Overview
If your idea of the perfect Lake District holiday is to have magnificent lake views, walks from your doorstep up onto mountain paths, a village within walking distance and plenty of activities, both on and around the water, then Heathwaite Farm Cottage may well be for you.
Approached by a steep narrow lane and set around the old farmyard, the cottage along with adjoining Heathwaite Farm and, lying across the farmyard, Bracken and Hay Barn, all are surrounded by meadow and pasture, with footpaths leading to the summit of the Coniston Old Man, giving the walker a stunning panoramic view of the lake district.
Wildlife is abundant, with Buzzards soaring overhead, Green Woodpeckers hammering trees and Swallows performing avian aerobatics in and out of the old barns. The surrounding meadow is grazed by Herdwick sheep and cattle which, on occasion, are driven into the farmyard for dipping and shearing, a fascinating sight for children and adults alike - keep the camera ready.
A meadow path leads down to the village where there are shops, cafes and inns and, down by the lake, you can hire rowing, sailing and little powered boats.
Living Spaces
From the stone porch, you step into the open plan living space. To one side, down a small step, is a little kitchen area, perfectly well equipped to prepare warming meals after a day on the fell.
The main area is your sitting - dining room. A comfortable sofa and armchairs, along with occasional furniture and a small dining table all sit under timber beams and a fire glows in the stone hearth. Add a little candlelight, some good company and you have the perfect cosy sitting room, for both winter and summer.
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
Off a small hall is the downstairs shower room with basin and WC. The stairs lead to an open landing, off which lie the two bedrooms. Both are small but cosy, one a double the other a twin.
Garden Spaces
The grounds are shared with the other properties. To the front of the cottage is a little grassy slope or a seating area just opposite in front of barn doors where you can sit out with a glass of wine and nearby, all around, you can wander off onto the fell for a picnic and find a special view.
The cottage is very traditional and would be equally suited to a small family or a couple looking for a cosy romantic retreat.
The Location
Set in the heart of The Lake District, Coniston is popular with walkers and those that enjoy getting on the water. The village offers plenty of shops, cafes, pubs and inns, the oldest being the Black Bull serving up its own microbrewed ales.
The big mountain is The Coniston Old Man, rising over the village and lake. Climbable by any reasonably fit person, there are well-marked tracks to the summit. Even if you only go part way the view will be memorable.
East of the lake is the huge Grizedale Forest. A centre for all things woodland, there are trails that take you on a nine mile route, where on the way you can spot the many sculptures created by resident and visiting artists. At the visitor centre bikes can be hired for mountain biking, and at Go-Ape, the tree top assault course, you can find your inner Tarzan.
Dogs are charged at £20 each per full or part week.