Central to the entire Lake District and featuring three sumptuous ensuite king rooms and a fantastic hot tub for your perfect stay.
the space
Grange Bridge Cottage occupies one of the most iconic settings within the Lake District National Park. Situated at the entrance to the picturesque village of Grange in Borrowdale by the double humpback bridges, the cottage and her backdrop have been the subject for many artists and magazine covers over the years.
Your basecamp has never been more perfect.
Situated at the entrance to the picturesque village of Grange in Borrowdale
THE SETTING
Formally a tea shop providing refreshments to weary walkers and cyclists, Grange Bridge Cottage becomes your very own Base Camp from which to explore, adventure or just relax and unwind while taking in the grandeur of the setting and the abundant wildlife.
RELAX
However you choose to spend your days, the large custom-made hot tub will be a draw for many guests. Situated in the garden with a view of the ‘Jaws of Borrowdale’, a narrowing of the valley between Kings How and Castle Crag, and an area Alfred Wainwright describes as “the loveliest square mile in Lakeland”. Floating in the hot tub and looking towards the ‘Jaws’, it’s hard to argue differently.
THE LOCATION
At one end of the valley lies Honister Pass and its route over to Buttermere and Lorton while the other end of the valley, beyond the beautiful shores of Derwent Water, sometimes referred to as the ‘Queen of the Lakes’, is the historic market town of Keswick. The whole valley is ringed in glorious fells, a mecca for walkers and climbers with Cat Bells, Castle Crag, Great Gables, Dale Head and Scafell all within easy reach.
THE HOUSE
The layout
Grange Bridge Cottage has completed a full reconfiguration and refurbishment and is entering the holiday rental market for the first time in 2024. Dating back to 1680, she has played many different roles in her time from logger’s cottage, village post office, a tea shop and now a high-end vacation rental.
Comprising of three en suite king bedrooms, she can perfectly accommodate three couples or a family, allowing everyone to enjoy their personal space while vacationing together.
The prime position, however, is downstairs in the kitchen, which overlooks the Derwent River and the bridges into the village. The large counter with bar stools in front of the window is the perfect spot to perch and enjoy breakfast, feed the little ones before a day full of outdoor activities or plug in your laptop if work beckons. The kitchen is outfitted with the latest Miele appliances and has a dedicated drinks fridge and Nespresso machine.
By the back door, you will find the boot room to accommodate everyone’s outdoor clothing and footwear, along with a bench for the keen members of the group, who wait patiently for others or as a welcome resting place after the day’s escapades as you kick off your boots. Here you will also find a basket of towels to use for you comings and going to the hot tub.
The rest of the downstairs area is open plan, with the original tea room acting as a snug with its solid granite floors and a large four-seater sofa, the perfect place to curl up and read. The dining room stretches from the snug down the front of the house with a reclaimed oak dining table, fit for a Sunday feast. In the lounge the large U-shaped sofa and log burner couldn’t be more inviting for social gatherings and, for those competitive guests, the perfect room for a game of charades. If the weather is foul, kick back and relax in front of the 77” TV, which is complete with Sky Sports and Sky Movies and can link to your Netflix account.
For those planning to explore the Lakes on two wheels, there is a secure equipment room at the front of the house where mud can be washed away and any e-bikes can be recharged ready for the next day.
The back garden sits on the Derwent’s river bank, which flows down the valley towards the lake. When the conditions are right, the river is a playground for paddling or wild swimming in the deeper plunge holes, but do be very mindful of the weather and the strength of the current after any rain falls. Also, care should be taken when walking on the large rock striation that cuts through the garden as, like all rock in the Lake District, this can get slippery when wet. The river attracts a never-ending display of birdlife, as they come and go depending on the season, and if you’re especially lucky you might even get to see the kingfishers, which live a little further upstream.
The patio area is a fantastic place to unwind, whether it be for lunch or dinners, or gathering around the fire pit on the chillier evenings. The patio also has a huge custom-made hot tub; whatever the weather throws at you, you can enjoy the scenery as your muscles unwind from the day’s activities.
