The property
Situated on the high street in the traditional market town of Kirkby Stephen, this cottage is a superb base for touring the area, coupled with local facilities literally on the doorstep.
No one quite knows the origins of this lovely property's unusual name but in reality The Grotto is in parts, an elegant Victorian townhouse filled with original features.
Some parts of the house are of an earlier age but nowadays it all works beautifully with a seamless flow throughout.
Five comfortable bedrooms offer plenty of flexibility with the sleeping arrangements, and with a family bathroom, a shower room and a cloakroom, nobody needs to wait too long to get ready for a day out.
On the ground floor, the well-equipped kitchen has all modern appliances, so if you don’t fancy one of the many places to eat in the town, you can easily rustle up a tasty dinner for the whole party.
Both the dining room and sitting room have an open fire, so you can linger while sharing the day’s adventures and planning tomorrow’s excursion.
The views from the rear of the property are enticing and make you want to don your walking boots for a great day's hiking, whilst the lawned garden also provides an opportunity to catch the last of the evening sun as you relax with a glass of wine.
Kirkby Stephen is surrounded by spectacular scenery nestled within the Upper Eden Valley between the Lake District National Park and the Yorkshire Dales.
The iconic Settle-Carlisle railway runs close by and is the first station in the beautiful Eden Valley after the line descends from its highest point at Ais Gill.
On a clear day there are magnificent views across Mallerstang and Wild Boar Fell, the Howgills and the distant Lakeland Fells.
For walkers the choice is superb from challenging ascents, limestone pavements, stone circles, ancient barrows and meandering riverside strolls.
To the east are the North Pennines, complete with a section of the Pennine Way and the extraordinary geological feature of High Cup Nick.
Four miles south of Kirkby Stephen are the picturesque Norman ruins of Pendragon Castle said to be the birthplace of King Arthur.
Whatever you decide to do on your holiday, you can return to this magical cottage and enjoy the local facilities that surround your superb holiday home.