Guests say
High Spy Cottage offers stunning views and a special character with a well-equipped kitchen, comfortable beds, and a homely feel. The garden and fireplace add charm, though heating requires attention. Parking can be challenging.
The cottage is generally very clean, with no cobwebs and fresh towels and pillows, though some guests noted a stale smell and the presence of spiders.
The location is praised for its fabulous views, tranquillity, and proximity to local attractions, pubs, and wildlife parks, making it an excellent base for exploring the northern lakes.
Guests find the beds and sofas comfortable, but some mention the shower being impractical for taller individuals and the house being cold initially, requiring time to warm up.
The kitchen is well-stocked, but the lack of a freezer and some maintenance issues with kitchenware and firewood dampen the experience. The heating system is also noted as a concern.
There is no mention of gifts or special touches that would indicate thoughtfulness from the hosts, so it is not possible to provide a score in this category.
About this property
Bassenthwaite lake, Keswick and Cockermouth are all a short distance from this lovely, two-bedroomed property, which is perfect for exploring the Lake District National Park.. 1 step to entrance.
Ground Floor:
Living room: Sky, Smart TV, Sky Movies, Sky Sports, Open Fire
Dining room: French Doors Leading To Garden
Kitchen: Electric Oven, Electric Hob, Microwave, Slow Cooker, Fridge, Dishwasher, Washing Machine
First Floor:
Bedroom 1: Double (4ft 6in) Bed, 2 x Single (3ft) Beds
Bedroom 2: ¾ Double (4ft) Bed
Bathroom: Bath With Shower Over, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet.
Electic and solid fuel central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Initial fuel for open fire included. Enclosed rear garden with patio and garden furniture. Private parking for 1 car. No smoking. Please note: There are 6 steps in the garden.. High Spy has fabulous views onto Bassenthwaite and the neighbouring fells, and is in a perfect location for exploring the Lake District National Park with walks for all abilities (many from the door). Switch off, relax, and unwind on the outskirts of the small village of Bassenthwaite, ideal for walking, climbing, and sightseeing. Located by a stream where ducks wander to and fro and with swings in a small, wooded area. From here, children, and the young at heart, can spend many happy hours playing pooh sticks from the bridge or sitting by the stream on the benches while you read your favourite book or have a picnic. Football and cricket can be played on the village green, or just relax and watch the world go by. Keswick is a magnet for the Lake District visitor, with Lake Derwentwater, several parks including crazy golf, mini golf and putting, all its outdoor clothing shops, cafés, restaurants, galleries, museum, cinema, theatre, brewery and more. Cockermouth, more of a ‘locals’ town has Jennings Brewery tours, Wordsworth House (the birthplace of the poet William Wordsworth), the annual food festival in September, and a good selection of unique independent shops and eateries.
The cottage is an excellent base with plenty to do and many places to eat nearby in this quieter part of the Lake District, avoiding the towns and busier villages if you prefer. You can take walks from the door down country lanes, including 2 miles to the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, or the more adventurous can walk to Dash Waterfalls or climb Skiddaw Mountain (fourth highest mountain in the Lake District) or some of Wainwright’s other northern fells. The lakes of Loweswater, Buttermere, Crummock Water, Ennerdale, Grasmere and Rydal, Thirlmere, Ullswater and Windermere are between 25-40 minutes’ drive. Mirehouse, with its grounds and adventure playgrounds; Dodd Wood Mountain forest and café; and the ancient church of St Bega, on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, are under 10 minutes’ drive towards Keswick. A 5-10-minutes’ drive towards Cockermouth is the Lakes Distillery offering meals, guided tours and alpaca walking; the refurbished Bassenthwaite Lake Station where you can breakfast, lunch or snack on the grand train from the Orient Express film; The Lake District Wildlife Park, and, for those wanting to treat themselves with some pampering, there is the luxury award-winning spa at Armathwaite Hall.
Free WiFi
Nearby points of interest
- Derwent Pencil Museum
- Catbells Lakeland Walk
- Lake District Coast Aquarium
- Wastwater Alpaca Trekking
- Lodore Falls
- Scale Force waterfall
- Buttermere Lake
- Wastwater Lake
- Church of St Olaf
Reviews (9)
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Confirmed Guest
The view from the cottage is as lovely as the photos. Most things were really good about it. The bathroom heater was a good addition. The cottage itself was very clean, but the towels and pillows smelt stale although they were obviously fresh ones. The lights in the living area are not really bright enough to read by unless you are sat next to the lamp. We were warm enough with the downstairs storage heater and there are electric heaters if needed or a coal fire. Upstairs there are plug in heaters or coal fire heated radiators, which we didn't need in early September. My main problem was the fairly steep drive. There isn't room to turn around at the bottom and you are advised to drive in foreward and reverse out onto the lane. We preferred to reverse in so that we could see the lane when exiting. If reversing in, you have to be careful of a slight drop in levels at the bottom corner of the slope.
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Nicola Pennington
Good cottage to choose. It has fabulous views. Rural and calm, to the soul it is balm. The place is so clean. No cobwebs were seen. Local pub serves good food; puts one in a good mood. Good attractions abound with grand vistas all round.We may come back some day, ‘ere we next pass this way.
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Confirmed Guest
Great base for the northern lakes. Went to the local wildlife park 5 minutes drive, worth a visit. Lovely pub The Sun Inn, great food. Cottage had fantastic views. Quieter area which we preferred but still accessible to everywhere else.