We encountered the friendliness and hospitality of Gina and Richard right from the initial booking stage, and from the moment of our arrival we felt as if we belonged. The cottage and barn (we had a week in each) were cosy, warm, and clean, surrounded by hills, sheep and birds. We were invited to join in with the village activities, of which there are many, this being a very creative, dynamic community, and were made to feel most welcome.
Both properties are beautifully decorated, full of Gina's paintings and individually created wooden furniture and we particularly loved the incredibly light barn which was designed by the couple. Use of natural materials and respect for the environment was evident throughout the village from locally produced furnishings to food to soaps and cleaning materials, (we also had a night in the pub, The Royal) and all the houses and gardens are well maintained - there's a lot of local pride in Dockray. Not to be missed are Lucy's Wood and barn, created in the last 20 years, only a few steps from the properties.
We tended to eat in as the Aga was a huge draw, and everything is so cheap!! Cocklakes Farm Shop is 10 minutes away by car, and the quality of their meat, veg and cheese is excellent. We reckoned a meal for 4, including wine, typically cost £15-20 all in!! Easier than going out (except to The Royal)
The weather was very mixed; our daughters and friends joined us in 2 shifts and we all needed to buy good waterproofs - easily available in Penrith and Keswick - and once we'd bought them, managed to escape downpours (I don't know how!) but we also enjoyed clear skies which showed Cumbria off at its best. We walked and climbed miles every day - Buttermere, Borrowdale, Langdale, over Place Fell from Glenridding to Howtown and many others. A map is definitely needed as there is virtually no signing of paths apart from the cairns, and it's challenging walking in places. Wonderful!
In short, we can't wait to get back here, partly to re-connect with our new found friends, partly to enjoy the scenery. It's a pity the M6 can be such a monster, but there's always the train... (We're from Solihull)
We would definitely recommend this.