Holly Cottage as it looked in November 1997. Old decaying windows, fraying internal decoration, furnishings straight from the 1960s, a creaking central heating boiler that would struggle to warm a matchbox, no upstairs heating, external drainage and gas pipes running the full length of the kitchen wall why on EARTH did we buy the place ? (See. ). This is the chap who helped us transform Holly Cottage, the brilliant Mike (now you`re not to worry) Ainsworth. When we were able to prise that mug of tea out of his hand, he demonstrated amazing joinery skills, organised builders, plumbers, central heating engineers, and generally ensured a first class job. A real gem. (there Mike, thats a tenner you owe me!). Compare this to the photo of the staircase on the home page. Both were taken from almost the same position. To create room for the new ground floor shower and loo room, it was necessary to remove the staircase (and most of the ceiling!). This revealed that the existing supporting timbers for the first floor were dangerously insubstantial - more expense! The stairs were eventually repositioned two feet closer to the front door. Would we be able to save the existing carpets ? No. (groan). Our luxury kitchen - or how it looked after we ripped the old one out. I was hoping to save those attractive wall tiles (j-o-k-e). The walls had to be thoroughly cleaned and painted before the new kitchen units were fitted. That flimsy electric heater was the only source of warmth available for several chilly winter weeks. My entry for the sad bloke of the year photo competition. While all of the work was going on, I was staying alone at the cottage. My evening`s entertainment was a microwaved ready-meal, a glass (or two) of wine, and the Des O` Connor Show on TV (I believe that`s Kevin Kline on the screen chatting to Des). The thrill of all this was not enhanced by a lounge full of unassembled kitchen units, worktops and dishwashers. Just pile it all on the top - Mike demonstrating how a skip lorry could be persuaded to defy the laws of physics. Thankfully, it all stayed on board and no innocent bystanders were decapitated. Mike hard at work with his son, Matt - carrying on the family traditions of butties and mugs of tea (and excellent craftmanship).

click picture for larger version. Left from the hallway takes us into the extremely well equipped kitchen. Items provided include dishwasher, washer/dryer, fridge/freezer, microwave oven, radio/CD/cassette, electric cooker with hob and two ovens, toaster, coffee machine, kettle etc If you think we`ve forgotten anything, please let us know! The breakfast table (which extends to seat 6 people). A payphone is provided for your convenience - we charge standard BT rates and make no profit from calls. Just beyond the window is the private cottage driveway which easily accommodates three large cars. This view of the kitchen is taken from the window. The kitchen also contains the new gas central heating boiler. Every room in Holly Cottage is centrally heated with adjustable thermostatically controlled radiators.

Views from Holly Cottage. Wake up every morning to a beautiful view across the River Rothay to the Fairfield fells. The 'gurgling' of the river outside the window is very soothing and theraputic. We find that we sleep so well when we`re here! A typical evening scene from the rear of Holly Cottage. So often while we`re sitting in the lounge, I`ll glance out of the window, then jump to my feet and run outside with the camera. Our good friends from North of the border, enjoying the views from the patio. I do believe there is some liquid refreshment on the table. Hmm, it must be theirs... and these are the views we`re enjoying. One of the big things we enjoy about Holly Cottage is the fact that its situated in the centre of Grasmere with very easy walking distance to pubs, restaurants, shops, buses etc And yet, once you walk through the gate at the front of the cottage you are transported away from the bustle of the village to the peace of the countryside. This angle shows how closely the River Rothay runs behind Holly Cottage - literally a 'riverside' location. In spite of the river getting rather high on occasions, we have never had a flood here.

Turn right from the hallway and we`re into the lounge/dining room and the first glimpse of the marvellous views to be seen from Holly Cottage. If you look to your left you can see the mahogany dining table (which comfortably seats up to 6) and the french door leading onto the lakeland stone patio which overlooks the River Rothay). Looking back from the other side shows how spacious the lounge/dining room is. For the 'occasional' rainy day or restful evening there is a TV, video, a huge selection of books, children`s games and jigsaws. We couldn`t resist including this picture, which gives just a hint of how cosy Holly Cottage can be when its cold and dark outside. To keep the log fire burning, plentiful stocks of wood are always freely available from the large wood store outside. Right, enough of taking photos - back to that bottle of wine...

Holly Cottage has two double bedrooms and one twin bedroom. The twin and one of the double bedrooms (each with a hand basin) are at the rear of the property and benefit from the wonderful views across the river to the Fairfield range of hills. The second double bedroom is at the front of the cottage. This is a lovely bright room lit by a full length window to the side, and a new Velux skylight in the roof. All bedrooms have been freshly decorated, contain individual bedside lamps, tables, chairs and roomy wardrobes. It's also handy for the upstairs bathroom The upstairs bathroom has been tastefully redecorated and retains the original cast-iron bath (which has been professionally re-polished). Over the bath is a 'power-shower'. There is also a separate

Welcome to Holly Cottage! Grasmere Holiday Cottage in the Heart of the Lake District. Holly Cottage is a self-catering Lake District holiday cottage situated in the centre of Grasmere on the banks of the River Rothay. We bought the cottage in late 1997, when we embarked upon a course of total renovation and refurbishment. Before making your choice of cottages in Grasmere, have a browse around Holly Cottage by selecting one of the links in the box below.. turn left for the kitchen take a look upstairs back outside to the views turn right for the lounge. Holly Cottage in Grasmere is the ideal base for your holiday in the Lake District. The cottage is available for holiday breaks all the year round, and has to be one of the most perfectly situated Lake District cottages. You can check prices, availability and book online on our agent's website: enquiries@cumbrian-cottages.co.uk. Holly Cottage has been inspected by the English Tourism Council and awarded a grading of:

The ground floor shower room. This room contains an electric shower, hand basin and WC. I always wondered where all those boxes of tiles would go, and here they are. I have yet to discover why my wife was clutching a bottle of shampoo at this moment.

Grasmere is the most central village in the Lake District. Nestling between Keswick and Ambleside, it is surrounded by the most breathtaking countryside. Despite its popularity, Grasmere has retained its rural charm and beauty. Many well known writers and poets have made Grasmere their home, no doubt inspired by the ever changing and stunning scenery. William Wordsworth spent much of his life here, and now lies buried in the local historic churchyard alongside his beloved sister, Dorothy. The following photographs were taken on a tranquil (and damp!) autumn afternoon in Grasmere. St Oswald`s Church, Grasmere. The resting place of William Wordsworth. College Street, Grasmere. The view to the left of the entrance to Holly Cottage. The junction of Broadgate and College Street seen from the village green. A somewhat autumnul Grasmere Lake. The Beck Steps Gift Shop dwarved by the Fairfield range of hills. The Red Lion Hotel, Grasmere

 Clothes dry cleaning
 Credit cards accepted
 Heating
 Ironing facilities
 Kitchen
 Laundry services/washing machine
 Smoke-free guest rooms
 Parking lot
 Private/Ensuite bathroom
 Phone at reception
 Cheques accepted