The property
Set in the stunning scenery of the Borrowdale Valley, surrounded by the high fells and glimpses of Derwentwater, The Smithy is a popular traditional Lakeland Cottage that offers welcoming accommodation in a beautiful setting, offering walks from the door and within very easy reach of Keswick town centre.
Presented with three bedrooms, The Smithy offers lovely accommodation for up to five people and benefits from a welcoming sitting room, with cosy log burning stove, a well equipped kitchen with separate dining area, ground floor bathroom and courtyard patio.
As you step outside the front door you have to stop and pause for a moment to admire the surrounding Borrowdale fells and here you have some of the Lake District’s finest walks on your doorstep including Catbells and Castle Crag and not forgetting to mention the gentle stroll along the shores of Derwentwater, of rock climbing on Shepherds Crag that towers above the valley floor. Bustling Keswick is ten minutes’ drive away, brimming with shops, restaurants, cinema, theatre and more.
Whatever the time of year, The Smithy is just the place to relax and unwind in some of the most breath taking scenery in the country right outside the door.
Accommodation in detail
Park on the driveway and the front door opens to this lovely cottage. The dual aspect sitting room is bright and welcoming and the log burning stove is a real treat on cooler evenings. Relax in the comfortable sofas as you settle down in front of your favorite film on the Smart TV. Step up from the sitting room into a pretty dining area with family dining table for five and views to the fells. Beyond is the well-appointed and well equipped, included brand new to Feb 2020 fitted cottage kitchen with shaker style fitted units (pictures to come in April), electric hob and over, under counter fridge, freezer and dishwasher.
Also on the ground floor, down two steps is the first of the three bedrooms presented as a pretty twin bedded room. The ground floor family bathroom steps up from the living room and benefits from a bath with shower over, basin and WC.
The remaining two bedrooms are located on the first floor. The master bedroom, with king size bed is a beautiful room and the view from the window is delightful, looking out to Shepherds Crag and offering glimpses of Derwentwater with Skiddaw beyond. The final bedroom is a smaller double room with a 4 foot bed, which also benefits from the same wonderful views.
Back downstairs there is a small boot room just inside the front door offering space for boots, jackets and outdoor gear. To the rear of the property there is a sheltered, private, courtyard patio with bistro patio furniture. To the front of the property there is private parking for one car. Please note that this cottage is presented for a maximum occupancy of five people making it ideal for two couples or a family.
Although the owner welcomes babies and infants please bear in mind The Smithy is a traditional cottage and therefore be mindful of the steps going between some of the rooms and to bring along your own highchair & travelcot.
.Location
The Smithy is located very close to the picturesque hamlet of Grange in Borrowdale, a very short distance from Derwentwater, one of the principal lakes in the Lake District National Park, and at the entrance to the Jaws of Borrowdale, the narrow area between the Jaws of Castle Crag and Grange Fell. This small gathering of cottages, a church and two cafes is reached via a famous double-humped bridge over the River Derwent, the beautiful outlet of Derwentwater itself.
‘Grange’ means ‘outlying farm belonging to a monastery’, and indeed Grange’s history dates back to medieval times when the monks of Furness Abbey owned the land here. The hamlet has grown little since then, and remains a cluster of cottages, several farms and two tea shops. The Borrowdale hotel is located just couple of minutes walk from the cottage and offers bar meals in the public bar and restaurant dining for special occasions
A short distance away is Keswick, one of the Lake District's most popular destinations. This friendly town hosts the very popular twice weekly market that has recently won the coveted 'Best Outdoor Market' in the Great British Market Awards. The village also offers a fantastic array of shops offering everything from craft bakeries and local produce, antiques, crafts and much, much more.
If you are looking for somewhere to eat and drink, a week just won't be long enough to sample the great range of pubs, restaurants, bistros, cafes and wine bars very close to this cottage. For a great evening out why not visit the 100 year old Alhambra offering first class cinema entertainment in traditional surroundings or enjoy an evening at 'the most beautiful and friendly theatre in Britain', the 400 seat Theatre By The Lake on the shores of Derwentwater.
Enjoy a cruise on Derwentwater, walk onto the fells; Cat Bells, Skiddaw, Coledale Horeshoe and Blencathra are all nearby, head underground at Honister Slate Mines, enjoy mountain biking in Whinlatter Forest.
For day trips throughout the Lake District, Ullswater is a short drive away offering lake cruises, great walking and the beautiful Aira Force Waterfall. Buttermere and Crummock Water offer sublime scenery. Ashness Bridge and Surprise View situated above the Borrowdale Valley should not be missed and perhaps even a cup of tea and homemade cake in the unspoilt village of Watendlath.
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.
