Gara Garthe, Troutbeck

A spacious, outstanding Lake District character property in a magical rural location; gazing down the Troutbeck Valley with country pubs nearby and only a very short drive to both Ambleside and Windermere. Gara Garthe is a prime example of traditional 17th century Lakeland, pretty as a whitewashed picture in it's delightful gardens and sympathetically refurbished to provide luxurious self-catering accommodation - with many enchanting original features. Soak up the Farrow & Ball colours, sink into Laura Ashley furnishings and rest-up in decadent bedrooms. The gardens are a dream, with endless hide & seek for the kids, a mysterious old barn for bike storage plus furnished patio and summerhouse for that garden party.

Accommodation in detail
Railed stone steps to the back entrance (there are two) with flagged floor, cloakroom / WC. Farmhouse kitchen / breakfast room with 'king post' beam dividing the room plus LCD TV. Stunning living room with open fire, picturesque window seats, old oak beams and cosy furnishings. Elegant dining room with Victorian fireplace, seating 10. Upstairs to the scenic and stylish bedrooms; 2 kingsize, 2 double and 1 twin. The luxurious bathrooms include one with a superb roll top traditional standing bath. Outside: extensive gardens, furnished patio, summerhouse and original bank barn (now empty bar the resident owl!) The barn is perfect for bike storage but please take care with children.
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Location
This fantastic self-catering property in the Troutbeck Valley takes a great location for a large group holiday in the Lake District. With space for entertaining at home, you'll find a wealth of famous Lake District walks on your doorstep and the vibrant villages of Windermere and Ambleside (on the shores of Lake Windermere) only a very short drive away.
The Troutbeck Valley lies between Ambleside and Windmere, at the start of the dramatic Kirkstone Pass road, which eventually leads to Ullswater. The valley is known for its peaceful atmosphere, where the tourism is hardly noticeable and only a scattering of traditional Lakeland cottages make up Troutbeck. The village has a small shop, a lovely church and a few excellent country pubs to choose from - don't miss a meal at The Mortal Man or The Queen's Head, two of the most acclaimed Lake District pub restaurants.

In nearby Windermere village you'll find an excellent Booths supermarket, a range of local shops and several cafes and restaurants to choose from. Drive on a couple of miles to Bowness village, and you'll find even more. The bustling village boasts plenty of family attractions, such as the World of Beatrix Potter, hire boats on the lake, mini golf on 'The Glebe' and of course the Windermere Lake steamers. There's the Royalty Cinema and the Old Laundry Theatre for rainy day entertainment, and Windermere Golf Club is just a short drive out of Bowness village.
The same distance to your west is Ambleside, on Lake Windermere's northern shores. The village is a must during your stay and offers plenty more in the way of acclaimed Lake District restaurants and tempting local food. Stock up at Lucy's of Ambleside (a wonderful delicatessen) or treat family or friends to a meal at the famous 'Glass House' restaurant. Windermere Lake Cruises also depart from Ambleside's Waterhead Pier.