Self catering cottage in Eskdale, Cumbria

Accommodation details

Eskdale is a wonderfully unspoilt valley that offers fabulous food, glorious scenery and lots of opportunities for walking and cycling for all abilities. The River Esk has natural pools for swimming and is a popular place for canoeing and fishing. Take a trip to the Eskmeal Dunes Nature Reserve and enjoy a picnic in the sea air.

History enthusiasts will love Muncaster Castle, 7 miles away, and with six pubs within 10 miles, enjoy excellent home-cooked food after a busy day. Play a round at Eskdale Golf Club, 2.5 miles away, while Wastwater is 6 miles away and framed by the magnificent fells of Great Gable and Scafell Pike, worth a climb for truly unforgettable views.

The village shop is within 3.5 miles and sells groceries, fresh fruit and vegetables and newspapers. Spacious and well-appointed, exposed beams and stone fireplaces are complemented by cream walls and pretty textiles creating a welcoming home from home for up to 14 guests. The large, open-plan living/dining room is perfect for gathering everyone together at the end of the day.

Settle on the comfortable sofas, with the dogs snoozing at your feet and the wood burner flickering. With a good selection of books, games and Sky TV there is plenty to entertain. The farmhouse kitchen is well equipped for entertaining and has an electric oven and hob, full-size fridge, freezer and dishwasher.

Rustle up a delicious meal and gather everyone around the large, rustic dining table to enjoy sociable dinner times. The kitchen and living room both open onto a slate patio and picnic area with the garden beyond. On warm evenings and sunny mornings, bring the outside in and open the doors, listening to the birdsong as you dine.

In the older part of the house, there is a second, smaller living room also with a cosy wood burner which is very useful for larger parties, and there is a small dining/study area in the entrance hall. The first-floor accommodation is reached by two separate staircases from different parts of the house.

From the main living room, the first staircase leads to one king-size bedroom, one double bedroom, a twin bedroom, a bunk bedroom and the family bathroom with a shower over the bath. From the second utility room, the second staircase leads to one king-size bedroom, a twin bedroom, a bunk bedroom and a further family bathroom with a shower over the bath.

Here there is also a useful airing cupboard for storing wet, outdoor gear. Outside, there is access to 12 acres of garden, pasture and woodland. The slate patio and picnic area can be accessed from both the kitchen and living room and is ideal for al fresco dining. There is a BBQ available for warm summer evenings.

Horse stabling is available by prior arrangement with the owner, and there is an open games barn which has table tennis and table football. There is a log store and honesty box available for guests.