I'm not really one for user reviews and the like but had to take time out to recommend this charming farmhouse in a beautiful, remote location in the Lake District.
I was recommended a trip to the Buttermere area by a work colleague and was so delighted by his choice that I could not resist taking him home a bottle of the award-winning local ale, Loweswater Gold (a smooth and golden treat that went down well - and quickly - after a vigorous walk around Crummock Lake).
But back to the guesthouse and we chose the Whiteside room, set against the rear of the property, facing a pretty impressive mountain landscape visible from both the bedroom and bathroom windows.
The bedroom has that cosy feeling, traditional in its look (the antique-style radio a nice touch) but set against a modern bathroom with the wow factor (a jet-bubbled double bath enough to tempt you back from the miles and miles of walking around the breathtaking scenery).
A decent night's sleep is followed by a traditional Cumbrian breakfast and it's well worth feasting on the full works with a day's fell walking ahead (notwithstanding the innocent, well-rehearsed "we haven't eaten in two weeks" look of the farmhouse dogs desperate to turn the smells of sausage and bacon into a satisfying gulp of the local meat).
Evening meals included eating at the farmhouse itself (£30 for three courses - excellent food but perhaps a fiver on the steep side), a trip to the local pub two miles north, the Wheatsheaf (excellent food again), and a trip to Cockermouth to the delightful Quince and Medlar vegetarian restaurant. This was my first visit to a veggie outlet but it rates as one of my most enjoyable culinary experiences (the taste sensations and presentation were befitting of any top London diner).
Hazel, the lovely and accommodating owner, recommended the garden hot-tub. We were not really sure about showing off the bulging love handles to other guests after all that food. But you can wander down in your robes without being noticed, strip to the speedos behind some well-placed walling and shrubbery and climb into the steaming-hot bubbles with a glass of bubbly in hand and soak away the day's aches. It really was a welcome treat despite our initial reservations (go on, dive in!).
New House Farm also boasts a warm and welcoming sitting room where we chatted the evenings away with other guests, the fire and Loweswater Gold turning the cheeks crimson.
The final mention must go to Hazel, who helped us immensely during our stay. Even the little touches like providing local maps and driving shortcuts made our stay that much more enjoyable. Her advice to take in Waswater (a 40-minute drive along the stunning Fell Road) was worth the four-day trip alone, a truly stunning lake, more menacing but inspiring than the District's prettier waters. And don't forget to ask Hazel about Waswater's dark tale!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC