A lovely cosy escape for two (or one)

The Sparrows is a cosy ground floor apartment just for two in the heart of the Eden Valley in the picturesque village of Kirkoswald. It is part of a larger house (West View) but has its own entrance and you will have exclusive use of the apartment. The space At The Sparrows at West View you will enter an oak beamed sitting room which is heated by a log burning stove so you can sit in snug, cosy warmth as you watch the television, read a book or enjoy a meal. The beamed bedroom contains a king sized bed along with a wardrobe. There is also a connecting hatch to the kitchen if your loved one wants to bring you that romantic breakfast in bed. The bedroom and sitting room are in the oldest part of the house dating back approximately 200 years. The small front garden, through which you enter, looks out over the village main street. A bench here means that if you wanted to sit in the afternoon sun with a glass of wine and watch the village go by, you can. If you sit still, you may also be able to watch the resident sparrows which give the apartment its name!The Sparrows has a well equipped kitchen that will make staying here a breeze. There is a dishwasher and an easy-to-use washing machine as well as all the equipment you need to rustle up meals at the end of long days walking on the fells or exploring local walks. Outside the rear kitchen door there is a small wood store area and a tap useful for cleaning muddy boots. The bathroom, in contrast to the feel of the rest of the apartment, is very modern. Having been converted from a pantry a few years ago, it now contains a wonderful rainfall shower that can rinse away the cobwebs and really wake you up! There are a selection of stunning local walks from the doorstep along the River Eden, to a Neolithic stone circle or to hand carved caves overlooking the river Eden, or walking up Raven Beck, the stream which runs through the village. The village is blessed with two village pubs, both of which serve delicious food within a few hundred yards of your front door, and there is a village shop for essentials, with a larger shop in the next village of Lazonby, a mile away. The area is perfect for road cyclists who don’t mind a hill or two, with quiet roads running up and down the Eden Valley and there are numerous tracks and trails for mountain bikers. The village is close to the Coast to Coast and the Lands End to John O'Groats cycle routes. There are also opportunities for some great canoeing and climbing nearby too. The iconic Carlisle and Settle Railway runs through the Eden Valley, with the nearest station a mile away in Lazonby. A trip on this is a great day out in itself, or offers the option of other walks without the use of the car. Lazonby also has an open air swimming pool during the summer months. The Lake District has the stunning beauty of Ullswater and the surrounding fells for you to explore within a short drive. On Ullswater there is canoeing and stand up paddle boarding or just take a leisurely cruise on the steamer from Pooley Bridge down the length of the lake. Head to the market town of Penrith to find a good selection of eateries as well as a lovely selection of local independent shops to explore. There is a local cinema for the latest films and Penrith Castle for those seeking a spot of history. To the north the world famous Hadrian’s Wall, built by the Romans, makes a great day out walking and exploring sites such as Birdoswald Roman Fort. Guest access The village is one mile away from Lazonby and Kirkoswald railway station on the Settle to Carlisle route. The village is about 8 miles from the market town of Penrith and the M6 motorway. Parking to unload your car is possible next to the house. Parking in the village is free and there are several places within easy walking distance where we can guide you to park conveniently.