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Wheelhouse Cottage

Set in the village of Cartmel, Wheelhouse Cottage sits by by the river Ea and Wheelhouse bridge, a short distance off Cartmels main village square where you will find a clutch of excellent inns, the Michelin awarded L'Enclume and a contemporary wine bar, along with the village store.

Built over some 200 years ago it has been modernised and extended to offer guests a fine Lake District holiday cottage.

From the front, riverside entrance, you step into a large hall area with steps leading down to the semi open plan living areas. The sitting room space has contemporary sofas set under a canopy of beams. Add soft lighting and a roaring fire and you have the perfect place to relax after your days explorations.

Just off the sitting room is the dining area, with french doors opening out onto a little riverside patio. The kitchen is well equipped with marble work tops and opens onto a small but sunny walled garden.

Upstairs you can choose between two comfortable king size double bedrooms which share the bathroom with its bath, overhead shower, basin and WC.

To the front of the cottage there is a small iron bridge (see note) which crosses over to opposite side of the river where a little riverside bank is perfect for a picnic and to feed the ducks. 

For me this is a charming little cottage, perfect for those who are looking for a comfortable and welcoming base for their holiday, yet be able to step out in the evening to wine and dine and I am sure Wheeelhouse Cottage will meet all your expectations.

 

The Location

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 along with the smallest National Hunt race course, this lively village 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 where in spring the woodland is carpeted in bluebells.

The village is a maze of narrow streets lined by lime-washed and stone architecture, with the village square entered by a bridge on one side and under a monastic arch on the other. The Priory is a magnificent building and well worth a visit to see the architecture.

For shopping there is the Cartmel Village Store in the square, and in Unsworth's Yard you have Cartmel Cheeses and The Bread Shed along with The Red Pepper & Hot Wines shop. Once a month the village holds a food market with many local producers setting up their stalls. Along with the foodie outlets there is The Larch Tree selling quailty gifts and clothing and Chamberlain’s Gifts  offering a range of delightful gifts and is supplier of life size sheep and animals for Cartmel-Shepy Village.

Cartmel has four decent pubs, The Cavendish Arms, The Royal Oak, Pig & Whistle and The Kings Arms. For something a little special you must try Simon Rogan's Michelin awarded L'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. 

Come bank holidays the village buzzes with arrival of race day. Owned by The Holker Hall Estate the course is on the edge of the village and as well as the racing there is a carnival along with many other attractions.

Grange over Sands lies about a mile over the fell. This pretty Edwardian village overlooks the bay and you will find an excellent grocer, Higginson's famous butchers, two bakers and local stores. On the prom there are nice gardens to stroll and in summer the prom hosts an outdoor art market. Finaly Grange offers two golf clubs, both set in quite delightful countryside.

About fifteen 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.

A mile out of the village is Cark in Cartmel and Holker Hall, a magnificent country house open to the public with beautiful gardens and a food hall.

A little further afield you have the coast where 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, on the 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 the 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 and climbing.

Guest Reviews

Hi John
We have just got back from Wheelhouse Cottage in Cartmel and wouldl ike to say how pleased we were with the cottage. The standard of presentation far exceeded our expectations and it contributed to a very good holiday. We will certainly book with your company again. Best wishes.
Roger and Moya B - Lancashire

Oh what a joy to have a quality bed - so many cottage owners neglect this basic element of comfort.
Mel & Christine from Marlow

We spent a thoroughly enyoyable and relaxing week here in Cartmel.  The cottage was soooooo comfortable and well-equiped but for me the highlight was the beautiful birdsong!
Sally & Nigel from The Netherlands

Had a wonderful week in a fabulous cottage, loved its location, comfort and amenities - you've thought of everything!  Definitely coming back, enyoyed it so much.
Rob, Jo, Ryan & Jack from Cheshire

Cartmel is probably the nicest and most peaceful village around.  The cottage is perfect! Very comfortable and really made our holiday..... thankyou to the Baxters for a lovely cottage with so much attention to detail and quality throughout.  We would love to return to the Lake District, but only to Wheelhouse Cottage!!!.
Pauline & Colin from Edinburgh

Many thanks to Mark & Diane for the love and attention they have spent on Wheelhouse... will return.
Roger from Chesham

What a little gem, you really couldn't ask for anything more!  We came to Wheelhouse cottage for a little relaxation and oh boy are we all going home relaxed!  Beautiful village!  Beautiful cottage!
Paul, Nikki, Harry & Pauline from Wirral

Simply fabulous!  A lovely, warm, comfortable and well equipped cottage and really well placed to explore the Lake District.
Pete & Sue from Kenilworth

Wonderful, idyllic cottage in a super location.  Owners have thought of everything - expect 2 very tame ducks tapping at the back door.
Paul & Sarah from London

We feel incredibly lucky to have stayed here for the past week.  Idyllic situation, peaceful, friendly ducks, moor hens and the odd flash of blue as a kingfisher flits up and down the river.  The house is so well equiped and tasteful.
Gabrielle & Steve from Sale

This was our second visit. Our first was great and our second was just as good. It feels like home from home. Can't wait til our next visit.
John, Linda, Pauline & Gilbert

Local Areas Of Interest

Cartmel
Cartmel Peninsular - The Morecambe Bay
Grange Over Sands
Newby Bridge To Bouth

 

 

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