Just a few miles to the east of the glorious expanse of Windermere, this characterful property has been thoughtfully and lovingly updated to offer bright, cosy and fresh accommodation for four guests.
This cottage dates back to the 17th century but has been completely renovated throughout, combining many original character features with the modern day comforts and conveniences you’d hope for in a wonderful home from home. Once two separate dwellings, it now provides fantastic accommodation for four people and one lucky dog. Through the entrance porch you’ll find the dining room, well-equipped kitchen and handy ground-floor cloakroom. A couple of steps lead down to the lovely living area which has feature bifold doors out to the rear patio garden. The traditional cottage staircase takes you up to the first floor where you’ll find the two bedrooms, a king and a twin, both with their own en-suite bathrooms: a real treat.
Staveley is a delightful base for a holiday, ideally positioned between Windermere and Kendal, with the beautiful Kentmere Valley on your doorstep too. Staveley is well catered for with a well-stocked village shop, an ice cream parlour, artisan bakers and a cafe popular with walkers. The Dales Way passes through the village so why not take on a section of this 80-mile route? Follow the path as it winds its ways along the River Kent and find a peaceful spot for a riverside picnic lunch before continuing your journey. The Kentmere Valley is a haven for walkers, with plenty of different footpaths and bridleways to explore, as well as some great opportunities for longer days out on the fell tops. After all that exercise, you'll be in need of some refreshments! Staveley has a friendly pub as well as a modern beer hall at the popular Hawkshead Brewery.
Windermere is less than a 10-minute drive away, making the village and its neighbour Bowness a great choice for a day out. Enjoy a cruise around the lake, indulge in some retail therapy or visit some of the many different attractions on offer, including The World of Beatrix Potter. For an evening out, head to Ambleside, a scenic 20-minute drive away, where you can treat yourselves to dinner and a movie at Zeffirellis with its multiscreen cinema. For a day of culture, head into Kendal and visit the Brewery Arts Centre; take in a play or film, or partake in one of the many day courses offered here. A walk round the ruins of Kendal Castle is a must for anyone interested in local history or spend a fascinating afternoon at the Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry.
As the name suggests, the cottage is full of wonderful original character features, from the exposed stonework to the beautiful wooden beams and vaulted ceilings. The cottage has been in the same family since the 1970s and now, after a total renovation project, is opening its doors to guests for the first time. As you’d expect after being completely renovated throughout, modern comforts now sit comfortably alongside the cottage’s original features - you really do have the best of both worlds here.
Leave wet coats and boots in the entrance porch, there’s also a hot and cold doggy shower for washing off muddy paws too, before heading into the dining room. Gather round the solid wood dining table and compare notes on the day’s events over a hearty home cooked meal, or spread out your maps and guidebooks and plan tomorrow’s. Off the dining room is a handy cloakroom with a high level flush toilet, in keeping with the cottage’s period charm. The kitchen can also be found off the dining room. With blue country-style units and butler’s sink, the kitchen echoes the charm and character of the rest of the cottage. Well equipped with an electric oven and gas hob, fridge, handy microwave and the all important kettle and toaster. There’s also a built-in dishwasher so there’ll be no need to fight over who has to do the washing up! A useful utility room houses a second fridge which has a small freezer compartment above. Also stored in here is a useful clothes rack, as well as an iron and ironing board; there are also some pegs for the retractable washing line in the garden, for drying clothes in the fresh air.
Down a step from the dining room and kitchen is the wonderful living room. There is an inviting two-seater sofa and two armchairs. The television in here has Freesat and you can also log in and watch your own Netflix or Amazon Prime accounts too (remember to log back out when you leave), perfect for relaxing evenings in.
The living room has feature bifold doors out to the rear patio garden - once hidden under a tangle of brambles, this is a fantastic space and a real bonus for a cottage in the centre of Staveley. There is an outdoor table and four chairs, perfect for al fresco dining. There’s also a parasol and two reclining loungers for sunny days, ideal for escaping with a good book for a while (please be sure to keep the parasol stored inside to keep it safe and out of the wind).
Upstairs on the first floor are the two en-suite bedrooms. The staircase, typical to cottages of this age, is small and steep but it does have a handrail. There are low doorways and beams up here, so please be careful to mind your head.
The king-size bedroom is to the right at the top of the stairs. With a glorious floor to ceiling gable end triangular window, this room is lovely and light but still charming and cosy. The inviting king-size bed is positioned under the Velux roof window, perfect for gazing at the stars before drifting off to sleep. There are useful open shelves for storage as well as a useful bedside cabinet with drawers and a full-length wardrobe with a hanging rail. This bedroom has its own en-suite shower room, with WC, wash basin and quadrant shower enclosure, perfect for reinvigorating tired muscles after a day out exploring.
The second bedroom is at the other end of the small landing. A lovely room with a vaulted ceiling and beautiful original beams - once hidden behind a plaster wall! - you’re sure to feel instantly relaxed in here. There is a bedside table with drawers for each bed, as well as some handy open shelves and a useful hanging rail. A little alcove is the ideal spot for storing suitcases. The twin bedroom also has a wonderful en-suite bathroom. In here you’ll find a WC, wash basin, walk-in shower and a fabulous roll-top bath; there is mood lighting under the beams, perfect for indulging in a relaxing soak in the tub. There’s also an illuminated mirror with shaver point and very useful de-mister. Both bathrooms, as well as the living room and dining room downstairs, have underfloor heating, a real luxury.
As well as the delightful rear garden, Parking is available for one car on the driveway, with further on street parking for one car with supplied permit. There is access from the driveway to the rear garden meaning that bikes can be wheeled through and stored in the garden, ideal if you like to get out and about on two wheels.