About The Larches
The Larches is an attractive environmentally-friendly Lakeland cottage near Bassenthwaite and Derwentwater, two of the area’s largest lakes. We are committed to help build a greener and sustainable future and have produced a Green Charter for visitors to The Larches to support this.
The Larches is ideal accommodation for value for money holidays and close to three out of seven of Cumbria Tourism’s top free activities.
- Britain’s most dramatically sited stone circle at Castlerigg
- Hiking up England’s highest mountain (Scafell Pike 3,210 ft)
- Watching England’s only Ospreys above Bassenthwaite
The cottage was built in the 1880s for the manager of the local lead mine, when there was already a saw mill opposite and nearby woollen mill. Both of these were powered by the fast-flowing Comb Beck. The hamlet retains an un-spoilt charm and simplicity, reflecting its 18th century mining & milling centre origins.
It’s a two minute stroll to the Thornthwaite Gallery & teashop and to the bus stop for Keswick and Cockermouth; and just over a mile – by footpath or local road – from shops, pubs and a restaurant in adjoining Braithwaite.
The Larches is surrounded by a spacious garden, with flower beds, lawns, BBQ area and patios. Combining the traditional with the modern, this unique property rises steeply at the back. At the top the architect-designed Belvedere, with light and heating, overlooks the house. Its sedum roof, full sliding doors and airy cantilevered decking provide a top of the world feel.
If you’re interested in finding out about the history of belvederes just click here . Alternatively you may like to take a look at our Rooftop Buildings of the World Photo Gallery, a unique set of riveting images from all over the world of high buildings in wild places.
From the Belvedere, over 40 feet (and just 47 steps!) above the level of the road, you can gaze, rain or shine, across the roof tops of the hamlet to the high fell tops beyond; or you can retreat there to read or write or just sit in comfort. Many of our guests have meals or an evening drink on the deck; and in winter there’s a radiator to keep the Belvedere warm and cosy. It’s certainly got one of the most stunning (and changing!) views from a Lake District cottage.
The ospreys changed their nesting site yet again in 2011. This is now just ½ mile distant from The Larches and well within view from the Belvedere. From here, if you are quiet, you may also see a red squirrel bounding along the paths and steps in the garden.
The Derwent Valley and its fenland marshes lie to the north east beyond the village and from the Belvedere a panorama opens up stretching from Skiddaw (931 m), via Blencathra to Clough Head (725 m), south of the A66.
There are varied walks in all directions from the cottage, including a short one up to the Whinlatter Visitor Centre, Here you can:
- discover more about the ospreys and red squirrel scurries
- ride on the new Altura trail, England’s highest forest cycle way
- try out the High Wire Forest Adventure, Go Ape!
- enjoy a coffee and home made snacks in the Siskins café