Puddleduck Cott-quirky, walks from door, nr pub

Switch off, relax & unwind in quiet Bassenthwaite village with stream nestled in a peaceful valley between the lake & mighty Skiddaw mountain. 15 mins from popular market town Keswick - enjoy chunky wood beams, mountain views, our ducks & chickens, Sun Inn pub 2 mins walk away (booking required), walks for all abilities (many from the door). If you want the quieter lakes & villages or the busier locations, all within easy reach! Fibre broadband. Checkout at 12 on Sundays after a weekend. The space Enter this quirky reverse-style barn conversion at ground level where there is a spacious double-bedroom with a view over the rooftops to Skiddaw Mountain in the distance - 4th highest in the Lake District. Upstairs is open plan with lovely chunky oak beams throughout - there is a dining area leading to a lounge area with armchair, chaise sofa, TV and DVD player and DVDs. The window in the lounge area has views to mountain tops in the distance, and the window in the dining area has views to the Skiddaw mountain range over the village rooftops. The open plan kitchen leads to a full, separate bathroom with shower over the bath. Note, due to the oak beams, tall guests will need to duck slightly when entering the dining/living area. Situated next to the farmyard of this sheep farm (most of our farming now takes place elsewhere in the village), this property is in the courtyard next to the farmhouse where we live and 2 other cottages with our friendly chickens. Guests enjoy watching the puddle ducks waddle through the yard to & from the stream & feeding the ducks on the stream a minute from the cottage, or just relax by the stream with a book or a drink and watch the world go by in the public seating by the stream. The village pub, Sun Inn Bassenthwaite is only 2 minutes stroll along the stream (booking essential esp at weekends and school holidays). Ideal getaway where you can walk, climb, sightsee or just chill out in winter, or by the stream in summer. In the heart of Bassenthwaite Village, a small hamlet 15 mins drive from Keswick. Recharge your batteries here! Lovely walks for all abilities from the door down country lanes and (bucket fulls of fresh air) including to Bassenthwaite Lake, Dash Waterfalls or climb Skiddaw mountain behind us or some of Wainwrights other northern fells. All of the Lake district within easy reach. On a clear night, see the stars and moon shining with our dark skies. The lakes of Loweswater, Buttermere, Crummock Water, Ennerdale, Grasmere and Rydal, Thirlmere, Ullswater and Windermere are between 25-40 mins drive (depending on traffic), as well as the closer lakes of Bassenthwaite (5 mins) and Keswick/Derwentwater (15 mins). Plenty to do and many places to eat nearby in this quieter part of the Lake District, avoiding the towns and busier villages in the Lakes if you prefer. As well as Keswick and its lake Derwentwater, the following are within 5-20 mins drive: several nearby village pubs and restaurants, distillery tours or alpaca walking at the Lakes Distillery, refurbished Bassenthwaite Lake Station where you can breakfast, lunch or snack on the grand train from the Orient Express film, the 'locals' town of Cockermouth with many independent shops, the award winning Armathwaite Hall spa, the Lake District Wildlife Park, most of Wainwrights northern fells, Dodd Wood mountain forest and cafe, Mirehouse country house (check opening times), grounds and adventure playground, the ancient church of St Bega on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake (always check opening days/times of places). The castle city of Carlise, Hadrian's Wall, and the Solway coast ideal for dog walking, bird watching or having a picnic, are 30 - 60 mins drive. Guest access Guests will have total private use of the property though note the exterior entrance porch before entering the property is shared with access to the laundry room which is closed 9pm to 9am to protect you from any noise and it is generally very quiet. Situated next to the farmyard of this former sheep farm, this cottage is in the courtyard next to the farmhouse (where we live) and 2 other cottages where our ducks and chickens pass through. The stream, which is a minute from the cottage is public ground, but fairly quiet. The courtyard for parking and access is used by me and guests from 2 other cottages. There is parking for one space next to the cottage and another car can be accommodated in the former farm yard or barn - please let me know if you're bringing two cars. Other things to note We accept one dog provided you follow our doggy rules: the dog is a clean when entering the cottage, preferably sleeps in a cage or you bring its bed, isn't allowed on the furniture, mustn't be left in the cottage alone and must get on well with other dogs and be on a lead when in the courtyard due to other dogs and our free range hens and ducks. If you have any queries, please feel free to ask. If you wish to bring a pet other than a dog, please enquire with us before booking. Initial toilet rolls provided. All bed linen and towels and tea towels provided. There is a laundry room with washing machines and dryers shared with the other guests for a small additional charge. Heating is via electric storage heaters. Check out by 10am except on Sundays only, when check out is by 12 noon. The key will be in the door and check in is between 4 and 10pm - if you'll need to arrive later, please let us know. No shop in the village - Many guests order an online shop to be delivered from Tesco, Sainsburys or Asda or click and collect available from Booths in Keswick. In Cockermouth, 15-20 mins drive, there is a Sainsburys, Aldi and Lidl. In Keswick, there is Booths (like Waitrose of the North!) and a medium-sized Co-op. The village pub, Sun Inn Bassenthwaite, is only a few minutes stroll along the stream for meals and local ales but very popular so booking recommended. Since only the final 1/4 mile of the journey is on a country lane, the rest being main roads, we're easy to access even in winter months. Charging of electric vehicles from the cottage is not allowed.