Guests say
High Spy is a charming cottage in Keswick, praised for its stunning countryside views, peaceful location, and well-equipped kitchen. Guests appreciate the cleanliness, cosy atmosphere, and lovely garden, making it an ideal base for exploring the Lake District. While the cottage is generally comfortable, some found the rooms smaller than expected and noted challenges with heating and parking. A few minor maintenance issues were mentioned, but overall, visitors enjoyed a restful and memorable stay in this picturesque setting.
Most guests found the cottage very clean and tidy, with only occasional comments about stale-smelling towels, pillows, or missed spiders. The majority of reviews highlight a high standard of cleanliness.
The location is highly praised for its tranquillity, beautiful views, and proximity to walks, a local pub, and attractions. Guests consistently mention the stunning scenery and peaceful setting.
Guests generally found the cottage comfortable, with cosy beds and a homely feel. Some noted the rooms were smaller than expected, and a few had issues with heating in colder months or the width of the double bed.
The kitchen is well-equipped, but the lack of a freezer and some minor maintenance issues (e.g., lighting, dish rack placement, heating system) were noted. The heating system requires use of the fire, which some found inconvenient.
Some guests mentioned a lack of promised firewood and minimal starter supplies (e.g., loo roll), while others appreciated the well-stocked kitchen and garden. No gifts were mentioned, and amenities could be more generous.
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 (16)
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Daniel Hill
Stunning views, comfortable cottage with all you need in the kitchen !
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Beverley Winn
High Spy at North Row Bassenthwaite was an absolute pleasure to stay at - a very restful & happy week break.The cottage was clean & quite well appointed - I am a bit confused as to why the owners opted to put a dishwasher in - but failed to provide a freezer - you have to drive about 8 miles to a supermarket - there is NO shop in the village - my personal priority would have been a freezer, a bit inconvenient if staying for longer than a week - you have hands to wash dishes etc afterall .The garden is a delight, obviously designed & cared for by people who love nature & try to provide a good habitat for many creatures, from insects to birds & the occasional rabbit, the panoramic view behind it is wonderful !What beautiful views to wake up to, & see over a coffee from the dining room table, no matter the weather.Driveway a bit difficult (steep & unsighted onto road) - ignore advice given to reverse out of it - reverse IN & drive out - far easier !BTW - avoid the round "eco logs" sold at Booths - they "flare up" - then separate into round sections that can (will) roll or fall out of the fire (they're compressed sawdust & junk) - if you've forgotten to put the fire guard in place this could be disastrous !Buy REAL split logs - £6.50 in Booths - or £9.00 for a bigger net from the hardware store opposite the Wetherspoons in KeswickWill book again at some point.
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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.