Forge Cottage, Living room
Graythwaite Cottages are a little piece of heaven tucked away in the heart of the western shores of Windermere in the Lake District.
The cottages are divided between a Victorian Farmstead, which holds thirteen of the properties and seven are set back into the hillside or by the lake for even more seclusion.
The cottages can sleep from 2 to 10 guests. We stayed in Forge Cottage, with a double room and two singles which was perfect for a family to stay in.
The cottage was beautifully decorated with neutral tones and bold coloured curtains. The choices captured the old features of the building, complimenting them with modern furniture and décor.
Downstairs, there was a living room, complete with log fire to snuggle up to and watch the TV with a large range of channels, or DVD, as there was a player provided.
The kitchen was fully stocked with crockery, cutlery and cooking equipment. It had a dishwasher, washing machine, oven, hob, fridge and freezer for those who are staying for a longer period, or for a cheaper option than going out for a meal over the weekend.
The staff had provided a loaf of bread, jams, cereal, milk and butter, to get your started if you have forgotten your basics, which we did, so it was welcomed! Food could be ordered in from the local shop as well as milk, if you don’t want to drive to get your supplies. All the information was provided in the booklet in the cottage.
The bathroom was fitted with a shower and a heater, so you weren’t hit by the chilly morning air after getting washed. The entire property was warm and impeccably clean.
The bed, was the most comfortable I have ever slept in and we were undisturbed by anything during the night as the site was very quiet and other guests very respectful of fellow holidaymakers.
The cottage acts as a great base for walkers, as it can be your starting point for many walks in and around the area. For those who want to drive it is about 10 minutes from the local eatery- The Swan. We visited here on the Friday night and they served until 9.30pm, which suited us as we only arrived at our cottage at 8pm. The meals could be described as traditional pub food, however, the hotel and spa, raised its standards higher in its presentation and delivery of the quintessential favourites. I would highly recommend this for one of your meals out.
At Graythwaite, there was a heated swimming pool on site and a wellbeing centre for those who don’t want to miss out on their gym time during their holiday. For the kids there is a play area and table tennis room and Wi-Fi is available at reception.
Places to visit include the Fishing Lake and Graythwaite Hall and gardens and it is a mere 20-30 minutes from larger towns such as Hawkshead and Ambleside and 10 minutes from the Lakeside Cruises and the Aquarium.
The parking was adequate with enough space for one car outside of each of the cottages.
The manager, Peter Whitehead was extremely helpful before our stay and sent us information for things to do in the area, as well as a checklist of important things to know for our time on site. Reception is avaliable on site if there are any questions.
I would recommend this holiday destination to anyone as it caters for couples, families or groups of friends and even dogs in some of the cottages. It is suitable for those wanting to rest and stay cottage bound or for the more active of holidaymakers who want to use it as a base to plan their days out from and seek solace at night.
You can stay when it is sunny in the summer or even in the autumn and winter. Some of the guests had written in the feedback that they had spent Christmas there. With the novelty of an open log fire on Christmas Day it is clear to see why they had chosen this as their place to spend it. As the cottages are tucked away from nearby houses, you will get the well needed rest you deserve in these quiet surroundings.
As the nights are drawing in and many other holidays seem unappealing, this is the place to book if you want an end of the year break! This establishment is very worthy of its four star status.
Thanks to Peter and the team for our stay!
THE COTTAGES
Graythwaite
Ulverston
Cumbria
LA12 8BQ
Call +44 15395 31351
Tagged in lake district