About Merlestead

Merlstead is a comfortable and spacious detached bungalow that enjoys beautiful views from it’s elevated position, across the valley to the north western mountains of the Lake District and with glimpses of Derwentwater. A quiet, shared driveway leads to the gates of Merlstead and steps lead from the driveway to the front door (please note there is no level access from the driveway to the front door). The front door opens to the hallway that links all the principal rooms. The sitting room features a large bay window so guests can sit and relax and take full advamtage of the wonderful views. Comfortable sofas and armchairs are arranged around the fireplace, TV and to take full advantage of the views. To the rear of the cottage there is a large open plan kitchen with the dining area and additional sitting area benefiting from large picture windows that overlook the garden and French doors that open to the patio. The well equipped kitchen is well appointed and includes a breakfast bar making this whole room a very social space. There is a choice of three bedrooms, the first with a smart ensuite shower room and excellent views. The second features a Superking or Twin with ensuite walk-in shower & WC. Lastly the third bedroom is complemented by a family bathroom featuring shower room and additional WC. To the rear of the property there is a lovely, sloping, lawned, garden with patio area with outdoor dining furniture and a separate decked patio benefits from bistro table and chairs. A small open stream flows through the rear of the garden which can flow very swiftly during and after heavy rain and parents of young children are, therefore, respectfully requested not to leave children unattended in the garden. A gate from the garden allows direct access to the fellside beyond. A lockable store is available for the secure storage of mountain bikes and outdoor gear. The village of Applethwaite makes an ideal base from which to explore. With footpaths heading off in every direction there is something for everyone. The path from the back garden provides access to Skiddaw and there are several less demanding paths to Latrigg, and Keswick is an easy 20 minute walk away by lovely country footpaths.

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At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

✓Gas central heating with log burning stove
✓Smart tv, electric double oven, four ring induction hob, dishwasher, fridge, freezer, washing machine, tumble drier
✓Garden with patio
✓Private parking for three cars
✓Secure storage for mountain bikes
✓Wifi
✓Two pet dogs welcome
✓Five minutes drive to pub and shop

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Merlestead Attractions & Days Out

Explore the wonderful attractions and activities surrounding Merlestead during your stay. Find the best places to visit and things to do in the local area, all conveniently organised by distance and type. Charming villages to lively and exciting attractions - there's something for everyone to enjoy. Browse through our categories including attractions, walks & outdoor activities, shopping destinations and handy tips on getting around. Plan your perfect day out. Whether you're looking for family fun, romantic experiences, or pet-friendly adventures, this cottage provides an ideal base to explore Cumbria's fantastic days out. Click on any attraction for more detailed information including address, opening times and visitor tips.

Is Merlestead Right For You?

Discover why this cottage is ideal for different types of visitors

For Families

For Couples

Pet Friendly

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Merlestead

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Merlestead

Merlestead Reviews

Elizabeth

Merlestead is one of our favourite holiday cottages, we have been visiting Keswick for the last 5 years and always enjoy our stay here. We are a party of 4 adults 1 dog and Merlestead offers everything on our must have holiday cottage list. It takes us approx 40 mins to walk into Keswick cross country, which is a lovely route and the trails from the back gate are perfect for a quick morning loop before breakfast. Plenty of parking, privacy, its quiet and the garden is enclosed for the dog weve booked again for 2027

Tracey

This was our second year at Merlestead. There is plenty of space for six adults and a dog. Very well equipped and comfortable. We had such a nice time that weve booked again for next year.

This property is finished to a very high standard and has everything you need. The kitchen is huge with lots of space for everyone to be involved in cooking and preparation or if not inclined to cook relax in the sofa area. Plenty of space for everyone to eat around the table too. Loved the log burner in the separate lounge area which also has good views to the hills. Fantastic to walk straight out the back garden onto the fells each morning lovely short loop walk with fabulous views to work up an appetite for breakfast. We also walked up Lonscale Fell from the cottage. You can easily walk down into Keswick via public footpaths through the fields too. All bathrooms & kitchen appear recently updated. Loved the underfloor heating when it was very frosty outside.

We last stayed at Merlestead in 2011 before all of the renovations and it was lovely to come back and stay again! The house is cosy and comfortable and has everything you could need. Could sit and watch the wildlife birds in the garden for hours. Everything was catered for. Its around a 30 minute walk into Keswick 510 minute drive or short taxi ride. Would definitely stay again. The welcome pack was very thoughtful and appreciated.

Excellent property kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms are of very high quality and above our expectations. We did find the settees in the lounge were very saggy and not of the same standard as the rest of the property which let it down. Outside there was plenty of space but just wished the stream was cleared of all the undergrowth so as to make more of this beautiful feature. On the whole an excellent holiday and would we return absolutely, in a heartbeat.

A beautiful house with all comforts in a splendid setting

Malcolm

Very comfortable and pleasant stay.

Charmaine

Stunning property and equally as stunning views. Some lovely local walks from the back garden and close to amenities. Would definitely recommend and hope to come back in the future. A brilliant home from home!

Natasha

A delightful home, very comfortable beds and furniture. We received welcoming and departure messages, that were very appreciated. A very pleasant owner, who dealt with a small plumbing issue quickly and efficiently. A spotless and roomy property that contained everything we needed. My dog loved the garden and the ability to close the gates to ensure he was secure was an added bonus. The local takeaways restaurants delivered to the property which was handy and the Coop in town has everything you need. A fabulous home deserving of 5 stars! We would certainly return if we were in the area again and loved our stay.

Had a very comfortable stay at Merlestead as a group of 4 adults and 2 dogs. The house is spacious and thoughtfully fitted out, showers were good, heating flexible, kitchen facilities comprehensive, beds comfortable & what views! Absence of internal steps made it ideal for my less able dad. Great to have the garden and footpath straight out the back where there's an easy short loop for waking the dogs every morning. The boot room laundry was perfect for arriving back after walks and an arduous fell runscramble up to Skiddaw. We were surprised to not see more wildlife sadly no squirrels despite the feeder or birds feeder at the front? but there were deer up on the hillside on our daily walks. Location was a good balance of semi remoteness but in reach of Keswick for provisions. We'd very much like to come back again. It seems a small thing but although a welcome pack is lovely, we'd have preferred provision of more useful items such as cooking oil coffee pods sugar as opposed to plastic bottles of water.

Wonderful property, extremely comfortable for 6 adults and 2 dogs. Very well equipped. Wonderful views and walks from the door. Would definitely stay here again and highly recommend, not sure why it's not 5 rated!

Claire

Fantastic week. Beautiful house, perfect location. Already booked for next year

Bernadette

We had a wonderful stay. Accommodation was just what we wanted. . Comfortable sofas in both rooms downstairs . Very nice indeed. Bedrooms fab comfy beds. Lovely bathrooms. Fabulous Owner deals with any issues promptly. Nice walk into Keswick. Would definitely return and highly recommend.

Absolutely loved the cottage and its location. It had everything we needed.

Eamonn

Excellent property great location

Robert

Weve been holidaying in the Lakes twice a year for the last 12 or so years and we can honestly say this is the best accommodation weve come across so far. We loved the location, the bungalow was spotless, The follow up texts from Kim and phone call from the owner making sure everything was okay was an added bonus. Thank you once again for a wonderful holiday. We enjoyed it so much weve already booked a fortnight next September.

Lesley

The cottage was absolutely gorgeous with everything you could need to enjoy your holiday. The welcome basket was one of the best weve ever had. Knowing people brought dogs they had covers just in case, little things like that show how they care about you having a good holiday. The garden was secure so no worries there. The walks from the doorstep were enjoyable. Looking forward to returning.

Excellent property in good location for the northern lakes.

Diederick

Elevated above Keswick is this superb holiday house. Its location with beautiful walks straight from the garden is fantastic and the interior is very beautiful and comfortable. The beds were the best we had in a long time! We were surprised to find out that this cottage 'only' had a 4star rating. During our stay we concluded it is 5 stars for us. The big kitchen was so thoughtfully equipped that we used some of the storage ideas in our own kitchen at home. A second tap above the largest sink may be the only thing we would add. All in all this house makes you enjoy the beautiful Lakes even more. We totally forgot to write something in the guestbook, but we want to thank the owners for the stay and the giftbasket upon arrival!!

Outstanding cottage in an ideal location. Very convenient for Keswick and the North Lakes. Beautiful walks straight from the door.

Rebecca

Beautiful holiday home. Idyllic and peaceful location with wonderful vista of the mountains from the living room and garden. The decor in every room was so lovely. Beds and sofas extremely comfortable. Underfloor heating in master ensuite bathroom and kitchen diner was really toasty. Utility room was fab, couldn't hear the washer on once door was closed. Nespresso was a bonus as we love our coffee and Booths stock a brill selection! The Alexa was so handy too. Landscaped garden was really pretty with the little stream and ferns. Our border terrier Baxter could wander about safely so we were chuffed about that! Our 3 daughters and my husband and I had a chilled week away. Been coming to the Lakes for 33 years, never fails to lift our spirits! Super picture of 4 adorable Borders in the hall by the way! Thank you for our hamper of goodies too, marvellous surprise! Highly recommend Merlestead! Becky and family.

Catherine

Merlestead is a lovely property more like a home than a holiday rental. It is one of the rare places we have stayed where running out of plates and cutlery is just not possible as the kitchen is really well stocked. We were delighted with a lovely welcome pack from the owners very thoughtful. The bedrooms are beautifully decorated and the beds are really comfortable. The ensuite bathrooms are gorgeous and perfect for a group of adults staying in the house. Merlestead has a lovely garden, and on the right days you can sit on one of the two patios and enjoy the sunshine and the views across to Derwentwater. Sadly the weather was not kind to us so we werent able to make as much use of theses facilities as we would have liked. The house is right on a public path which doesnt disturb you, but which is really handy if you want to climb the hill behind. It is a five minute drive away from Keswick and Im sure there is a nice walk too, but we didnt use it as one of our party does not walk too much. It is conveniently located to see all of the Northern Lakes close to Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite, 30 minutes from Buttermere, Crummock Water and Ullswater. We saw one or two comments in previous reviews about the steep access to the house. All we can say is that it is up a hill, which gives you fantastic views, but access is simple in a car and not at all difficult. There are a few steepish steps up to the front door from the drive, so dont pack really heavy bags that you cant lift! Dont be put off by negative comments. The house is lovely and well worth a visit.

William

This was an excellent property in a beautiful location. It was spacious, comfortable and well appointed. The handbook was very helpful and the welcoming goodies were super. We would stay again.

Eamonn

This is an excellent place to stay. The property is in very good condition, the facilities and accommodation are of a very high standard. The location is brilliant for exploring the area either on foot, bike or by car. There are lot of beautiful walks to be had directly from the path at the rear of the garden. For the more adventurous you can ascend Skyddaw, Latrigg is also easily accessible. It is a few minutes drive into Keswick with all its attractions and amenities. We will definitely by staying here again in the future.

Elizabeth

Merlestead Cottage ticked all the boxes for us 4 adults 1 dog. We loved the layout of the property, with its large kitchendiner, handy utility, comfortable living room and luxurious ensuites. A few more logskindling for the starter pack would have been appreciated, however the welcome pack was fabulous. This is one of the best cottages we have stayed in and highly recommend the Pheasant pub for food.

Lovely spacious bungalow in a lovely peaceful location. On arrival it gave us that feel good factor, and the kitchen dining area got a wow! It was extremely well equipped with everything we needed, especially the cooking facilities for preparing our Christmas meal, and the Christmas decorations were delightful. We also enjoyed the scenic walks straight from the door, the maps provided were very useful. My only niggle was finding several short black hairs on the bedlinen. However, the bungalow was exceptional, hence the reasons for giving 5 stars.

Unfortunately we had to go back as dog got really poorly with his heart . And hated the narrow approach up the drives

Our second visit to this excellent property. Fits our requirements in every way. Ideal location, very clean and well maintained. All appliances and furnishings of a very high quality. We just love this bungalow and its location. Will definitely be returning.

This was our second stay at Merlestead and we have already booked for next year. Accommodation is excellent. The views are brilliant. Everything you need for a relaxing holiday. Lovely walks direct from the cottage. Very close to Skiddaw if you feel fit enough!

Hi, this was our second stay at the property. We were not disappointed . We had an equally enjoyable stay. Familiarity added to the holiday vibe.

Merlestead is a beautiful cottage, with very well presented rooms. There was a lovely welcome box upon arrival, with the dog taken into account as well. The kitchen diner is a fabulous light social space, the front room has a fantastic view, the bedrooms had lots of room and nice big wardrobes for storing bags in, and the ensuite bathrooms had actual counters to put down toiletries!! Everything was lovely and clean, and looked very well taken care of. On arrival, we immediately had a phone call from the owner to say that the cleaner had reported the kettle broken handle had come off the lid, so still usable, they had ordered a new one to arrive the next day, and let us know where to tell the delivery driver to leave it so we didn't have to wait in. It was great to know they were so conscientious. We will definitely be coming back here again. Thank you so much.

This is a beautiful holiday cottage in an ideal location. A stones throw in the car from Keswick and other stunning Lakes locations. The cottage is clean and has everything you need and more and is well decorated with some nice touches to make it a home from home. The kitchen and dining area is huge, light and airy. The views from the living room and the extensive gardens are amazing. We particularly enjoyed the walk from the back gate and the paths up to the hills overlooking Derwentwater, which is ideal for dog walking.

Amazing holiday home beautiful views. We have had a fabulous week at Merlested great weather and we lived the big dining kitchen and the lively comfy living room.The photos don't do it justice, we all needed a relaxing break and this place did the job. Would love to come back

Such a beautiful property in a beautiful spot. Very well presented, clean, comfortable and had everything we could possibly need on our holiday very luxurious! Lovely walks from the doorstep, perfect for our dogs. Owners were lovely too. Really enjoyed our holiday, even with the 3 storms we had during our week!

Duncan

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Merlestead and would have no hesitation in recommending this property. The house is spacious, comfortable and well equipped. The house has some lovely walks from the front door and there are a number of great places to eat within a reasonable drive. My only complaint is that it is already booked for my holiday week next February and I will now have to try and find somewhere that matches it!

Property was spacious, modern and perfect for our group including two dogs. We were worried that as a bungalow we'd be on top of one another, but the house was like the tardis inside! The master bedroom was a real treat! The large utility room was great for drying and feeding the dogs especially as it led to back door and garden with outside hose. The house had a beautiful outlook and had plentiful walking from the door. House was lovely and warm and Christmas decorations were a bonus for us celebrating New Year as was the welcome hamper! We did not want to leave!

Andrew

WOW Wonderful Outstanding Welcoming property. It certainly is a home from home, colour coordinated bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchen with everything one needs from teaspoons, cooking utensils, pots and pans to mugs and glasses, everything has been thought of. If there is a gripe, its a minor one logs for the fire. These have to be bought. Appreciated the festive decorations and table set for Christmas as well as the welcome box of goodies. Thank you. I would recommend this property without hesitation.

Thank you for such a lovely holiday home. We had everything that we needed for a fantastic holiday and family reunion. The kitchen was beautifully kitted out which made home cooked meals a breeze. The walks and views from the house are splendid. We loved it!

Carole

The cottage was as expected from the website description. There are 2 issues Id like to make you aware of. I called your offices beforehand to check that there was a cot and high chair available for our infant.I was concerned as a previous comment stated that there was no high chair available in the premises.The call handler checked with either a supervisor or the owners and assured me that the high chair was indeed in the property probably in one of the many cupboards.It wasnt. However the child was unable to join us on this occasion but it would have been a problem if he had joined us.Disappointing and needs to be addressed. Secondly the garden was quite overgrown making the rear pathway a bit of a struggle to access and the plants on the front step needed cutting back to prevent anyone slipping.

Leave a Review

Merlestead, Keswick

About Merlestead

Need To Know

More Cottages You May Like

Merlestead Attractions & Days Out

Is Merlestead Right For You?

For Families

For Couples

Pet Friendly

Dining & Cafes

Frequently Asked Questions

Location Name

Merlestead Reviews