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Pen Cottage

Thornthwaite, Cumbria & The Lake District (Ref. 1043047)

Customer rating

4.9

How reviews work

A property's star rating is the average of the star ratings received from guests that wish for their review to be published

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  • 4 Guests

  • 2 Bedrooms

  • 2 Bathrooms

  • Pets No

  • Show on map

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Garden / Patio
  • Cot available
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

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35 Customer Review(s)

  • Tania

    “This is maybe our fourth stay in Pen Cottage though we last stayed in 2011 when we were completing the Wainwrights with our young sons.”

    It’s lovely to see it had not changed at all. We stayed with one of our now grown up sons snd we loved that it was exactly as we had remembered. He remembered the tile paintings of the ducks and hippos and even the games in the snug room. Pen Cottage is like home from home - so warm and spacious with views to die for. The gardens are beautiful and even in November we sat outside soaking in the views. It was so peaceful. Pen Cottage was ideal when our boys were small and lovely to see it was ...

    It’s lovely to see it had not changed at all. We stayed with one of our now grown up sons snd we loved that it was exactly as we had remembered. He remembered the tile paintings of the ducks and hippos and even the games in the snug room. Pen Cottage is like home from home - so warm and spacious with views to die for. The gardens are beautiful and even in November we sat outside soaking in the views. It was so peaceful. Pen Cottage was ideal when our boys were small and lovely to see it was ideal with grown up children too! It is well equipped- we cooked most nights. Though it’s also close to some good pubs such as the Coledale Inn. We walked from the door up Barf. So why not 5 stars? Well what has changed is the management by Sykes. This is the only thing that stopped us having a perfect stay. 9am checkout is ridiculously early and made the final day such a rush and stress. It cannot take 7 hours to clean. Sykes leave a cleaning pack - with the tiniest bottle of washing up liquid. Why not just leave a regular bottle - all that wasted plastic is disgraceful. It also meant that pans were left greasy as not enough to wash up. Also why not leave oil and basics supplies such as a few herbs / spices. I’m sure such supplies are left each time by renters? Overall cannot rate Pen Cottage highly enough just a shame it’s lets down by Sykes

    - Tania, November 2025

Summary

  • Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size, 1 x twin with en-suite walk-in shower, basin and WC
  • Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC
  • Kitchen/diner
  • Sitting room with electric fire
  • Gas central heating with electric fire
  • Electric oven and gas hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, TV with DVD player, WiFi
  • Fuel and power inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Off-road parking for two cars
  • Secure bike storage
  • Large decked area with seating and barbecue and extensive shared landscaped gardens with pond
  • Ground floor apartment with 2 internal steps
  • There is no electric vehicle charging point at Pen Cottage, car charging using a 13 amp socket from Pen Cottage is not permitted, there are electric vehicle charging points nearby at Braithwaite, Keswick, Cockermouth, Whinlatter Visitor Centre

The property

Nestled in the heart of Thornthwaite this beautiful property dates from 1648 and was formerly part of the Swan Hotel, now converted into a small number of luxury dwellings.

Pen cottage encompasses a fresh modern feel while displaying a delight of fine furnishings and decor with oak beams and thick walls, keeping the original warmth of the 17th Century Coaching Inn it once was.

The elevated position allows Pen Cottage to hold some of the most mesmerising views in the Lake District.

The quality of this property is second to none, proudly showing off oak flooring throughout and perfect craftsmanship in the furniture. There are many walks to be enjoyed in the surrounding area, the coast-to-coast cycleway passes the door and bird lovers will particularly relish the chance to see the ospreys which nest nearby.

Good restaurants in the area include the Pheasant at Bassenthwaite and Ivy House in Braithwaite whilst Keswick offers evening theatre, cinema and all main shopping. Accommodation: From the entrance porch, straight into the beautifully fitted kitchen with a twin bedded room to your left with large en-suite shower with WC and basin.

King size bedroom with lovely garden views and family bathroom with bath with shower over, basin and wc.

A couple of steps take you up to the lounge which enjoys double glass doors inviting you on to the decked patio overlooking the landscaped gardens with pond and the truly embracing panoramic views across to Skiddaw and Helvellyn range.

Cosy red leather settees await your arrival, with ample seating (TV, DVD, electric fire and free Wi-Fi).

Outside: Large decked area to the rear with garden seating - ideal for alfresco dining whilst taking in the view!

The property also benefits from extensive shared landscaped gardens with pond (younger children should be supervised) which incorporates a communal covered barbeque area and bike storage area.

Nearest shop and pub in braithwaite 1.5 miles, keswick centre 3 miles. Note: Cot included, sorry no high chair available.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £200.

View on map

About the location

KESWICK

Bassenthwaite 7 miles, Ullswater 16.6 miles; Cockermouth 13 miles.

The popular town of Keswick is the holiday centre of the North of the Lake District and has plenty to offer the visitor at any time of year. The town boasts numerous shops and restaurants to suit all tastes, as well as offering miniature golf, excellent parks, the famous Theatre by the Lake, a charming cinema, the Pencil Museum, a climbing wall, fishing and great mountain biking opportunities, whilst the beautiful lake of Derwentwater at the head of the stunning Borrowdale Valley is only a few minutes walk from the town centre. Nearby, between Braithwaite and Buttermere is the beautiful Newlands Valley, while picturesque Bassenthwaite Lake is well worth a visit. From a gentle countryside ramble to a challenging hike up Skiddaw or the famous Catbells, there really is something for everyone. Visit Castlerigg Stone Circle, the Jennings Brewery and Mirehouse, a grand house and gardens on the shores of the Bassenthwaite Lake, or take a fabulous boat trip around Derwentwater. With plenty of attractions for the kids, lovely parks and the nearby Lake District Wildlife Park this is a great Lakeland destination whatever the time of year.

Sorry, no pets and no smoking. Note: Due to the pond in the garden, children must be supervised at all times when outside

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute
  • Christmas