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Underwood
If you are looking for a lake district cottage set in the heart of rural lakeland then Underwood may be for you. Located in the hamlet of Little Arrow at the foot of the Coniston Old Man, Underwood Cottage, along with the few other nearby houses, all lie just north of Torver, overlooking the west shores of Coniston Water. Popular as a base for both high and low level walking, there are pathways to The Old Man for a big climb, tracks across Torver Common and paths that lead down to the lake, where you can explore the shore line, swim and boat in summer, or follow the lake shore path to Coniston village.
Torver offers two pubs, the Wilson Arms and Church House, a fine traditional inn, some 600 years old with flagged floors, low ceilings, roaring log fires and fine beers.
Beautifully refurbished by owners Helen and Allan, this detached property offers a high level of comfort for guests, affording a modern lake district holiday home of quality as recognised by the Visit England 4 Star Gold award.
Approached by a short private drive, the property is built on one level. You enter into a good sized hallway, ideal for boots and bits.
The sitting room is light and airy, with a dining table to one end and two plump leather sofas drawn around a roaring log stove. From the window the view is filled with meadow, fell and lake.
The Kitchen is very well equipped with all mod cons, perfect to rustle up grand dinners or light lunch.
The three bedrooms are all very well presented, most comfortable, each with en-suite having underfloor heating.
You can choose between the king sized double with TV and its en-suite whirlpool bathroom. The twin room and its en-suite bathroom with overhead shower, or the the second double bedroom with TV and en-suite shower room and little conservatory, perfect for that quiet early morning coffee.
Outside you have private parking and a patio style garden with views down to the lake. In summer the sun shines down in the late afternoon, and will be ideal to relax with a drink or barbecue.
All in all, this is a perfect lake district cottage for families, friends or couples. Your hosts are a delightful couple, offering a warm welcome to their guests where, I am sure, for all who come will leave with very happy memories - perfect!
The Location
A few minutes walk brings you to Torver with its two pubs, the best of which is Church House offing fine cusine.
Coniston village lies two miles north sitting in the very heart of the Lake District at the northwest tip of Coniston Water, sheltered in the lea of the Coniston mountain range. Radiating from the stone bridge, spanning Church Beck, the four main streets are a bustling community with a fine church, shops, a post office, cafes, a local brewery and four good pubs.
This is a village with much to do, the location perfect for outdoor pursuits; climbing, walking, cycling and water sport holidays. On all points of the compass there are trails, leafy forest paths, tracks and lake shores to explore, and you need travel very little to find a new and exciting landscape.
Coniston Water is one the most people friendly lakes, with much of the shore and the whole lake open to the public. Famous as the backdrop and inspiration for Arthur Ransome's Swallows and Amazons and Sir Malcolm and Donald Campbells's world speed attempts, its wooded and grassy banks, along with the craggy coves and the deep clear water offer a habitat to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Here pike, trout, perch and ancient char thrive along with swans, heron, ducks, woodpeckers and owls to name a few and recently there has been a re-introduction of red kites. Red squirrels are abundant as are wild red deer and badger, and, perhaps best of all, is the return of otters to Coniston.
At the boating center you can hire rowing boats, sailing dinghies, kayaks and canoes or my favorite, the small motorboats, perfect for a day out exploring the hidden bays and wooded coves. The Center also hires mountain bikes and electric bikes to help get you around the lanes and up onto the fells.
Still at the Boating Center, you can hop aboard one of the Coniston Launches with regular trips down the lake, stopping at various landing points including Brantwood, home of John Ruskin where, along with the Jumping Jenny restaurant, it makes for a good day out discovering the culture and work of the Pre Raphaelites and the Art Crafts Movement.
For romantic trip on the water you can board the famous Steam yacht ‘Gondola’. A beautiful rebuilt steam powered craft that will transport you back to an era of greater peace and tranquility. The yacht can be hired for large private parties, or maybe splash for just the two of you as a grand gesture. Finally, the lake offers more simple pursuits: fishing, swimming or simply finding a nice spot for a picnic and enjoying a magnificent view.
For walking, climbing and mountain biking the choice is huge, with the whole of the mountain range to explore. The Old Man of Coniston stands at 2635 feet and is very popular, offering various well-marked paths to the summit. If you only go part way the view will be spectacular, the pint in the pub on your return all the more delicious.
From the village one of my favorite paths takes you deep into the old Coppermines Valley, with its beck and waterfalls. At the head of the valley you carry on to discover the hidden tarns set in the lower slopes of the mountain.
There are plenty of low level walks and cycle trails. On the east side of Coniston water lies the Gizedale Forest. A massive working woodland, it is crisscrossed with paths and tracks for walking and mountain biking. The Forest is big into arts, commissioning fabulous statues and installations throughout. It is well worth driving, via Hawkshead, around to the visitor center for a forest map and information to get the best from your day out.
Guest Reviews
'1st class accommodation and appreciated by all. Excellent location and views fantastic.
This is our first visit to the Lake District and will hopefully be back.
Thank you for making this an enjoyable visit"
Mr & Mrs T - Cornwall
"Than you for your lovely cottage. We have enjoyed our stay in Underwood, it felt just like home and we could not have asked for more, there is everything you need.
The weather has been fantastic, plenty to do and super views. Again thank you."
Mr & Mrs C - St Helens
"A completely wonderful cottage - great facilities and a perfect location. Easily accommodated the six of us and is furnished to a high standard.
The Steam Gondola on Coniston Water runs a fantastic long tour twice a week - really recommended. The walk up Coniston Old Man runs right behind the cottage. You will need energy but the climb and views are well worth it.
Thanks for a great week"
Mr & S - Heartfordshire
"Clean, comfortable and very tastefully decorated throughout. The cottage has been the ideal place to spend mum's 60th birthday weekend. We enjoyed the wood burner on winter evenings and the stunning scenery and walks during the day - next time we will have to stay longer.
Thank you both very much."
Mr & Mrs B - St Albans
"The sign of a good cottage is to be glad when you return at the end of the day - and that was certainly true in our case.
We are so pleased we chose Underwood! It is beautifully furnished with all mos cons and stunning views. We very much appreciated the cleanliness. Thank you very much."
Mr & Mrs C - Cornwall
"A great week was had by all. The cottage exceeded our expectations - comfortable, beautifully decorated, very well equipped and a lovely home from home feeling.
We had many enjoyable walks, great food in the local inns - we highly recommend The Church House Inn just up the road - and even the weather was kind to us. We love coming to the Lake District and in the words of Arnie - We will be back!!"
Mr & Mrs N and family - Buckinghamshire
Local Areas Of Interest
Coniston Village
Underwood Inventory
Nearest Amenities
Torver for -
Church House Inn - Great pub in serving great cuisine (Good Food Guide 2010)
Coniston Village two miles north for -
Coniston Tourist Information Centre - All you need for info on the area.
Grocers, Co-op, Butcher.
Coniston Boating Center – For boat and bike hire, launch and steamer trips. The Bluebird Cafe.
Summit Treks for outdoor adventure, courses, kit and hire.
Medowdore Cafe - Run by Frances Hall perfect for the Mega breakfast before hitting the fells.
Harry’s Wine Bar - Breakfast, Pasta, coffee, steaks, wine, local ale & cocktails.
Pubs & Inns - The Black Bull Inn and Coniston Brewing Company for Bluebird Bitter - The Ship Inn - The Sun Hotel - The Crown - The Yewdale Hotel
Ruskin Museum – For info on Ruskin and Coniston including Donald Campbell.
East of Lake Road for -
Plenty of bays and coves to swim, fish and picnic
Brantwood and Jumping Jennys - Explore Ruskins house and gardens combined with a good lunch on the terrace overlooking the lake.
Grizedale Forest - great day out for hiking or mountan biking - Maps and bike hire available at the visitor center.
Go-Ape - At the Grizedale Forest - Mad wild fun in a tree top adventure with breathtaking scenery, tree-top wires, crossings and wind-in-your-face zip wires - finished off with a dose of people in search of their inner Tarzan.