Self catering holiday cottage in Ireby, Cumbria

Accommodation details

This is a beautifully refurbished cottage set in the delightful moorland community of Ireby on the unspoiled northern fringe of the Lake District National park. Sleeping up to six people in three lovely bedrooms this is a spacious and welcoming starting point for making the most of all the walking and cycling opportunities this peaceful area has to offer.

It is a characterful end-terrace house, which has been decorated in subtle coordinating tones and furnished with stylish and comfortable contemporary pieces as well as boasting wonderful views out over hills and farmland. Ireby is a tranquil village with an interesting ancient heritage. Having received its market charter in the 13th century, it is technically a town but really has the atmosphere of a tranquil fell village.

It boasts its own much-loved village pub an easy stroll from the cottage which serves good food and real ale and the village hosts its own folk festival each year in May. There’s much fun to be had both walking and cycling in this area of the Caldbeck Fells, locally known as the Back O’ Skiddaw.

From high ground here the views stretch to the south of Scotland, the Pennines and of course to many of the Lake District’s iconic peaks. If guests would like to sample Cumbrian town life then, in spite of your rural setting, you're not too far away. Keswick and Cockermouth, two of northern Cumbria's loveliest towns are within 15 miles of the house.

Cockermouth is a charming Georgian town with a great choice of independent shops and eateries. Well worth a visit as it is also notable for being Wordsworth's birthplace; in fact you can still pay a visit to his childhood home. Keswick, of course, is well known as the Lake District's adventure capital.

This bustling town offers all manner of outdoor adventures as well as a twice-weekly market, an art deco cinema, a well renowned theatre and an abundance of shops and places to eat. A visit to the charming village of Caldbeck, just 6 miles to the east of Ireby, will reward you with a popular village pub, several cafes, craft shops and much evidence of the area’s rich history.

This seemingly remote village really does prove a picturesque base for exploring this wonderful area. On arrival at the property via the back door, you first enter the utility area, where you'll find the washing machine and dryer, and the door to the beautiful downstairs shower room. This has been fitted with a modern suite with a curved shower enclosure and an electric shower. Through from here you access the stunning modern kitchen with its thoughtfully built-in appliances and soft close doors and drawers.

It's extremely well equipped with all of the crockery and utensils you are likely to need for your stay. It has a large built-in fridge/freezer, two fan ovens, halogen hobs, microwave and dishwasher. It's a lovely light space with a small breakfast table for a quiet morning cuppa. Moving through to the stylish open-plan living and dining room you'll find a light and welcoming space with wooden floors and charming decorative features.

The dining area looks out to the front of the house and has a large dining table with six chairs, while the living room has a cosy wood burner topped by a wooden mantle and a deep soft brown leather sofa with matching comfy armchairs. Why not curl up here and read or watch a film on the flatscreen TV with Freeview? With its glass double doors looking out onto the garden and the stunning view it makes a gorgeous space to relax. Heading up the curved staircase to the thoughtfully coordinated bedrooms.

First is the king-size room with its large wardrobe and window out onto the comings and goings of village life. Secondly the lovely double room which has a wardrobe and a gorgeous view out to the back of the house over the rolling moorland to the high fells beyond. Lastly is the light fresh twin room with its metal bedsteads and two windows drenching the room in light.

Also upstairs is the spacious modern bathroom. With its high-backed claw-foot bath and large separate shower enclosure with electric shower, it's a wonderful space to soak away aching muscles. To the back of the house is a lovely garden with mature trees and shrubs. Immediately outside is a large gravelled area then beyond a substantial lawn for children to potter about on.

Please note, there is a right of access across the garden for neighbours to bring their dustbins in and out, so please ensure that dogs are supervised at all times. The views over Caldbeck Common and the Lakeland fells from here are absolutely magnificent making it an ideal spot to enjoy al fresco meals or just to soak up the peace and tranquillity.