Guests say
The Vicarage in Keswick is highly praised for its cleanliness, stunning location, and exceptional comfort. Guests appreciate the well-equipped facilities and thoughtful touches, such as the provision of firewood and sheepskins for outdoor seating. While there is a minor note on check-out times, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many eager to return.
Guests consistently commend the property for its exceptional level of cleanliness, with one guest highlighting it as the best they've ever experienced. The meticulous attention to cleanliness contributes significantly to the overall positive experience.
The property's location in the heart of Borrowdale is celebrated for its stunning scenery and convenience, with easy access to Keswick and walking routes directly from the door. The beautiful surroundings enhance the appeal of the Vicarage.
Reviewers are united in their appreciation for the comfort provided by the Vicarage, noting the quality of the mattresses, cosy underfloor heating, and the warm, inviting atmosphere of the property.
The Vicarage boasts well-equipped facilities, including a fully stocked kitchen and comfortable outdoor areas. Some guests suggest minor improvements, but overall, the facilities meet the needs of guests for a relaxing stay.
The thoughtful additions, such as welcome packs and well-seasoned logs for burning, are frequently mentioned and appreciated by guests. While gifts like these are warmly received, it's worth noting that such offerings may vary and are not guaranteed.
About this property
Settled in the idyllic Lakeland valley of Borrowdale in Cumbria, surrounded by mountain peaks, sits the detached holiday home; the Vicarage. A fine Victorian rectory, used by the local church since its build in 1842 and now lovingly restored to a warm, welcoming home with wood burning stoves, classic décor and all the modern conveniences that you may require for a comfortable and enjoyable holiday. Your drive from Keswick will take you past the shores of Derwentwater overlooked by Catbells Fell and Dale Head, the famous Bowder Stone and the Lodore Falls, just past the small hamlet of Rosthwaite you will come to the Lakeland stone walled entrance of the Vicarage, and as you enter the gate and up the private driveway, you will find spacious parking for four cars to unload your luggage with ease. Step inside The Vicarage via the Boot Room and enjoy the comfort of the heated stone floor; the perfect place for decanting after an adventurous day with plenty of space to store your walking boots and outdoor gear, and with the convenience of a large Belfast sink, washing machine and tumble dryer. Through the spacious hallway you will find the main living area with large comfortable sofas, traditional sash windows looking out towards the fells of Bessy Boot and Glaramara, and a woodburning stove housed in a Lakeland slate fireplace, or why not select a book from the wall library to read in front of the fire or curl up under a blanket and enjoy the Smart TV. Around the large dining table; days can be planned and stories can be told with your family and friends whilst you enjoy your breakfast, lunch or dinner, large pendant lamps give a warm glow over the table and create the perfect ambience to eat, drink and laugh together looking out to the garden and fells beyond. The spacious kitchen next to the dining area, offers a double oven Range with induction hob and is well equipped for your designated chef to create some hearty meals, as well as an American size fridge/freezer with ice dispenser, there are two wine coolers for you to keep you wine, beer or drink of choice to your preferred temperature. After dinner retire to the Snug, and relax in the traditional décor with leather chesterfields, tartan wool drapes and woodburning stove, the perfect place to read, watch the Smart TV or arrange a board game night with your family and friends. Outside you can enjoy the enclosed garden at the rear of the property with table and chairs to dine alfresco on the terrace or venture to the larger garden and wander amongst mature trees and shrubbery. Discover the external dining room, a space for all seasons; for those who enjoy some shade on a hot sunny day or to enjoy the comfort of the sheepskin rugs, wrapped in homespun blankets in front of the wood burning stove. There is also a Barbecue area for cooking outside on those warm summer evenings. When the night draws in, there are four beautifully presented bedrooms to choose from; a Super King with en-suite, two Kings with en-suites and a twin bedroom, the family bathroom offers a walk-in shower and a traditional roll top bath, so every bedroom has its own private space. Breakfast can be enjoyed at the large dining table where there is plenty of room to open up maps and plan your day or you may decide to take a short walk into Rosthwaite and enjoy a tea or coffee there at the Flock Inn or dinner at one of the three local pubs all within easy walking distance. Your days will be full during your stay at the Vicarage, whether it is a gentle valley walk or an adventurous hike, you can explore the fells from the front door, including England’s highest mountain; Scafell Pike. There are glorious high mountain views in all directions and three lakes: Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite Lake and Buttermere all close by, whilst walking your Wainwrights, why not include a nearby wild swim at Galleny Force Waterfalls or Black Moss Pot, and for cyclists there is a secure bike store at the property. If you fancy a trip into Keswick and want to leave the car behind, the Vicarage is on the local bus route, Keswick is a bustling market town with many shops, a cinema, a theatre and plenty of restaurants and bars. For the younger guests try out the climbing wall, the leisure centre or hire a bike and enjoy the cycle path to Threlkeld or venture further to the mountain bike trails of Whinlatter Forest. Explore the eight jetties of Derwent Water where the lake ferries stop for passengers to hop-on and hop-off, there are kayaks, paddle boards and rowing boats to hire if you want to experience your own Swallows and Amazons day out to Herbert’s Island; the inspiration for Beatrix Potter’s fictional Owl Island 'The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin'. Honister Slate Mine, the last working slate mine in England, is just a short drive through neighbouring village Seatoller, here you can visit the working mine, challenge your family and friends to the Via Ferrata or simply enjoy the Ski High café perched at the top of the Honister Pass. For your perfect escape to the beautiful Borrowdale Valley; for adventurous days out or for peace and comfort surrounded by outstanding Lakeland countryside, be sure to enjoy some time at the Vicarage.
The charming village of Rosthwaite is located in the magnificent Lake District National Park's Borrowdale district. A tavern, shop, and tea room are located in the settlement, which is bordered by fells and meadows. You'll love the location – just driving up the Borrowdale Valley via Lake Derwentwater will delight you, and once you get in Rosthwaite, the typical Lakeland cottages will enchant you. The village is a wonderful base for walkers and bikers, and a fantastic location to explore the entire Lake District.
Accommodation
Four bedrooms: 1 x super-king-size with en-suite walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC, 2 x king-size with walk-in shower, basin and WC, 1 x twin, Bathroom with roll-top bath, walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC.
Cloakroom with basin and WC.
Kitchen with French Doors to external dining room and garden.
Open-plan living space with dining area and sitting area with woodburning stove.
External dining room with woodburning stove.
Boot & Utility Room with washer and dryer.
Snug with woodburning stove.
Oil central heating with 3 x wood burning stoves and underfloor heating.
Electric Range double oven, induction hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, 2 x wine coolers, washer/dryer.
2 x Smart TV with Sky, WiFi.
Fuel, power and starter pack for wood burning stove included in rent - please only use wood provided for log burners.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Highchair available.
Off-road parking for 4 cars.
Enclosed rear garden with lawn, terrace and furniture.
Secure bike storage.
Sorry, no pets and no smoking.
Pub 0.5 miles.
Note: Check-in is strictly from 5pm and check-out is by 9am
Reviews (24)
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Jean
We've stayed in numerous lakes properties over the years but this definitely was one of the best. The house was very well appointed and comfortable, and the standard of cleanliness was exceptional. We really enjoyed the outdoor space and although we had one of the best weekâs this year weather-wise we still had fun sitting around the log burner, with the sheepskins and warm rugs. Borrowdale is.a beautiful location for walking, wild swimming and cycling. Weâve already booked the Vicarage for next year!
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Richard
What was really nice about the property was all the little extras like the welcome pack, the torches, enough loo paper, the Herdwick fleeces for the benches, enough dishwasher tablets, the wool blankets, loads of wood (not just a starter pack) etc. Could have done with more bin bags! Absolutely perfect for us oldies and the best that we have stayed in over the years.
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James
lovely and warm. loved looking at the renovation photos you have both done a fabulous job. the week went to quickly, lovely break until we met the cleaner. I packed 98% of the car the night before and was running a bit late 10 minutes as we have a 6 month old and our son who is 9 has type one diabetes. she didn't even say good morning, just how long are you going to be as I have guests coming at 5pm. I said everything is out of the house and a few bags still in boot room. she said I am not coming in while your there. I said well that's up to you. so at 9.10am I put the bags on the wet paving slabs outside and she went in. couldn't even give our baby her breakfast so we did this I Keswick car park.