning stove once as it wasnt really cold enough to warrant it but the night we did light the fire it was so cosy. The covered patio area is aRead more delightful sun trap. We hardly used the car at all - everything in walking distance whether popping into Keswick or down to the lake and Catbells. Hide

Reviewed by Peter 10th March 2023

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Wonderful comfortable great location loved the new comfy settees and comfy bed after a days hiking

Reviewed by Sean 3rd March 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Great cottage, ideal for a couple. Kitchen/dining/lounge combo well designed and comfy. Parking was absolutely fine with a medium size 4x4 and 2 spaces to choose from. Portinscale a lovely base and would come back to both cottage and village.

Reviewed by Susan 20th February 2023

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

A lovely, cosy cottage. Great location... a nice walk across the field to Keswick. Also a lovely walk to the Keswick ferry jetties to explore Derwentwater. Great to also stay in a village with a pub and caf (The Chalet).

Reviewed by Liz 3rd February 2023

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Reviewed by Richard 18th November 2022

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

Reviewed by Clare 7th November 2022

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Lovely cottage, very comfortable, good location.

Reviewed by Emma 31st October 2022

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The cottage was lovely and cosy. It was perfect for my self, partner and son of 15 and our dog. Location is brilliant, very close to Keswick and nice pubs and walks close by. Would definitely recommend and stay again.

Reviewed by Debbie 21st October 2022

Guest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 stars

Really lovely stay thank you and also thanks for bottle of wine. Seemed a really late time for access to the cottage? Most of cottage was clean but counters very tacky from Undried varnish I think? Coffee spill in microwave had not been cleaned and bin in main bedroom had not been emptied which was a shame. All the same thank you for a good week.

Reviewed by Emma 7th October 2022

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Reviewed by Lee 23rd September 2022

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Lynne 16th September 2022

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

A lovely clean cosy cottage in a perfect location.

Reviewed by Janet 17th June 2022

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Perfect in every way.

Reviewed by Alex 3rd June 2022

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Perfect cottage - lovely location and well equipped Lots of wildlife out the back We were caught out at towels not provided although it is stated in email - we just missed it

Reviewed by Mary 20th May 2022

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

The cottage was cosy ideal for my daughter mx self and one Labrador. Loved being able to sit out in the morning and evening. Just blocked off the pathway with a couple of the chairs to prevent dog escaping!

Reviewed by Frank 22nd April 2022

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Reviewed by Caroline 1st April 2022

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

29 more
Show 6 more

Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Sallys Cottages is an appointed representative of ITC Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their registration number is 313486) and which is permitted to advise on and arrange general insurance contracts as an intermediary.
The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Sallys Cottages | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House Gammaton Road Bideford EX39 4DF Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.