Are you stressed about Christmas? Is the thought of the family gathering the same as an impending trip to the Dentist? Why not escape to The Lake District instead. We can offer a warm welcome, comfortable cottages and a great choice of local pubs and restaurants to relax and unwind.

We still have last minute availability in 3 of our cottages.

Church Gate (Sleeps 4) in Chapel Stile

Underhowe (sleeps 5) in Central Grasmere

Birch Tree Cottage (Sleeps 4) in Chapel Stile

Wish you were here!

In January 2013 we begin letting Wayside Cottage in Clappersgate near Ambleside.

Wayside cottage is very warm and welcoming. Although it is a very old house – a Grade II Listed Building, almost four hundred years old with numerous exposed oak beams and slate floors – it has been modernised to a high standard of comfort whilst retaining its period charm.

The cottage is situated in the hamlet of Clappersgate, near the head of Lake Windermere, which is very convenient for exploring the central Lake District. The pretty villages of Hawkshead, Grasmere, Bowness, Keswick and Coniston are a short drive away, while the many shops, restaurants, pubs and cinema of Ambleside are only a short walk away. It makes a good base for a walking holiday with many fine walks from the door.The accommodation is well laid out and sleeps up to six adults in one double and two twin bedrooms.

From the door the entrance hall, which has a traditional floor of slate flagstones, gives access to the lounge, the spacious kitchen/ dining room and the cloakroom/WC.The lounge – which has fell views – has a leather suite with seating for six, digital TV/DVD/ and a log-burning stove set in the original feature fireplace. Logs are provided.

The farmhouse-style kitchen/dining room has recently been completely refitted to a high standard with oak units, granite worktops and Neff appliances. It has a slate floor and is very well equipped with a full range of modern appliances including fridge-freezer, dishwasher, double electric fan oven, dual gas/electric hob, extractor fan, microwave and a radio/CD/tape player. The large dining table is ideal for family meals.

On the first floor are two bedrooms, both with original fireplaces and furnished with antique pine, one double and one with twin beds. The double bedroom has exposed beams and fell views of Wansfell Pike.The bathroom, with shaver point, hand basin, toilet and electric shower over a magnificent, very large, antique iron bath, is also on this floor.A second staircase leads to the third bedroom on the second floor. It has exposed roof beams, twin pine beds and a TV, with DVD.

Having been let for many years Wayside Cottage has a loyal group of guests who return annually, but we hope coming to us opens the door for a whole new group of guests to discover its charms.

Winter views from Holly Tree Cottage

Christmas is fast approaching. We still have a few cottages available for the Christmas week, so why not spend the festive period enjoying our beautiful surroundings in the South Lakes. We provide Christmas Trees in all our cottages so it takes the hassle out of your own preparations

In Chapel Stile we have Birch Tree Cottage, Church Gate Cottage & Holly Tree Cottage (could we have a more festively named property?) all sleep 4 people and provide a fantastic base for walks around the Langdale valleys.

In Grasmere we have Underhowe (sleeps 5). Ideally situated just out of the centre of the village but only 2 minutes from most of the shops and eateries

In Elterwater we  have Bottom Shop (sleeps 3) available, ideal for a quick trip to The Britannia Inn on Christmas day for that all important festive tipple before settling in front of a roaring stove to watch 30 year old reruns on the BBC

Whether you’re looking to spend some extra time in The lakes, escape the family gathering, or looking for a surprise Christmas gift for your better half, hopefully we’ve got something that will be right for you

The time has come, after 6 weeks off our kids return to school (well they were probably getting bored by now anyway). September usually brings us an influx of guests who:

a) Have avoided the school holidays before taking a time off.

b)  Grandparents who now need a break after helping out with the grandchildren through July & August (we’ll refer to them as ‘Hero Support’)

With that in mind you may like to know we still have some availability during the next few weeks. Check our offer page for last minute deals which may just tempt you to The Lakes over the coming weeks. Typically after a wet summer we’re now enjoying some fine weather which (according to ‘The Met Office’) should continue for the next few weeks.

If anyone fancies a gathering of family or friends then Dale End Farm (sleeps 11) & Pilgrims Rest (sleeps 8 ) also have a few available weeks from mid September.

It’s turning into a prolonged warm spell (which considering it’s The Queens Diamond Jubilee is probably a good thing). After the Bank Holiday is over there are plenty of good deals to be had for self-catering breaks including part-week stays. Have a look at the offers page on our  website for the most up to date prices and availability. Get your Lake District fix whilst the sun is shinning.

Holly Tree Cottage is a true gem. Situated on the outskirts of Chapel Stile looking out across Langdale Valley towards Lingmoor it offers everything you’d need for a relaxing holiday for four people. John & Hazel (the owners) love their little slice of The lake District and make regular trips to Holly Tree in order to enjoy it. During their visits both John & Hazel take great care to ensure that the cottage is kept in tip-top condition for their guests with regular maintenance and additions. Many guests comment about the well supplied cupboards with everything they could need whilst on holiday.  Summer months offer great views and a chance to sit out on the picnic bench at the front which has views up Langdale to Pavey Ark, Harrison Stickle & Pike’o'Stickle (The Langdale Pikes). Winter finds many guests banking up the open-fire and snuggling onto the sofas with a good book and a glass of wine.

We love letting Holly Tree and enjoy seeing the reaction it receives from it’s guests. Below there are a few comments left by previous guests who wouldn’t hesitate to recommend its charms.

Mrs Holt (August 2011) – The cottage was lovely and surpassed our expectations, beautifully furnished & decorated, wonderfully equipped & gorgeously clean – add that to the fantastic location & superb views and it’s pretty perfect.  Have run out of superlatives now so I’ll just say a big thank you to everyone involved – owners, booking company, cleaners & top it by saying we’d love to be back at any time of year.

Mrs Collins (Sept 2011) – We have had a very comfortable week in your lovely cottage. Everything was like home from home (even a bread-maker!) We had a mixed bunch of weather but did some glorious walks nevertheless, what a beautiful area & valley. We shall be back.

Mr Cooper (April 2012) – We’ve had a brilliant few days in Langdale, don’t want to go home! The cottage is lovely and had everything we needed and more. The Scrabble dictionary was particularly useful.

Mr Wilson (April 2012) – We really enjoyed our week at Holly Tree Cottage. It is very homely + we were pleasantly surprised at how well equipped it is. Loads to do & lots of walks. Don’t overlook the walk from Chapel Stile up Lingmoor – it may be one of the lower fells but the views are great. We will definitely return.

View from Holly Tree Cottage double bedroom

It’s never too late plan a week off, we have a few cottages still available for next week (starting Friday 27th April & Sat 28th). Last minute breaks come with 25% off the regular full week price so it’s bargain time for anyone at a loose end. It may well be one of the best weeks of the year as many of the spring flowers are just beginning to bloom, our woods are full of Bluebells and the first sign of green shoots are appearing in the old bracken on Elterwater Common. This past week we’ve had dry days and rainy nights, the rivers & lakes look fantastic, the fields are full of lambs what more can we ask for. grab a last minute break from work to come and enjoy it all with us.

Birch Tree Cottage (13 Firgarth)

Following the Easter Holidays we will be letting Birch Tree Cottage at Firgarth in Chapel Stile.

Birch Tree Cottage is a little gem! Up a private driveway, hidden on the fellside with wonderful views over the Langdale Valley and across Baysbrown to Lingmoor Fell and Oak Howe. Perfectly formed, the end of a small row of cottages. Birch Tree Cottage (13 Firgarth) has everything you could need for a comfortable stay.

Birch Tree Cottage Lounge

Sleeping up to four people in a double bedroom and a twin bedded room (please note 2ft 6″ beds), most suited for a small family or couple with occassional guest. Main entry is into a small but perfectly formed kitchen leading through to the lounge with bathroom and twin bedroom on the ground floor.  French doors from the lounge open up onto a large communal grassed area. A bench seat is perfectly placed for taking in the stunning view and watching the many birds and abundant wildlife that visit the area. Upstairs is the double bedroom which is light and airy, an ideal place to hide away with a good book. If you’re not looking for escapism and need to stay in touch with the world Birch Tree Cottage also benefits from WiFi.

The cottage is a small stroll from Chapel Stile village centre, conveniently close to Langdale Co-op, Brambles Cafe, Wainwrights Inn and also the bus stop if you plan to leave the car behind. Parking is close by in a private carpark for the Firgarth properties only.

View from Birch Tree lounge

We still have availability in some fantastic cottages in the coming month. March will see the blooming of millions of Daffodils around the area so if you want to take advantage of the real Wordsworth country now would be the time. Just follow our online booking process and come to spend some time-out in The Lakes. If you’d like some advice or more information than we have on the web, call our office and we’ll help with whatever you need.

I don’t know.. no new cottage news in a while and then two come along at once!

Daw Bank is right in the centre of Chapel Stile, a traditional slate fronted terraced house. During the 1890′s, Daw Bank housed the first Langdale Valley Coop, now loved and cared for by the owners (Howard & Jen), it provides comfortable and spacious accommodation for 6, over 3 floors.
Downstairs Daw Bank has an open plan kitchen / lounge / diner, with an open fire in the lounge area. A separate w.c in the hallway. The first floor has a twin bedroom, a double bedroom, both a good size and a spacious bathroom, overlooking the central village meadow, complete with bath (shower over), sink and w.c. The top floor has a large master bedroom with great views over the village, there’s plenty of room for a cot and it benefits from having its own tv. Just outside the bedroom is a separate sink and w.c.
At the rear of the house is a small garden with paved patio area. A shed is also available for storages of bikes.
Parking is on the village street to the front of Daw Bank, although it isn’t designated.

Available from Easter 2012 after refurbishment and redecoration throughout. Daw Bank is also adding Wifi to the facilities on offer