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The Vicarage

(Ref. 1064519)

near Rosthwaite, Cumbria & The Lake District Show on map

5.0

Sykes rating

  • 8 Guests

  • 4 Bedrooms

  • 4 Bathrooms

  • Pets No

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Open fire
  • Garden / Patio
  • Cot available
  • Highchair available
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Sky TV
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • property (14)
  • no (12)
  • vicarage (10)
  • well (10)
  • our (9)
  • house (9)

26 Customer Reviews

  • "We stayed at the Vicarage for our annual family holiday - 6 adults and two children over three generations."

    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 week’s 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. We’ve already booked the Vicarage for next year!

    Reviewed by Jean5.0Jul 2024

  • "Beautiful home in a beautiful location!"

    Reviewed by Tom5.0Jun 2024

  • "Have left comments in the visitor book."

    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.

    Reviewed by Richard5.0Jun 2024

  • "The house was in excellent condition and beautifully decorated."

    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.

    Reviewed by James5.0Feb 2024

  • "The Vicarage is a superb property."

    It has everything one could possibly need. Very few properties live up to this standard. The beds are very comfortable. All the rooms are a decent size. I could go on, one of the best holiday homes ever. The 9am exit is the only thing I would improve.

    Reviewed by Moira5.0Nov 2023

  • "This is our second visit to the Vicarage (u left a review in the visitors book); it is wonderful in all respects."

    In fact it is so amazing that none of our friends want to stay anywhere else when they next visit the Lakes!

    Reviewed by Snoo5.0Sep 2023

  • "Beautiful property in a beautiful location."

    The owners have worked really hard to provide a stunning home for holiday goers in the Lakes. The home is very well equipped throughout and expertly cleaned. We have been before and already booked again! A regular for us and I would highly recommend anybody else who has the opportunity to do the same, you will not be disappointed.

    Reviewed by Paul5.0Jul 2023

  • "What a stunning property in a fantastic location, I could not fault anything at all."

    I cannot wait to return, but concerned it will be fully booked up for years to come. This is a very special place and feel privileged to be able to rent the property for a holiday.

    Reviewed by Alexander5.0Jul 2023

  • "Such a beautiful house in a stunning area."

    It was immaculately clean when we arrived, with a generous welcome pack and message from the owners. It is very well equipped and there is plenty of space with comfortable beds and sofas to relax.

    Reviewed by Hilary5.0May 2023

  • "What a wonderful property."

    We thoroughly enjoyed our weekend here. We will definitely return at some point. The master bedroom could do with a large mirror as it was quite dark as main light not central… and would benefit from an earlier check in/ later check out as it was a rush to get out… other than that perfect!

    Reviewed by Helen5.0Mar 2023

  • "Beautifully presented, comfortable and spacious house."

    A real treat for a relaxing Lakes holiday. Lots of walking and swimming options from the doorstep. Highly recommended.

    Reviewed by Heidi4.7Jan 2023

  • "The Vicarage has been refurbished to an exceptionally high standard and is a credit to the owners…."

    We really enjoyed our stay there and can thoroughly recommend it for small groups like ours.

    Reviewed by Graham5.0Jan 2023

  • "Fantastic, clean, comfortable & well-equipped property in a great location."

    We would definitely book again.

    Reviewed by Kerry5.0Dec 2022

  • "We booked the Vicarage for Christmas 2022 and liked it so much that we booked to return at Easter."

    It is just lovely. The level of cleanliness is the best I have ever experienced so kudos to whoever is responsible for that because it was perfect and we are very fussy! Despite being a big house it is was never cold and always cosy. There is underfloor heating which keeps everywhere you go toasty. We took some cooking utensils with us for preparing the xmas dinner but we needn't have bothered as they provide absolutely everything you need. All the rooms were gorgeous with quality bedding and furnishing. The mattresses were such good quality that everyone had a good nights sleep. The views from every window were fabulous! I simply cannot fault this property. There were walks right from the door. Keswick is around a 15 min drive so we were able to nip out for supplies easily. All in all I would highly recommend The Vicarage to anyone. For me it is a 10 out of 10.

    Reviewed by Tracey5.0Dec 2022

  • "This is a stunning property."

    Our family loved it so much we didn't want to leave! It was warm and festive during our December stay. Will be happy to book this again.

    Reviewed by Erika5.0Dec 2022

  • "The Vicarage was perfect for a family get together, spacious, clean, warm and well equipped."

    Our only complaint was the requirement to leave by 9.00 am which was pretty brutal! I can understand this during covid but have noticed it has been quietly retained by most providers.

    Reviewed by Christopher5.0Dec 2022

  • "Delightful house in a super location with great walks from the door."

    The facilities at the house were excellent and had a very well equipped kitchen. Lovely entrance/drying room area to leave outdoor gear which is very useful knowing the weather in the Lakes. Highly recommend.

    Reviewed by Jennifer5.0Oct 2022

  • "Beautiful property with great facilities."

    We loved the layout, the quality of the rooms and en suites, the large lounge diner, the provision of firewood for the stoves and the separate boot room. We will definitely book again.

    Reviewed by John5.0Sep 2022

  • "Beautiful house well equipped and so comfortable."

    It was decorated to our taste and no expense was spared. Absolutely fabulous. The location was wonderful with stunning scenery. A bonus was having a bus stop on the door step into Keswick which took a lot of hassle out of having to get into the car and find parking. We had a truly fantastic holiday. Thank you.

    Reviewed by Linda5.0Jul 2022

  • "The Vicarage is a stunning property and was beautifully clean with very thoughtful additions such as the sheepskins for outside sitting and the well-seasoned logs for burning which added hugely to our enjoyment."

    Sykes Cottages, on the other hand, were not at all helpful, and actually caused unnecessary hassle, such as by sending an email saying that we needed to take oven gloves and tea towels, which, it turned out, were supplied. It was also very difficult to find out via Sykes if dishwasher tablets, etc, were supplied, and as a result we ended up packing all these sorts of things because we couldn't get accurate information about what we actually needed. So, to sum up, thanks to the cleaner for a really thorough job and thanks to the owners for creating such a fantastic property, but no thanks to Sykes Cottages who bombard you with marketing emails but can't be bothered to answer any queries properly.

    Thank you for your feedback, we provide everything that you would require for your stay in our house to start you off when you arrive at The Vicarage. I would love to welcome you back in the future. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Susan5.0Jul 2022

  • "At last we've discovered the perfect holiday property for a family!"

    The Vicarage is extremely spacious, very well equipped, and tastefully decorated and furnished throughout. Add to that its wonderful location in the heart of Borrowdale - what more could you wish for?

    Reviewed by Philip5.0Jun 2022

  • "My parents had a lovely time, due to illness myself and my husband couldn't go."

    Sykes are incredibly unhelpful, I will never use them again, called with questions several weeks before trip, was told repeatedly I would be called back. No calls received Asked 10 days in advance about changing dates due to illness, unsympathetic and unhelpful responses from bored staff. Their insurance is outrageously expensive. Why can we not directly send a message to the owners like every other cottage rental company we have used? Review from my parent's. House is beautiful, everything was well maintained, beds are amazingly comfortable. Outdoor seating area is absolutely fabulous, loved the entire property. Just one suggestion, after a 7 hour journey a couple of tea bags and pint of milk would have been a great addition (although they very much enjoyed the wines).

    Reviewed by Lisa5.0Jun 2022

  • "It needs some bits of finish some common sense thinking re kitchen ..."

    It needs some bits of finish some common sense thinking re kitchen storage-centre island but on the hole a fabulous stay

    Reviewed by Malcolm4.4May 2022

  • "Beautiful, stylish house with lovely decor and facilities."

    Lots of thought and love has gone into the house. We had good weather and used outdoor dining area which we loved. We had great walks from the property each day. We were 3 generations of the family and all agreed we would love to return.

    Reviewed by Judith5.0Apr 2022

  • "Everything about The Vicarage was superb, the outside space was amazing, we’ve had a lovely holiday there"

    Reviewed by Gillian5.0Mar 2022

  • "We had a fabulous week at the Vicarage - made extra special by 5 days of sunshine in early March (6 dry days out of 7 too!"

    ). The property was immaculate and so well thought out - we absolutely loved it! From the back issues of Trek with great local walk ideas, to the coffee machine in the kitchen! The bedrooms and bathrooms were brilliant and the lounges really comfortable to relax after a long day in the mountains. We might have to stay at a warmer time of year to enjoy the outdoor spaces next time.

    Reviewed by Matt5.0Mar 2022

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This property is part of the Lakelovers collection.
We have properties to suit every occasion throughout the southern and central Lake District including; Ambleside Cottages, Bowness Cottages, Coniston Cottages, Grasmere Cottages, Hawkshead Cottages, Lakeside Cottages, Langdale Cottages, Troutbeck Cottages, Ulswater Cottages, Windermere Cottages and smaller hamlets between, which although seldom heard of are none the less equally wonderful. With hundreds of properties available, Lakelovers are sure to have a property to meet your needs.

Summary

  • 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 inc. in rent - please only use wood provided for log burners
  • Bed linen and towels inc. 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

The 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.

Note: Check-in is strictly from 5pm and check-out is by 9am

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £500.

View on map

About the location

ROSTHWAITE

Keswick 6.5 miles.

The pretty village of Rosthwaite is situated in the Borrowdale area of the stunning Lake District National Park. The village, surrounded by fells and meadows offers a pub, shop and tea room. You’ll be delighted with the location - just driving up the Borrowdale Valley past Lake Derwentwater is sure to please, and once you arrive in Rosthwaite you will be charmed by the traditional Lakeland cottages. Within driving distance is the town of Keswick, which boasts a number of shops and restaurants, along with miniature golf, parks, the Pencil Museum and the famous Theatre by the Lake. With Derwent Water and Honister Pass close by, the village is an ideal base for walkers and cyclists, and is in a superb location to discover all of the Lake District.

Christmas tree provided

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
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