Middle Wray Cottage

Presented as an “upside down house” with the bedrooms on the ground floor and the living area on the first floor to make the most of the views across the surrounding National Trust countryside to Lake Windermere and the scattered hamlet of High Wray. The owner's hard work and attention to detail has certainly paid off to transform the original stable and carriage house into a beautifully presented two bedroom cottage.

This picturesque area offers a great selection of walks from the door, cycle routes and plenty to see and do; stroll down the “Vicars Path” and within minutes you can be stood on the shores of Lake Windermere; meander through the fields passing Blelham Tarn to sample local beers at the Outgate Inn or on to the delightful village of Hawkshead for a pub lunch or afternoon tea. With a little more effort, the summit of Latterbarrow is within easy reach where one is rewarded with one of the most beautiful views of Lake Windermere and the full panorama of the south Lakeland fells.

Accommodation in detail

On entering the cottage the front door opens to a bright hallway with cloakroom for jackets and boots and from here the stairs lead to the open plan living accommodation on the first floor. This bright and spacious room features a high vaulted ceiling and pretty windows that ideally frame the beautiful scenery and glimpses of Lake Windermere beyond.

With comfortable sofa, armchair and additional reading chair this is the ideal place to relax. The family dining table will play host to everything from a hearty Lakeland breakfast to a romantic dinner for two all of which can be cooked up in the well-appointed kitchen. With electric double oven, electric hob, fridge/freezer microwave and dishwasher, this well equipped kitchen offers everything you could need during your stay.

Returning to the ground floor the master bedroom features a quality king size double bed, plenty of wardrobe space and vanity basin. The second bedroom is a pretty single which is also ideal as a dressing room when the cottage is only occupied by two. The bedrooms are complemented with a luxurious, high quality bathroom with bath with shower over, basin, WC and underfloor heating.

Returning outside, the lawned garden rises to a small, natural outcrop from which the surrounding trees frame the most beautiful view across the valley to the Coniston Fells and making it the most idyllic spot from which to enjoy this stunning countryside from the “Coronation” bench. Listen to birdsong in the garden, woodpeckers or owls in the wood. Closer to the cottage there is a gravelled patio area with garden furniture and private parking for two cars.

Location

Middle Wray Cottage is nestled between the tiny hamlets of Low Wray and High Wray, near Hawkshead and Ambleside, close to the quieter western shore of Lake Windermere and neighbouring Wray Castle.

Hawkshead is an adorable village of cobbled streets and traditional Grade II listed Lakeland cottages. You'll find a range of local shops here, including the Honeypot Delicatessen which offers a treasure-trove of Lakeland luxuries. Spend a lazy morning in one of Hawkshead's charming tea rooms or cafes. There are several TripAdvisor-rated traditional pubs in Hawkshead and we recommend the short drive to the acclaimed Drunken Duck Inn and Restaurant at Barngates.

Middle Wray cottage is the perfect base for walkers and cyclists, with routes right from the doorstep, to suit all levels. Ferry from the castle or a 4 mile walk to the car ferry across to Bowness. Take the stunning walk in Tarn Hows, stroll on the shores of Esthwaite Water, which also has an excellent trout fishery, or explore Grizedale Forest, a picturesque network of pathways, cycle tracks and sculpture trails. Why not take on Grizedale's Go-Ape, Latterbarrow, or Claife Heights, conquer the nearby Langdale Pikes or enjoy the watersports that nearby Coniston or Windermere have to offer.

The surrounding landscape inspired the children's author Beatrix Potter. Her former home at Hill Top, Near Sawrey is now run by the National Trust and is open to the public. A truly magical experience for all! Directly behind Hill Top is Tower Bank Arms, a traditional pub with stone-flagged floors, Lakeland ales and a roaring fire.

Ten minutes drive to the north of Middle Wray Cottage, the village of Ambleside sits right at the heart of the Lake District. Offering a great array of local restaurants, an excellent deli, shops of all kinds, award winning cinema and a popular destination all year round.