This cosy cottage is a quiet retreat for exploring the West Lakes from the vantage point of the Miterdale Valley and an ideal destination for families with children.
This holiday retreat is a lovely detached cottage in Miterdale, one of the prettiest and least visited valleys in the Lake District. Overlooking the River Mite, this comfortable cottage offers self-catering accommodation for up to four people and is ideal for couples and families with a beautiful private terrace overlooking its own enclosed private children's playground.
There will be a welcome pack of tea/coffee and milk at the cottage for the adults and, if there are children coming, a children's pack containing (according to their age) a selection of DVD's/ books/toys etc will be provided. Miterdale, the writer Arthur Ransome’s ‘hidden valley’, has magnificent views of Scafell, England’s highest mountain, and branches off from the quiet village of Eskdale, which lies along the valley floor of the River Esk.
There are many walks from the front door of the holiday cottage – along the valley bottom which is fairly flat, or up into the fells and mountains. A favourite walk is over the fells, dropping down into the neighbouring Wasdale valley, with a pub at the end of the walk. Wasdale is a valley of extremes with England’s highest mountain (Scafell), smallest church (St Olaf’s), deepest lake (Wastwater) and biggest liar competition (held annually at the Santon Bridge Inn).
Eskdale is also a wonderful starting point for hundreds of walks. The river has natural pools for swimming and is a popular place for canoeing and fishing. The famous Ravenglass and Eskdale Miniature Railway runs along the valley, its steam trains making the leisurely 7-mile journey down to the sea.
There are five pubs in Eskdale, all welcoming children and serving real ales and a wide choice of good food. The village shop is a half hour walk away, sells a comprehensive range of goods, including groceries, fresh fruit and vegetables, alcohol and newspapers. There is some limited phone reception.
This property makes a delightfully peaceful cottage for your western Lakeland stay. With plenty of space, lovely light decor and local photography inspire your adventures it makes a wonderful family base from which to explore the area. There are period features such as original latched doors, an open fire and sash windows giving a feeling of its history while also having all the modern amenities for a comfortable stay.
On arrival at the cottage guests enter directly into the light, open-feeling dining room. There's a dining set for four, a decorative sandstone fireplace and a delightful window seat overlooking the River Mite which tumbles past near the cottage. It has bags of space for coats and boots in the under-stairs cupboard too. The modern kitchen is beyond the dining area, it's well equipped with built-in fan oven, five gas hobs, a microwave and large integral fridge/freezer. There's also an under-counter dishwasher, and washer/dryer. The owner has thoughtfully left a selection of cookbooks to give you some culinary ideas during your stay.
Moving through to the comfortable bright living room you'll find two sofas arranged round an open fire, a television with Freeview, a DVD player and a selection of DVDs for your entertainment.
Head up the steep staircase to the first floor bedrooms. The master bedroom has a king-size wooden bed frame, a charming window seat and built-in wardrobes. Onwards to the delightful dual-aspect twin bedroom, this has views towards Muncaster Fell and down to the playground and River Mite. The room has zip-and-link beds which can be made up as a super-king should you require. (Please advise on booking how you would like the room to be made up.) The spacious family bathroom has a WC, pedestal sink and an over-bath electric shower with power booster, perfect for soaking away tired muscles from fell walks. There is further storage available in the landing cupboards.
Outside the cottage there is a substantial shared garden with a play area for children. There is also a delightful terrace to the side of the house with dining furniture for outdoor meals or just for enjoying a cuppa or glass of wine taking in the wonderful setting.
There is extra storage area attached to the property with storage facilities for prams, bikes and handy space for those wet boots and coats, etc.