Garth Cottage, Cumbria - travel review

And that’s what we had from Garth Cottage in Cumbria. As do some of the other luxury holiday cottages at Tottergill Farm at Castle Carrock, near Brampton.

The collection of cottages on what was once a working farm on a hill above the village overlooking the Lake District and Scottish Hills, has to have some of the best views at whatever time of year you visit and a lovely setting.

Tottergill’s ten character cottages, offering accommodation for two to eight people, are beautifully styled all with wood-burning stoves plus private gardens and hot tubs in some properties.

Garth Cottage was an absolute delight and also genuinely dog friendly, although some cottages are pet-free, and terrier Jack really enjoyed his canine break with us.

Luxury is the by word at Tottergill and Garth Cottage empitomised what the current owners have achieved.

There’s a spacious open plan living/dining/kitchen off a large entrance hall. Double aspect French doors lead out into the garden and barbecue, and to your own hot tub, tucked away behind screening but with those fabulous views over The Lakes and towards the borders.

There are comfortable sofas and armchairs, up-to-date TV and that lovely wood burner with a basket full of wood ready if you need it. If you use it all, you just pop over to the barn to re-stock.

The kitchen has everything you need and more, including that all-important dishwasher!

Fresh flowers are on the dining table and there’s a massive home-made cake with fresh coffee and milk for you to snack on after your journey there.

Garth Cottage has a double and a twin bedroom and a well-fitted bathroom and walk in-shower. Top marks here for quality bed linen, soft towels and fluffy bathbrobes. Another mark of luxury. And now back to the hot tub . . . two of our evenings were spent lying back in the spacious tub looking out as the sun set. Utter bliss.

If you want to tear yourself away from this idyllic hideaway, there are circular walks straight from your doorstep and a lovely village pub just a mile away, which you can incorporate into a circular walk!

In addition guests at Tottergill also have the use of a private swimming pool just a short drive away. You email to book a slot and we popped along on a Sunday morning and enjoyed a leisurely swim in the sizable pool.

There’s nothing like the peace and tranquility of a lovely warm pool with just two of you swimming up and down.

Further afield you can discover, of course, the Lake District and Scottish borders, and the fascinating Hadrian’s Wall. We also spent a couple of enjoyable hours at Lowther Castle, a particular gem.

Built at the turn of the 19th century, on the site of two previous houses, the castle was a grand affair boasting a room for every day of the year. Its gardens were the envy of the north.

But in 1957 the castle was demolished. Just the façade and outer walls remained standing and for over half a century, the place was empty – home only to chickens, pigs and the odd bat. The gardens were lost to wilderness.

Seventy years on from its demolition, Lowther Castle is now one of the most intriguing visitor attractions in the country. Dramatic ruins, gardens within gardens, an adventure playground to rival the best in the land.

For visitors young and old (and four-legged), Lowther Castle offers plenty to enjoy. The castle is a must to re-visit when we are next in the area

Tottergill is the perfect place for a tranquil break.