
Easy Access For Cartmel Races
Sleeps 6 Plus 2 Children | Friday Changeover | No Pets | VE 5 Star Gold Award
Cartmel is one of Cumbrias finest and unique villages. Set on the Cartmel Peninsular and surrounded by rolling hills that tumble down to the coast, it is picture perfect. With ancient buildings, an impressive medieval priory, a towering arch and a sweet, clear river, all is centred on a sunny square to gather and sit, or wine and dine in one of the many inns or fine restaurants.
There are good local walks, notable is Hampsfell and Eggerslack wood, a limestone fell and ancient woodland where the summit gives panoramic views of the Morecambe Bay and the Lake District Mountains and in spring the woodand is carpeted in bluebells.
Come down to the nearby coast and you can explore the edges of the bay. For me one of the finest walks in the Lake District is to set out along the shore from Arnside, over to the south side of the bay. Ahead of you stretch miles of silver sand, and as the tide comes in the view is spectacular. It must be noted that the sands are hazardous, but providing you keep to the shoreline the walk is fine.
About eight miles north of the village, clustered at the foot of Windermere lake, lies Newby Bridge, Lakeside and Fell Foot, the National Trusts parkland. Here you will find a couple of good inns, the Swan at Newby Bridge and, a mile further on, the Lakeside Hotel. From this latter you can hop on a steamer for a trip on the lake, which winds its way for ten miles into the central fells, passing on the way Bowness, Sawrey and finishing at the Waterhead terminus near Ambleside. At Fell Foot you can moor boats and hire row and sailing craft or simply swim and picnic by the shore. From Newby Bridge you can head north, through the Furness Fells, to explore the greater national park. Over to the west lies Coniston Water, and in between the two great lakes is the Grizedale Forest, a day out in itself for walking or mountain biking. Beyond this lies the central massif of the Langdales for some high level walking.
Back to the village, where among the maze of streets lined by lime-washed and stone architecture, you have the village square entered by a bridge on one side and under a monastic arch on the other. There are two grocers and four decent pubs. For something a little special and only a stones throw from the cottage, you can try Simon Rogan's Michelin awarded Enclume, one of Cumbrias finest restaurants, Another good option is Rogan's wine bar, set by the river it is very relaxed and with excellent cuisine.
For shopping there is Grange over Sands. About a mile over the fell this pretty Edwardian village overlooks the bay and you will find an excellent grocer, Higginson's famous butchers, a baker and two local stores. About five miles to the east is Kendal, south lakes main town which offers a variety of good shopping with stores, supermarkets and farmers markets, along with dining and a good cultural scene with art galleries, theatre and cinema and makes for a good day out.
Devonshire House
Devonshire House lies on the lane leading to the square, opposite the Priory. Completely refurbished, the decor is a clever mix of contemporary style and mod cons, perfect for modern living, whilst retaining much of the period charm.
Downstairs is a large open plan living space with polished, under heated oak floors, set under a low ceiling supported by a canopy of ancient beams.
To one end is the sitting room area, with leather sofas and armchairs with an electric flame effect fire . Walk through and you have a long dining table, perfect for lazy lunches and long evening dinners. To the far end is a superb kitchen with granite topped oak units, housing every kitchen aid.
Oak stairs lead up to the first floor and three bedrooms. Two are double, one having an en-suite shower, the third a single with extra pull out bed. There is also a bathroom with bath and shower. Up again to the top floor and the huge master king size bedroom with its bathroom set under the eaves, with a free standing roll top, tear drop bath.
To the rear of the house is a very small, but sunny patio, where you can enjoy a glass of wine, or walk a few yards down the lane and sit by the river. All in all the house and village are perfect for holidays, romantic breaks and honeymoons - Come - Relax - Enjoy!
Devonshire House Inventory
Nearest Amenities
Cartmel Village Store
Spar
4 pubs
Enclume Restaurant
Rogan's Wine Bar
Grange over Sands - 1 mile over the fell for Higginson's Butcher, The Veg Shack, local baker and much more
Local Areas Of Interest
Cartmel