Perhaps the loveliest of the lakes Ullswater is just a mile to the north with opportunities for swimming walking sailing or enjoying a picnic on the shore. From nearby Howtown (3.5 miles) you can take a steamer across Ullswater to Glenridding Poole Bridge and Aira Force. A fantastic spot for walkers and cyclists Martindale offers nature lovers the chance to spot a range of wildlife including red squirrels badgers deer owls kestrels and buzzards. The market town of Penrith is to the north (11 miles) with a fine choice of pubs shops and restaurants. Other local attractions include the Aira Force Waterfall (12 miles by land) Dalemain Mansion and Historic Gardens (8.5 miles) and Lowther Castle and Gardens (10 miles). Entering this cheerful and welcoming property the entrance hallway is a perfect space for leaving boots and coats before you head into the spacious and stylish lounge. This colourful room provides the ideal spot for relaxation at the end of a great day out with SkyTV DVD a music centre plenty of comfortable seating a range of books and a wood burner set in a stone fireplace. The light and stylish kitchen/diner has been vibrantly decorated and makes a fantastic sociable space for everyone to gather together and share a celebratory meal. The kitchen is a pleasure to cook in and is fully equipped with an electric oven and hob microwave dishwasher and large fridge/freezer. You will also find a games room and study which shares the wood burner with the lounge. This room features a large selection of books as well as a snooker table which converts into a table tennis table. The ground floor also features a utility room with a washing machine and tumble dryer as well as a separate WC. Heading upstairs via the glass-panelled stairs there are four cosy and relaxing bedrooms to choose from. There's a delightful triple room with three single beds and vaulted ceiling and three bright and airy double rooms one with an en-suite shower room with shower and WC. The main bathroom is also on this floor complete with a shower over the bath and a WC. Going outside the garden has a large lawn and there's plenty of space on the extensive paved terrace for al fresco dining and for taking in the glorious views of the surrounding fells and countryside. Parking is available for two cars on the gravelled driveway with a further parking space on the grassy area on the left of the cottage grounds please avoid the fence around the septic tank area. On darker evenings movement-activated lights help you find your way to the front door and we recommend you bring a torch for locating the key safe and lock. Need to know: 4 bedrooms 1 king size bedroom with en suite, 1 king size, 1 double with wash basin and 1 triple with 3 single beds. 2 bathrooms 1 bathroom with shower over bath and a WC, 1 en suite shower room with shower and a WC, plus 1 separate WC. Electric oven and hob, microwave, dishwasher, fridge/freezer. Washing machine, tumble dryer. Welcome pack provided. Wood burner (initial supply provided). SkyTV, DVD, music centre. Snooker/table tennis. Swinsty is an off grid retreat, with no Wi Fi. Enclosed garden with patio. Off road parking for 2 cars on driveway and further parking on the grassed area. Pubs and shops 6 miles. Ullswater 1 mile. Group bookings these may need to be checked with the owner first before booking. Please note: no mobile phone reception at the cottage; a landline is available in the property for necessities. Please note if there is snow or ice on the roads you will need snow chains or a 4x4 to get over the Hawes.