Overview
This pretty traditional Lakeland country cottage is set against a backdrop of high fell at the far head of the Kentmere Valley. Running north from the village of Staveley, parallel to the Troutbeck valley, it is a protected and unspoiled area of natural beauty and, though popular with true walkers, remains peaceful. The setting is idyllic, with views down the valley that hold your gaze, and a garden that is a riot of colour during spring and summer.
The Nook is detached and the first of a huddle of three cottages right at the head of the valley, where its aspect gives a panoramic view.
Living Spaces
You enter into a small boot room area, and then into the kitchen. A real farmhouse feel, the large table, settle and AGA sit under a canopy of oak beams and will be perfect for cosy dinners.
From the kitchen you go through to the sitting room. A plump sofa and leather armchair are drawn around a roaring log burning stove. Ornament and occasional lighting add to the ambience, where the overall feel is snug and warm.
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
From a small hall, stairs lead up to the landing and the bedroom and bathroom. A large king size double bed sits under a timbered ceiling and the views down the valley are splendid. The bathroom has a bath with hand held shower, basin and WC.
Garden Spaces
Outside the gardens are splendid, a riot of colour and scent in summer. Adjoining the cottage is an open barn, which would be perfect for any guest who perhaps wishes to set up an easel and paint the view. Immediately in front of the cottage is a gravel terrace, which gives way to grass and flowerbeds, the whole setting has the most splendid backdrop of the valley.
All in all this is a very romantic cottage for two set in an idyllic position, perfect to relax and take Me time, as well as explore the walks that are on your doorstep, along with the greater and magnificent landscape of the Lake District National Park.
Out & About
The Kentmere valley runs north from the village of Staveley, parallel to the Troutbeck valley. It is a most protected and unspoiled area of natural beauty, and though popular with true walkers, remains peaceful. The River Kent flows through the valley floor with fells rising up from either side. At the head of the valley is the hamlet of Kentmere with track that leads to a splendid collection of mountain tops including Thornthwaite Crag, Froswick, High Street, Mardale Ill Bell and Harter Fell and form the Kentmere Horseshoe. For the very hardy you can walk all the way to Hawswater, one of the most remote lakes.
At the mouth of the valley, about three miles from the cottage is the village of Staveley. The houses and buildings are typical Lakeland stone built and are nestled between the Rivers Kent and Gowan. At the heart of the village is St James church built in 1865 and shows off a stained glass east window designed by Sir Edward Burne-Jones and made by William Morris and Co. The original church was St Margaret's, built in 1388 where today only the tower remains.
There are plenty of shops and a few inns, the best The Eagle and Child, serving decent food and beer. At The Mill Yard you will find a host of retail shops and businesses. Here there is Wheelbase a huge cycle company for top end bikes and hire bikes. Artesian shops include More Bakery, The Hawskhead Brewery, Starlys Spice Company and Fairground Coffee. Hawkshead Brewery have a super modern Beer Hall where you can relax and sample their excellent beers along with a plate of tapas. Wilf's Cafe is an old and popular favourite where you will find good food, along with art exhibitions. Mainly a day time affair, Wilf's do have specialty evenings and well worth checking out their notice board or website.
From Staveley you head on into the lakes where a three mile drive brings you to the linked towns of Bowness and Windermere set on the east shore of Lake Windermere, where Bowness is at the water's edge, with the town of Windermere set about a half mile away above the lake.
From Windermere the road leads on into the heart of South Lakes where you have Ambleside at the northern head of the lake, Rydal Water a little further on, and to the west Coniston Water, perhaps the most friendly of the large lakes.
Last but not least head east a few miles to Kendal, south lakes main town, offering 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 all adding up for a good day out.
Please note there is a refundable £100 security deposit for this property payable closer to the start of your holiday.