Curlew Close
Curlew Close Cottage can be found at the entrance to the 51 acre Pullwood Estate, a short drive from Ambleside on the Hawkshead road. A short stroll through the woodland estate brings you to Lake Windermere’s shore, the private waterfront and jetty setting the scene for Swallows & Amazons style adventures.
Three generous bedrooms, open kitchen and spacious living area flooded with light from the patio doors make this cottage ideal for a family holiday in the Lakes. Whether you’re enjoying breakfast on the patio being warmed by the summer sunshine or snuggled in front of a roaring fire in the colder months you are sure to enjoy the comforts of Curlew Close and the privilege of the Pullwood Bay estate. We hope that you’ll be back again soon.
- Location
- Inside
- Outside
- Facilities
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Curlew Close gives you the rare opportunity to sample life on the lakeshore, with over half a mile of lake frontage and 51 acres of woodland its a magical setting. All the amenities of Ambleside are close by (including the cimena if you’re really unlucky with the weather) and this makes for a perfect family holiday in the Lake District.
If you decide you’ve had enough of ‘self catering’ there are some great food options on the doorstep. You’ve probably gathered that our favourite is the Drunken Duck but the Outgate Inn is a great alternative just down the road heading to Hawkshead and there’s Jazz every Friday from Feb to Nov. In Ambleside you could eat your way around the world, something for every taste, Lucy’s on a Plate wont disappoint.
Some of the best walking, climbing and cycling is just up the road. There’s always something to suit the weather, your experience and your energy (mine is sometimes diminished by an evening at the Duck). Grizedale Forest is a mountain bike mecca, Langdale does the same for the climbers and when the weather is to suit the ducks then there’s always Ambleside’s climbing wall (great for kids and a great cafe).
Culture vultures can take the A591 south from Ambleside and easily reach Troutbeck, Windermere village and Bowness Bay. Head north, and you’ll head into William Wordsworth country, passing peaceful Rydal Water and arriving at Grasmere. Don’t forget to visit Dove Cottage and The Wordsworth Museum, and also Rydal Mount (another Wordsworth family home but more importantly where we camped as boy scouts a long time ago and in case anyone wants to know it was Lloyd not me who bought the cans of beer at the Spar shop in Ambleside).
You’ll find more examples of our favourite places here.
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Ground Floor:
Open plan lounge / dining room with open fire, leather furnishings and almost a full wall of patio doors. You’ll also find a TV and DVD player but we rather hope that you’ll be too busy having fun to find time for these.
The kitchen is open to the living area but is clearly separated, and features it’s own large patio doors opening onto a grassed area with picnic table and log store. Its well-equipped and includes a microwave, dishwasher, fridge & freezer and electric oven with hob.
On the ground floor is the double bedroom, enjoying the same access to the patio and that means sunlight streaming in to wake you in the morning… unless its raining. The downstairs bedroom is served by a washbasin and a separate WC.
First Floor:
Upstairs there are two bedrooms, both configured with twin beds and plenty of storage space in the eaves. There’s a family sized bathroom with a plumbed in bath shower (not one of those frustrating wall heater trickle showers) and separate WC.
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Parking:
There is ample space outside the cottage to park whilst loading and unloading, and once you’re done there is a dedicated parking area in the woods directly opposite the cottage. It’s worth remembering that there are no street lights so it’s a good idea to have a torch handy to light your way back from the car park at night.
Grounds:
In addition to the cottage’s patio garden you are free to explore the rest of the estate. A new foot/cycle path runs through the estate; in one direction there is a pleasant walk to Wray Castle, in the other direction you can make it all the way to Ambleside almost without walking on the road. If you’re up early in the morning there’s a good chance you’ll spot some of the local wildlife (from foxes & squirrels through to deer).
The Lake:
The shoreline runs just in front of Pullwood House at the end of the estate road (approx. 1/2 mile from Curlew Close) and you are welcome to launch your kayak or dinghy, hardy souls could even go for a swim! (Please remember that there is no lifeguard service and you are responsible for your own safety at all times). From April to October you can also request the ferry service to call at Pullwood Bay for a private pickup from the jetty, drop off in Ambleside and then walk back along the new footpath… great day out! – more details can be found in the welcome pack in the cottage.
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Heating:
The cottage is fitted with electric heaters and night storage heaters, but nothing beats a real fire to set the mood so please don’t hesitate to light the fire at any time during your stay. Logs can be found in the log store on the patio area but coal will need to be bought separately (or ordered from the milkman – see below).
Internet:
At present there is no internet service available but we’re hoping to sort that out before summer. In the meantime you can access a pay-as-you-go service at the reception area in Pullwood House (or take advantage of the free wifi on offer at the Drunken Duck 😉 ).
Laundry:
If you need to do any laundry or tumble dry (it does sometimes rain in the Lakes :-)) during your visit there are coin-operated facilities provided on the estate just a few minutes from Curlew Close. Further details can be found in the welcome pack at the cottage.
Local delivery service:
The local milkman can deliver a range of everyday items, from coal & logs to bread, soft drinks and milk (obviously!). A copy of his price list is here and is included in the welcome pack, you can call in advance to place your order (015394423 57) or pop a note in your empty bottle, leave the money on the doorstep at the end of your stay… just like the good old days.