What do we get on arrival? Welcome pack etc.?

Each property is individual, and therefore the items left for your arrival do vary. You should aim to bring all necessary provisions for your self catering holiday. There will be at least one toilet roll per WC and a starter supply (not necessarily a full week’s worth) of washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets, washing up cloth/scourer pad and tea towel(s)

Do you provide towels and bedding?

Yes, each bed will be made up ready for your arrival. There will also be a bath towel and a hand towel provided for each member of your party.

Is there a charge for electricity / gas usage?

Gas, Electricity and Water are included in your rental cost (within reasonable limits!) However, if your property has a multi-fuel stove or a log burner then you do need to provide fuel and matches for these, unless otherwise stated in the property description.

Will there be a supply of logs / coal?

Logs, coal and other items for wood burners or multi-fuel stoves will need to be provided by you unless otherwise stated in the property description or information provided after booking.

Can you provide extra beds for guests?

Unfortunately, due to the terms of owner’s insurance, and for health and safety reasons, we are unable to provide extra beds for guests. We can only accept a booking up to the property’s maximum occupancy limit. If you do have additional guests, you may wish to search for another of our holiday properties.

Will I get a mobile phone signal at the property?

We cannot guarantee you will get a reliable signal in your holiday home. In some of the more remote parts of the Lake District mobile phone signals can be poor or non-existent. Please check with your mobile phone provider if you need a definitive answer on the availability of your mobile network.

Do your properties have WiFi?

Where advertised, Wi-Fi service is available in your chosen property. Most properties provide free unlimited wi-fi but there are exceptions to this, for example, some properties can only obtain wi-fi via a dongle which the owner ‘tops up’ with a data allowance which you may or may not be charged for – information about such arrangements will be described on a property’s details on our website. Uninterrupted and high-speed services are not always available due to service provider or technical issues and speed can vary from property to property. The service available is not intended for high data usage and/or use for business purposes. If necessary, we are happy to advise you where alternative sources of Wi-Fi are available locally. Bookings cannot be accepted if they are solely reliant on the provision of uninterrupted and unlimited provision of Wi-fi.

Where can I find your Terms & Conditions?

When you make a booking you enter into a legal contract with the owner of the holiday property. To read a copy of the booking terms and conditions please click HERE.

When is my balance due?

You must pay one third of the Holiday Cost, any extras, and an administration fee, known as the Booking Fee, for each week or part week booked, when placing the booking with Lakelovers. The balance is due eight weeks before the Commencement Date. Where a Booking is made less than eight weeks before the Commencement Date, the Holiday Cost, any extras, and the administration fee is payable in full when making the Booking.

If I arrive and the property is not to my liking can I transfer to another property?

Unfortunately we would not typically be able to offer a transfer to another property should it not be to your liking as per the cancellation policy in our terms and conditions. If the property has significant problems meaning that it is uninhabitable we may be able to offer a refund or transfer you to another property.

Reporting problems and out of office hours contact

Our telephone lines are open between 9.30 am and 5.30pm Monday to Saturday the only exceptions being 25th, 26th December and 1st January when we are closed. We also have an out of hours contact number in case of maintenance emergencies that simply cannot wait until our offices re-open. The number can be found on your travel directions and is obtainable on our out of hours recorded telephone message. The emergency telephone is available during the hours our office is closed up until 9pm, and on Sundays between 10a.m – 9p.m. Attempts to resolve problems will be made either by Lakelovers in house team, the property owner or a third party.

Can I invite friends to stay?

If the total party size doesn’t exceed the advertised holiday accommodation occupancy limit, then additional guests are welcome to stay. All the beds in the property will be prepared. If you do wish to add additional party members then please contact the Sales & Customer Service Team as, if you have chosen the Good Housekeeping Waiver, an additional fee may be payable. It is important that, in the event of an emergency we know how many people are staying in a property.

What do I do with the key(s) on departure?

If you collected your key(s) from a key box at the property, please place the key(s) back in the box and secure it by scrambling the dial. If you received your key(s) through office collection, please return them to the office. If you are returning your key(s) to the office on a day on which it is closed, or after hours, please post your key(s) through the letterbox.

Could I bring any other pet than a dog to your properties?

There is no charge to bring a pet with you to one of our pet friendly properties. If you have another pet you would like to bring with you on holidays, we will need to check with the property owner before we can allow them at the property. Please call or email us if you have any queries. Remember please that dogs must not be left alone in properties or gardens, allowed on furniture including beds and all fouling must be disposed of appropriately.

I am bringing my dog. Will the garden be totally enclosed and secure?

If a property accepts pets we cannot guarantee the garden will be totally enclosed and secure. Whilst there may be outside space for your pet to explore, we do advise you to watch your pet at all times and ask that you clean up after them too. We cannot guarantee the garden will be directly attached to the property You risk losing some or all of your Good Housekeeping Deposit if you do not clean up after your pet.

What does ‘private parking’ mean?

If a property is advertised as having “private parking”, then you have a space allocated for you for your holiday period. These details will be found in your travel directions. The space will not necessarily be directly outside the property.

What does ‘permit parking’ mean?

Your selected property may provide a permit to be used on a public road or public car park or private car park. If a permit is provided, every effort is made to provide a permit for a space that is as close your selected property as is practical.

What do I do with the parking permit on departure?

If you collected your permit from our office, please return to the office upon your departure. If the office is closed please post the permit through the letter box of our office. If the parking permit was in the property for your arrival, please leave the permit where you found it. See our terms and conditions about parking permits

Can I cancel my holiday?

If you cancel the Holiday Let, you are still liable to pay the Holiday Cost. Lakelovers (as agents for the Owner) will seek to re-let the Holiday Property at the best possible price for the Holiday Period (but not necessarily at the Holiday Cost advertised on Lakelovers website). If the Holiday Property re-lets for the Holiday Period, monies received by Lakelovers as agents for the Owner will be used to refund you for the Holiday Cost paid less an Administration Fee of £80.00, and any extras already paid. This refund will be made within two weeks of the completion of the Holiday Period. If you have taken Holiday Insurance then you should contact your insurer for guidance. No refunds will be given for cancellations made within the four week period prior to the Commencement Date of the Holiday.

Do you provide cancellation insurance?

We recommend that our holidaymakers take out insurance to provide cover against certain risks including cancellation. We offer a tailor made policy in partnership with Endsleigh Insurance. This policy is available to purchase either online or over the telephone. Please CLICK HERE if you require further information or a quotation.

I’ve heard it rains a lot in the Lake District – will the property be warm and dry?

Whilst rain levels can be high in the Lake District, we do our utmost to ensure holiday properties will be warm and dry for your arrival. At times, due to the construction materials used on some holiday accommodation, old properties may be prone to damp patches and condensation on the walls during wet weather. These problems can be alleviated by the proper heating and ventilation of the property.

What happens if we can’t access the property because of weather conditions?

No liability is accepted by the Owner or Lakelovers for access difficulties to the Holiday Property caused by weather conditions affecting any roads. Every effort will be made to keep you informed of adverse weather conditions which may affect public or private access to the property, however, road conditions can change rapidly. Therefore you are strongly advised to seek the latest information relating to access prior to setting off on your journey. We recommend that holiday cancellation cover is taken out to cover for such an eventuality. Please contact us if you would like more details or a quotation.

I have booked a two week holiday – will my property be cleaned during my stay?

We will undertake a full clean (including linen & towel change) over the middle weekend of your stay. If you would prefer that we did not do this, please do let us know.

Do I have to clean the property before leaving?

We ask that prior to departure you remove all used bed linen, leaving this at the foot of the bed, and that you place towels in the bath/shower facility. Please also make sure the property, fittings, and utensils are in a reasonably clean and tidy condition on your departure, and that you report any damages or breakages as soon as possible to Lakelovers. If you leave considerable mess in a property after your stay which requires additional cleaning (for example, washing up of crockery, pans etc.) this may attract a charge against your Good Housekeeping Deposit.

What do the star ratings mean?

A quality score awarded for every aspect of the layout and design of the accommodation, the ease of use of all the appliances, the comfort of the beds, the range, and quality of kitchen equipment and, most importantly, cleanliness. The more stars, the higher the quality and the greater the range of facilities and services provided. The following factors are used to assess the star rating:- The quality of fixtures, fittings and décor. The space, comfort and ease of use of each room. The standards of housekeeping, presentation and extra touches provided by the Owner. The star rating which is awarded annually is based upon an objective report referencing the nationally agreed standards set out by Visit England.

I have mobility problems. Do you have any properties, which will be suitable?

Although we do not grade properties according to the National Accessible Scheme some properties may be suitable depending on the level of mobility problems you experience. Our Sales & Customer Service Team will try to help you to find a property which meets your requirements if this is at all possible.

How do I know what the setting of the property is like?

We do our utmost to provide sufficient information on our website, including written descriptions, attributes, photographs and a map function to describe the setting of a property. The information provided should give a clear description of a properties setting and surroundings. If you do require further assistance then please contact our Sales & Customer Service Team before you book.

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31st December 2015, by Paul Zanelli

Celebrating Lake District cottage holidays 2015

31st December 2015

Celebrating Lake District cottage holidays 2015

The best of Lake District cottage holidays 2015

Happy New Year! Lakelovers take a look back at holiday memories from the Lake District 2015 and look forward to a happy and healthy 2016!

As Lakelovers approach ’40 years in the making’ we celebrate a record year as the Lake District’s self catering specialists.

“Lakelovers continue to become the number one letting agency choice for luxury, quality holiday properties in the Lake District,” says Managing Director Paul Liddell.

Hamper Prize – best holiday memories 2015

And we’d like to take this time of reflection to thank all our loyal and valued customers of the past, many of whom we welcome year after year, and we look forward to welcoming future holidaymakers to browse the largest collection of self catering cottages in the treasured Lake District National Park.

Not a time for gloating, but a time for thanks and being proud.

This year our portfolio of now over 450 self catering properties across the Lakes has grown still further and we are proud to maintain the Lakelovers high standards, whereby only holiday properties that are VisitEngland rated 3 Star or higher are selected for the Lakelovers portfolio. This is not the only criteria. We hand-pick our collection based on our almost 40 years self catering holiday experience, and we hope you agree that we offer some of the very best self catering holiday experiences in the Lakes.

Whether you’re looking to book a holiday at the moment or not, it is worth having a nosy through our portfolio. For some properties the owners themselves have given the holiday homes their own special touch; some have hired professional interior designers and architects; for others we have helped out with style and design recommendations. All worth taking a look around!

We’ve collected together quite an exquisite range of holiday homes, for all budgets. From large 20+ sleeping estates and sheer luxury apartments; cosy cottages in prime locations; perfect architect designed home-from-home holiday retreats; to sought-after boathouses and holiday lodges; and of course the Lakelovers ribbon runs through them all – the perfect combination of unique Lake District charm mixed with comfortable and stylish fittings and furnishings.

Properties aside, a holiday in the Lake District is about taking time out, slowing down, getting fresh air, enjoying the natural beauty of the landscape and unique wildlife, taking on outdoor challenges, spending time with loved ones and relaxing. And we have loved sharing our favourite things to do and see in the Lakes over 2015 and even more, enjoyed hearing what yours are. . .

Earlier on during the festive period we asked you on Facebook and twitter for your best holiday moment(s) from your Lake District 2015 holiday, with a delicious Hawkshead Relish hamper for all who entered our prize draw.

Here are a collection of your great memories and photos of holidaying with Lakelovers in 2015. . . thank you for sharing. And well done to Jill Smythe for winning the draw prize, the luxury Hawkshead Relish hamper! Find us on Facebook for more shared memories, photos and Lake Distract inspiration!

Janet Bennett “Stopping to admire breathtaking view over Lake Coniston – a magical memorable time”
Kate Nicholson “Every day’s a holiday when u live in #LakeDistrict”
Glen Hutton “Taking my young daughter to Beatrix Potter’s House, Hawkshead.It was a dream come true for her.
Marg Burgess “While staying in a cottage in Hawkshead got a call I had sold my house ‪#relief#happy”
Deb Bev “Best Moment, we took the plunge and left the car at home. Still had a fab hol while protecting the environment”
Johanna Mather “We come up to the Lakes twice every year but it’s sometimes just the simple things that stay with you. On this occasion it was skimming stones on the shores of Windermere, just down from Wray Castle. Good times! Xx”
Carole Griffiths “Discovering Rydal Caves with a 6 year old!”
@beth51north “Walking up Cat Bells in the sun!”
Peter Hayhurst “Visit to Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway. I visit every few years and have done since a child. A great treat even though I now live a long way away. It reminds me of my holidays as a child and being raised in Barrow.”
Jill Smythe “Our Lake District holiday was all about meeting up and doing things together – Mountains, Pubs, Meals, Walks, Talks, Laughs & Sightseeing”
Wendy Price “Not one from 2015, but the reason the Lakes are so incredibly special to us, is that it’s where we found out I was pregnant with our boy. It had been a long and emotional journey to get that far and we just knew something was different that time. I had never felt such utter serenity and calm as I experienced on that holiday, enveloped by the beauty and peace of such a stunning place. It touched my heart forever, and I believe that moment was passed onto my son as he utterly adores the area too! He’s nine now and says he feels Cumbria is like home. It’s ‘our’ place – this year, last year, forever x”
Kev Burnley “Meeting these two people on ‘The Struggle’. I unintentionally snapped them just before getting chatting to them, then almost an hour later in Glenridding, I realised I’d left my camera at the viewpoint where we were talking. I dashed back there, more in hope than expectation. Halfway back, a guy in a 4×4 stopped me in my car. He’d met them too, and they’d asked him to look out for my (quite distinctive) car, as they’d got my camera. I met them just approaching the Kirkstile Inn. They were so happy to return my camera. They’d also left a note at the viewpoint “To the kind man who gave us directions” leaving their mobile number and saying the camera would be at the police station in Ambleside. I was moved to tears. I wish they could have the hamper.”
John Turner “Here’s us on one of the walks we did during our stay at Kirkley Bank.” “We stayed at one of your properties ‘Kirkley Bank’ for a week early in 2015. We used it as a base for some great walks. It was so good we’re going again next year.”
Dirk Smith “The hills are alive to the sound of perfect silence.”
Dirk Smith “Love the fact that we can leave Durham where we live and three hours later we can be enjoying a walk with beautiful views. Here we are from one of our trips to the Lakes this year at the top of Walla Crag and Janice having a Julie Andrews moment.”
Maralyn Smith ‏“There were two, – the boat trip on Windermere and the trip to the Motor Museum which was really good.”

2015 has been a rollercoaster of a year

Looking back on 2015 there have been highs and lows, with the low of Storm Desmond actually showcasing the Lake District in all its glory – the #SpiritofCumbria rose up. It was uplifting and inspiring – the warmth and unique community spirit of Cumbria coming into its own.

Although the effects will continue for many poor local people, our area is breathtaking, community spirit is inspiring and the Lake District is very much open for business.

With 2016 booking up quickly already and new exciting properties on the horizon, we are excited about the year to come, but we also want to recognise some of 2015’s achievements:

Increasing our record levels of occupancy throughout our entire portfolio is still seen as a high within the company, although Lakelovers treat this as the norm, our biggest high in 2015 has to be the recognition received from VisitEngland having the highest quality score throughout the Lake District in terms of Visit England Gold Awarded properties, this is continuing to grow and our customers are loving these exceptional standards.

Lakelovers achieve Bronze Award for the largest sustainability certification, the Green Tourism 2015 awards !

Then there was the special local award, awarded to Lakelovers from Windermere & Bowness Civic Society for ‘noteworthy contribution to the visual amenity of the villages 2015′

Lakelovers’ Plum Cottage was a winner of the ROSE Award, new National award from VisitEngland for excellence in providing ‘warmest welcome’.

A look ahead to 2016

In 2016 we have so much to look forward to, including website refresh, office expansion, working in partnership with sought-after locals like celebrity TV Chef Peter Sidwell to offer exclusive holiday experiences and closely following and being involved in the training of five brave Lake District Mountain Search and Rescue Dogs and their handlers.

Much, much more. . . but for now it is time to celebrate 2015, thank our holidaymakers and property owners, past and future and wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Walking in the Lake District

Places to Visit in the Lake District

Food and Drink

Lake District Family Activities

What’s On in the Lake District

Rosewood by the River

Hygge at No.8

Fell Cottage

The Boundary

Lakefield House

Ghyll Heights

Celebrating Lake District cottage holidays 2015

The best of Lake District cottage holidays 2015

Hamper Prize – best holiday memories 2015

2015 has been a rollercoaster of a year

A look ahead to 2016

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Walking in the Lake District

Places to Visit in the Lake District

Food and Drink

Lake District Family Activities

What’s On in the Lake District

Rosewood by the River

Hygge at No.8

Fell Cottage

The Boundary

Lakefield House

Ghyll Heights

Celebrating Lake District cottage holidays 2015

The best of Lake District cottage holidays 2015

Hamper Prize – best holiday memories 2015

2015 has been a rollercoaster of a year

A look ahead to 2016

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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