Are you Winter ready?
We’ve created a list of helpful tips to make your cottage or property as snug as it can be...
by Joanna McGarry / Owner Hub
If you’re thinking about holiday letting, you want to know your property is in good hands. Lakelovers belongs to a national holiday home management company which means we can offer all our property owners the reassurance of being looked after by a national organisation, but we also have our local offices with dedicated local teams who can support you.
Our Owner team are on hand to help with all your queries right here from the Lake District in our Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick offices.
Find out more about our wonderful team…
About You
Originally from Essex, I ventured up North to do a degree in Management & Entrepreneurship at Lancaster University, before meeting my wife and moving to the Lakes. I have worked at management positions at both Lakeside Hotel & Spa and Low Wood Bay Resort before transitioning into the world of holiday letting at Lakelovers in 2022.
Favourite Lake District walk
Gummers How! A relatively gentle amble with sweeping views across the southern end of Lake Windermere. Perfect for all the family. You might even encounter a highland cow that graze on the fell.
Go-to spot for food and drink in the Lakes
Somewhere posh – Heft in High Newton. Heavenly Sunday Lunch!
Somewhere quick – Bangkok Seven (Thai in Kendal)
Somewhere relaxed – Levens Kitchen at Levens Hall. A family favourite
Favourite things about living and working in the Lake District
I very much enjoy living in a small village, with beautiful walks, pubs and eateries on our doorstep. It’s the perfect place to raise a family with a great community ethos.
About You
I have lived in Ambleside for over 20 years and love it! I live with my partner, youngest daughter and 2 dogs.
Favourite Lake District walk
I am so lucky to have so many walks from my door, however, I do love driving over the Honister pass to Buttermere taking in the spectacular views and stopping to stretch my legs.
Go-to spot for food and drink in the Lakes
I think we are pretty spoilt for choice around here, although you cannot fault the Rothay Manor for a great menu – they cover lunch, afternoon tea and even fine dining so there really is something for everyone.
Favourite things about living and working in the Lake District
I live just a stone’s throw from the Lake and Borrans Park, it’s a nice feeling knowing that I can leave my front door and in a matter of minutes be by the Lake. I love the hustle and bustle of Ambleside in the height of the Summer Season seeing everyone outside enjoying themselves and then equally the peacefulness in Winter when it is so quiet.
About You
I currently live in Cockermouth a beautiful Georgian Market town on the edge of the National Park. The town is considered the gateway to the western Lake District and Solway Coast, a vibrant town with plenty to explore and enjoy for locals and tourists alike.
Favourite Lake District Walk
My favourite place to walk is the Buttermere Valley, the fells offer challenging ridgeline hikes and the 3 lakes offer easy lakeside walking with ever changing beautiful views.
Go to spot for food and drink in the Lakes
There are so many beautiful places to eat in the area, my favourite place for a bar meal and drink after a lovely walk in Buttermere would be The Kirkstile Inn they offer a fantastic selection and the location is stunning. Shill’s in Cockermouth is a lovely place for an evening meal or Tapas quality food, relaxing atmosphere and occasionally live music.
Favourite things about living and working in the Lake District
I love living and working in the Lake District having the countryside on your door step with amazing views is perfect, in particular I love being able to walk straight from the doorstep along river banks, around lakes and around country lanes.
About You
I was born in Bath but have lived in the lakes for over 10 years now. I always visited the Lakes growing up with my Grandma having been born in Ambleside, it was always a home away from home.
Favourite Lake District walk
There’s so many that I’ve done over the years, however there’s nothing quite like completing Scafell Pike- it’s a challenge but so rewarding.
Go-to spot for food and drink in the Lakes
Definitely Doi Inthanon in Ambleside, the food is delicious. Also, The Highwayman in Kirkby Lonsdale – simply some of the best food I’ve ever had!
Favourite things about living and working in the Lake District
Spring time in the Lakes is my favourite, it’s such a beautiful season and watching the Lakes wake up from winter is fantastic!
About You
I’m Nic – short for Nicola. I am what you would call born and bred in The Lakes. I’ve lived here all my life, give or take a few months here and there!
Favourite Lake District walk
My favourite Lake District walk is Barf & Lords Seat. The views are incredible, and you can see the west coast from the top.
Go-to spot for food and drink in the Lakes
I live in Keswick, so my go-to place for food and drinks would be Bar Es. It’s locally owned and I’m a firm believer in supporting local businesses…. and the food is lovely! Mexican style tapas, so, great with a bottle of wine and my best friends.
Favourite things about living and working in the Lake District
I love that I don’t have a long commute to work, and I can look out of any windows at home and see mountains and valleys for miles. I feel grateful to have been born and raised in this part of the world. It’s stunning, and I’m so happy to be able to bring my daughter up here.
About You
Originally from Manchester, I relocated to the Lakes with my family before joining the military. My service honed my expertise in communications, planning and logistics. Following my military career, I successfully applied these skills in roles across various sectors, including Engineering, the NHS and the building industry. A new opportunity presented itself with Lakelovers in 2022 and since then, I have leveraged my knowledge of property management plus my knowledge of the Lakes to become a Property Account Manager.
Favourite Lake District walk
I love the peaceful solitude of the quieter fells, so my favourite walk is probably to the top of Blea Tarn. The serene tarn, the ancient woodland and the breath taking views of the Langdale Pikes make it a perfect escape.
Go-to spot for food and drink in the Lakes
For more casual dining experience, I often head to The Bridge House In in Grasmere. The outdoor seating area with views of the river is perfect for a sunny day and the food is always fresh and tasty
Favourite things about living and working in the Lake District
The stunning natural beauty of the Lake District is, of course, the biggest draw. But I also love the friendly and welcoming community, the abundance of outdoor activities and the slower pace of life. Working here allows me to combine my passion for the outdoors with my career, which is providing a service that hopefully inspires others to explore this beautiful region and appreciate its natural wonders.
About You
I have lived in the Lakes since 1991 having moved here after university, most of that time I lived in Penny Bridge a small village enroute to Coniston. I moved to Kendal 2 years ago. I love the outdoors and find that living in here is fantastic for accessing the outdoors. I enjoy DIY too and I’ve restored my last 2 houses, nearly there with my current one. Another passion is skiing.
Favourite Lake District Walk
The Old Man of Coniston. this walk is so accessible and versatile, its a little demanding towards the top, slightly steep but the views are incredible. On a clear day you can see the Isle of Man and all the way up the west coast towards Scotland. Depending on your fitness level its also a decent run from Walna Scar over the top and down past Goats Water. The are are some great cafes in and around Coniston to grab a coffee after your walk, allowing you to catch your breath!
Go to spot for food and drink in the Lakes
When we go walking in the north of the county, we love to finish up in the Square Orange in Keswick. It’s only small and always busy, but it’s worth the wait. It’s not fancy but has a nice European vibe, which I like.
Favourite things about living and working in the Lake District
Access to the fells and lakes, the people and that you can get to Scotland or Wales reasonably easily from here.
I have wanted to live in the Lake District for a very long time. This dream finally came true three years ago when we gave up our careers, sold our house and moved to Windermere from East Yorkshire. I love my ‘new life’ and having this amazing landscape on my doorstep; my only regret is not having made the move sooner.
Favourite Lake District walk
I’m out walking as often as time allows so choosing one favourite walk is tricky! I love the fact that there are some great walks from my house; however, Helm Crag near Grasmere (up to the lion and the lamb) is a great walk and there are plenty of lovely coffee shops in the village for a well-deserved treat at the end.
Go-to spot for food and drink in the Lakes
The Masons Arms at Strawberry Bank is a lovely old pub with great food and super views. Closer to home, San Pietro in Windermere is always a good choice.
Favourite things about living and working in the Lake District
I feel very lucky to be able to live and work in such a beautiful place, surrounded by amazing views and opportunities to walk and kayak. I have a great bunch of colleagues at Lakelovers and feel fortunate to have had the chance to have a complete career change.
I’m a true Barrow lass and have lived here all my life. Barrow In Furness, has a long history of ship building, now they build futuristic submarines. I live there with my little boy and we are lucky to have Walney Island and the beautiful coastline on our doorstep.
Favourite Lake District walk
I love living by the sea with the mountains of the Lake district not too far away. I can head out walking or cycling along the coastal path or quiet country lanes towards the famous market town of Ulverston, where Stan Laurel was born (Laurel and Hardy), or head north along the Kings Coastal path towards Millom. One of our favourite places to head to is Roanhead, my son loves playing in the sand dunes and combing the beach looking for shells.
Go-to spot for food and drink in the Lakes
I like the variety of cafes, pubs and restaurants in and around Ulverston. The Farmers Arms in Baycliff is a special treat, a lovely pub with great food and a cosy fire. I also like The Byre Cafe at Bootle near Millom.
Favourite things about living and working in the Lake District
Although I live just outside the National Park, I love the drive to work, the views on a clear day driving up the east side of Windermere are stunning. My colleagues at Lakelovers are great fun and make my job really enjoyable.
About You
I’m born and bred Windermere and lived here all my life. No reason to leave I love it here, I’m a bit of a home bird..
Favourite walk
There are so many to choose from, but I love walking from my doorstep up to School Knott, it’s a locals walk with great views from the summit
Go-to spot for food and drink in the Lakes
Again, living in Windermere and only 1 mile from Bowness on Windermere, I’m spolit for choice. But one of my favourite places is Boaters Bar on the Glebe in Bowness, right on the lake, delicious pizzas and live music at the weekends, its a fun place to be
Favourite things about living and working in the Lake District
I love summer when I go on a walk then chill out after having drinks by the lake side with my friends
About You
I moved from Winchester to Keswick around 20 years ago with my family. It offered us a change of direction and lifestyle.
Favourite Lake District walk
I just love the walks from my house, no need to drive – best one is Raven crag, Thirlmere or the loop from Legburthwaite walking the tops towards the church with little tarns along the way.
Go-to spot for food and drink in the Lakes
New favourite – The Ruddings, Braithwaite and recently renovated pub Swinside Inn, Newlands Valley – both have excellent food and dog friendly
Favourite things about living and working in the Lake District
Living in the Lakes is a dream, the views, the lakes and the walks – it has everything you could wish for, we even got ourselves a paddle board!
About You
I feel lucky to have lived in the Lakes all my life in different areas from Ravenglass to Thornthwaite near Keswick. I live with my Husband, our son and our gorgeous dog Zeppie – the boss of the house.
Favourite Lake District walk
There’s so many awesome walks it’s difficult to pick a favourite but we have Whinlatter Forest just behind us so our regular dog walk is through the trails in the forest -often with a cuppa & a sweet treat from the café half way round!
Go-to spot for food and drink in the Lakes
Living close to Keswick we have so many excellent places for food and drink. Relish – a small family business, do great café food and such a friendly atmosphere. The Inn on The Square do delicious lunches and dinners with the best steaks and great cocktails! Casa Bella – a family business doing lovely Italian food and homemade gelato
Favourite things about living and working in the Lake District
Lovely friendly community, beautiful scenery all year round and I love that I’m never very far away from one of the lakes for a wild swim or (or just a quick dunk if it’s freezing cold!)
About You
I live in the Kendal area and have worked for Lakelovers for 7 years. In my spare time I play in a local covers band which gets me out and about to different venues around the county and over the border too. So as much recreation and socialising as I can fit in
Favourite Lake District Walk
I enjoy looking back towards Windermere from the top of Todd Crag on Loughrigg Fell, it’s simply stunning. There’s so many outdoor activities that make you feel invigorated, inspired, excited and enthused in the Lakes, plus the outlying areas of Cumbria too. If the acitivity leads you to a good pub at the end of it, happy days!
Go-to spot for food and drink in the Lakes
I love a good curry, so for me the best place is British Raj in Kendal or further afield Taste of Bengal in Penrith, both very good. One of my pub food favourites is The Masons Arms, Strawberry Bank.
Favourite things about living and working in the Lake District
There is so much variety here, I love the local feel-good atmosphere on a gorgeous and sunny day.
About You
I’ve worked for the Lakes brands for nearly 7 years, based in our Fisherbeck office in Ambleside. I commute to work from a small rural village called Kirky in Furness, where I live with my husband and my 2 dogs. I’m also green fingered and like gardening in my spare time
Favourite Lake District Walk
As I live near the sea, I enjoy coastal walks with my dogs, or I head into the beautiful Duddon Valley, the west coastline is also a lovely quiet place to wander along the many beaches. If I’m not walking I enjoy going out on my electric bike as long as I don’t have to go up hills!
Go-to spot for food and drink in the Lakes
I enjoy the food at the Rusland Pool near Ulverston or Brown Horse at Winster
Favourite things about living and working in the Lake District
My journey to work is so scenic, every day it can be different depending on the weather. My role at work allows me to get out and about in the lakes, visiting many of our fantastic properties, my favourite places are Grasmere and Keswick, both different but equally as nice.
About You
I live just outside the National Park and I have worked for Lakelovers managing the housekeeping team based in Ambleside for nearly 8 years.
Favourite Lake District walk
I love to be out and about in my spare time with my grand daughters Lilly-May and Ruby. The hills and feels around Troutbeck are stunning.
Go-to spot for food and drink in the Lakes
I tend to head south and one of my favourite places to eat is Gilpin Bridge near Levens, great pub grub!
Favourite things about living and working in the Lake District
It is a fabulous place to come and visit, a good mix of everything, if you don’t like it too busy maybe best to stay a little bit out or head to the heart of the lakes, where its full of atmosphere. There’s so much to do, my recommendations are Grizedale Forest, Lakes Aquarium and a trip on the lake steamer, something for all the family.
About You
I’ve been at Lakelovers now for over 6 years based in Ambleside. In my spare time I enjoy baking and to counteract the baking I try and make time to go running on the trails around my home in Windermere. I enjoy going out into the fells and I have been ticking off the Wainwrights and have recently reached 100 (only another 114 to go!).
Favourite Lake District Walk
There are many fantastic walks and so much beautiful scenery all across the Lake District. I love Loughrigg Tarn and view across to the Langdale Pikes.
Go-to spot for food and drink in the Lakes
No better place than a sheltered spot on a fell with an amazing view. I have had some lovely meals at Masons Arms, Cartmel Fell and The Punchbowl Inn at Crosthwaite.
Favourite things about living and working in the Lake District
There is so much to do and see (even when its raining!). There is nowhere else quite like it. Walking in the Fells or low-level walks (especially with a pub at the end to sample a local real ale). Or if you are an adrenaline junkie the Via Ferrata at Honister Slate mine (too scary for me but it looks and sounds amazing).
Want to know more about holiday letting in the Lake District? Give our lovely team a call on 015394 88855 or email us at owners@lakelovers.co.uk. Alternatively, you can read more about letting your cottage on our website here, complete the form on page and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
by Joanna McGarry / Owner Hub
Hello, I'm Jo, and I joined the Team in February 2019. I live and work in the beautiful Lake District. When I'm not working I enjo...
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