Overview
Garth Cottage is one of a handful of individually owned private holiday apartments, created from a former grand Victorian gentleman’s country house.
Owners, Nicola and Dominic, have completely refurbished this spacious garden apartment very much with their own use in mind, creating a chic home from home, perfect as both a romantic retreat for couples as well as for small family holidays. Contemporary furnishings blend well with the period features, where the quality is evident and is recognised by the Visit England 4 Star Gold Award.
Located near Bassenthwaite Lake, the Whinlatter Forest, along with the town of Keswick on Derwent Water and with Skiddaw rising behind, it has one of the finest views, overlooking craggy fells and mountains, offering a host of walks and trails.
Keswick is only two miles away, a lively town with plenty of attractions, shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs, along with the boating centre, where you can take a trip on a lake steamer or hire your own boat.
Approached by a long private leafy drive, the house sits in extensive grounds, where there is plenty of space for all to enjoy. Garth Cottage is on the east elevation, tucked away in a quiet corner, and where we think it has the best aspect of all the properties.
The Living Spaces
From the courtyard you step into the conservatory. Decked out with a sofa, armchair and table it is perfect to sit and watch the wildlife, glimpse the view and maybe read a book or write your post cards.
From the conservatory, glazed double doors open into the sitting-dining room. A large, grand space, it retains many of the original features, which blend so well with the modern furnishings and is decorated in calm colours and fabrics.
A log-burning stove sits in the original fire surround, with alcoves to each side and mirror above. To the side of this is a beautiful curved window with window seat looking out to the courtyard, and the whole sits under the canopy of a fine timber beam, coffered ceiling.
Two plump sofas are drawn around the fire where you can curl up with a best seller or take in a movie on the Widescreen Smart TV.
To one end is a fine oak dining table. Set with leather chairs I can see convivial meals been taken late into the evening in cosy surrounds and good company – perfect.
To the rear of the sitting room is the kitchen. Bright and crisp with light flooding down from two skylights, the shaker style units house all mod cons along with a Nespresso coffee machine for the perfect latte or espresso.
All in all, the sitting room is perfect to snuggle up in winter around a roaring fire, or come summer throw open the French doors and spread out into the conservatory and gardens to enjoy the most stunning view.
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
There are two very comfortable bedrooms for you to choose from. The master double, accessed down a few steps, has a King size double bed along with fitted wardrobes. The en-suite bathroom offers a bath with an overhead shower, basin and WC.
To the front of the apartment is the twin bedroom with two full size single beds, very comfortable, these can be made up as a king size double on request at of booking. Adjacent there is a shower room with basin and WC.
Garden Spaces
The house sits in extensive grounds, with terraces and grassed spaces interspersed with shrubs and magnificent trees. On the lower terrace is a small pond and stream where you can picnic. Dotted around the grounds are garden benches and there is plenty for all to enjoy and find a private space to simply sit back relax and enjoy the view.
Child Safety
The grounds are free for guests and their children to enjoy sensibly, but parents/carers should be aware that the pond has deep water and that it and the stream are unfenced. There is also a large unfenced drop from the terrace area and extra care must be taken to ensure children are supervised when they are playing nearby these areas
A Special View
The view from the properties grounds is worth special mention, where for many of our visitors this is a must have, high on the wish list.
I suspect the house was built much with the location in mind. Behind rises Skiddaw, the fourth highest mountain in the Lake District. To the front across field and meadow, there is a panoramic vista of craggy fells and high mountain tops. Here you will see Cat Bells and High Craggs, panning through to Maiden Moor and Causey Pike, coming to rest on Grizedale Pike and Whinlatter which rises above the waters of Bassenthwaite Lake. Of all the views I have seen I can say, with sincerity, this is one of the best and most spellbinding, one which I am sure will enchant all who stay at Garth Cottage.
Out & About
The location puts you right in the heart of the big fells and lakes of the northern area of the Lake District National Park, with something magnificent on all points of the compass and where some Google time is advised to get the best from your stay.
Bassenthwaite, one of the largest lakes, is a short distance from the cottage, where you can explore the western shore. Designated as a natural reserve, Atlantic Salmon spawn and Ospreys hunt.
Above the lake is Whinlatter, the only true mountain forest in England. Abundant with wildlife including the Ospreys, there is much to do from exploring the trails, mountain biking and, at the visitor centre, Go-Ape offering tree top adventure. The Forest Segways are a great way to explore and are available at the visitor centre.
Keswick offers all your needs with shops and supermarkets along with pubs and restaurants. Three big attractions are the Pencil Museum, The Theatre on The Lake and the steamers offer trips up and down Derwent Water.
A little further south is Ullswater, one the most beautiful lakes, offering boat trips, boat hire and some of the finest trails and walks, from gentle lakeside rambles to the challenge of Helvellyn and the precipitous Striding Edge – please do take a good map and observe mountain safety guidelines.
This is only a taste of the many sights, attractions and activities on offer, where a little time and a few guidebooks will let you get the very best from your stay.
Please note there is a refundable £150 security deposit for this property payable closer to the start of your holiday.