Goosepen Cottage Santon Bridge, Wasdale, Lake District National Park England

The name of the cottage comes from the old goose pen which now forms the cottage garden. Sleeps up to 5 - one double bedroom and one with either bunks and a single bed (all 2’6” wide beds) or a double bed (5’ wide). A cot is also available. There is a wealth of original oak beams and exposed stone walls, with gas cental heating and double glazing. The living area has two large sofas with freeview TV, DVD player and log burning stove and is at first floor level to take advantage of the views of Wasdale’s magnificent mountain scenery and the Muncaster fells. The kitchen with electric cooker, microwave, fridge, and washing machine is also on this floor, along with the dining area. The bathroom with shower over bath, and separate WC are on the ground floor with the bedrooms.

The cottage forms part of a range of former farm buildings – the earliest built around two hundred years ago. No longer a working farm but retaining eight acres of meadows and woodland bordered by the river Irt, Goosepen Cottage provides the perfect base for exploring the remote and un-commercialised western fells and lakes.

The open fell leading to the Wastwater screes and Scafell range is a 15 minute walk, past the Bridge Inn, our local pub (300 yards), which serves a good range of bar and restaurant meals (and is children and dog friendly). For the less energetic the area also abounds with low level walks through open countryside and woodland, alongside rivers and lakes and with a liberal sprinkling of country pubs.

There is plenty of choice of other activities in the area including fishing, golf, bird watching, mountain biking and swimming and we’re close to the coast so bring your bucket and spade. The areas other attractions include the ancient Roman fort on Hardknot Pass; the miniature steam railway which runs up the beautiful valley of Eskdale and Muncaster Castle and owl sanctuary.