How Head Cottage

3.9★

2 Guests
1 Bedroom
1 Bathroom
Pets No
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Features

Cot available
Highchair available
Pub/shop < 1 mile

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

16 Customer Review(s)

Pamela
November 2023

“I didn’t even stay a night.”

I’m not sure if no WiFi was listed when I booked, but there isn’t any. The pictures & listings show there is a bath - whilst the new shower room is v nice I wanted a bath. There is no sofa (again on pics and listings) and downstairs is very dowdy and not at all cosy. No facilities to dry wet clothes with no dryer or radiators (storage heaters only). I couldn’t make the downstairs TV work & there was a visible tangle of wires & plug boards. No freezer / freezer compartment and a tiny ...

I’m not sure if no WiFi was listed when I booked, but there isn’t any. The pictures & listings show there is a bath - whilst the new shower room is v nice I wanted a bath. There is no sofa (again on pics and listings) and downstairs is very dowdy and not at all cosy. No facilities to dry wet clothes with no dryer or radiators (storage heaters only). I couldn’t make the downstairs TV work & there was a visible tangle of wires & plug boards. No freezer / freezer compartment and a tiny little table (not a ‘dining area’!). The kitchen waste bin was placed on the lounge carpet, which overlapped with a tucked-up rug. Kitchen poorly stocked & the microwave needs replacing. Disappointed as I loved the old world charm but it could be so much more cosy and better equipped downstairs.

- Pamela, November 2023

Thank you for providing this feedback. We were unaware of your problems with the property or that you did not stay the night and so could not find a way to help make your stay more comfortable. The property does not offer Wi-Fi and we feel the images of the dining table are accurate to the property. We always recommend that guests check on the suitability of a property for their needs, such as a freezer, prior to booking. Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention and we will now look into this further and update the website. Lakelovers Owner Relations Team Property Owner
Valerie October 2023

“Lovely cottage- nice location, well equipped and comfortable.”

The limited space has been used well and it makes a fabulous base for a break. Not our first visit to this property and hopefully not our last ❤️

- Valerie, October 2023
Gareth July 2023

“Nice property.”

Bathroom looked like it had just been renovated, as it was different to the photo in the listing with a walk-in shower replacing the shower over a bath. As others have mentioned parking can be problematic or should I say the way others park their cars in the spaces available is the problem. A good location to explore the local walks to High Sweden Bridge & Stock Ghyll Force. I would definitely return.

- Gareth, July 2023
Peter June 2023

“Bad for parking no toilet rolls gas fire didn’t work could be cleaner”

- Peter, June 2023

Thank you for your feedback. We are sorry the property wasn't fully up to standard, this is something that we take very seriously, all your comments will be passed on and looked in to. The owner relations team - Heart Of The Lakes Property Owner
Keith April 2023

“Lovely cottage kitchen has all that you need we had a fabulous holiday clean, comfortable and quiet yet just a minute fron ambleside center.”

look forward to staying again highly recommended.

- Keith, April 2023

Thank you for your comments, we are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your stay. We hope to welcome you back. Property Owner
Valerie October 2022

“Very relaxing stay and would definitely go back.”

Glad I read previous reviews as no facility for any frozen food at all. Needs a proper tin opener too. Quite a few cobwebs and dusting around ornaments evident - that's not a criticism - it reminded me of home

- Valerie, October 2022
Rebecca September 2022

“Great location with lots of walks on the doorstep and just a short saunter down the hill into town.”

- Rebecca, September 2022
Michael August 2022

“A really nice cottage well located to local amenities just requires a new mattress and white light bulbs in the bathroom and kitchen to get 5 stars.”

I would defo book again

- Michael, August 2022
Katie August 2022

“We would like to bring to your attention a couple of issues we had with the property, hoping they can be resolved before your next letting.”

Firstly, upon getting into bed on the first night we found that the bed had almost entirely collapsed in the center. And definitely couldn't support my weight, nevermind mine and my partners. We took the mattress off to inspect and found that the bed had obviously been previously broken and badly repaired on more than one occasion My partner managed to re-wedge the makeshift repaired wooden "support" beams into place so that we could sleep. We were then worried about the stability of the bed for the duration of our stay and were afraid to move too much once we were laid down. We definitely hadn't expected to need to take the mattress off and repair the bed on our holiday before we could use it. We feel that the bed desperately needs replacing, not repairing. The nest of tables in the lounge area was also broken. The inside of the microwave was dirty, and therefore I refused to use it. Also, we felt that the floor in the kitchen wasn't very clean. We couldn't walk barefoot on it, as it felt "sticky" and there were obvious cobwebs in the corners of the room on the floor/by the kitchen cabinets. The cottage was charming with its 16th century accents and the location was fantastic! We didn't have time/ability to complain whilst we were staying here, as we were up and out of the cottage very early each morning exploring and not back until late. Meaning we were mostly out of signal range during opening hours, and had no WiFi available at the property. Because of these issues, we wouldn't want to return to this property, or recommend it to friends. Which is a shame Because as I said, the location was fantastic and we will definitely be returning to the area at a later date.

- Katie, August 2022
Lesley July 2022

“I have just had a lovely stay at How Head.”

I live nearby but my usual accommodation gets too hot in the Summer which affects my health. How Head was a lovely, cool retreat with its amazingly thick walls! I really like its quiet simplicity and with its quite spacious fridge managed O.K. without a freezer. I was on an online choir course but I managed to access the internet through my phone so the lack of WIFI was fairly easily overcome too. I can also recommend the benches just across the road. It felt like the lap of luxury being able to sit there with my morning cup of tea and enjoy the view. I will certainly visit How Head again in the future :-)

- Lesley, July 2022
Stephen May 2022

“This is a wonderful place to stay in Ambleside.”

Convenient location to the town only a short walk away. Lots of places to dine out or you can eat in using the kitchenette in the cottage. It's a little dark inside but accept that is in keeping with the period and character of the cottage. Wifi not available and for international travellers that good be an issue. Overall we enjoyed our stay and would recommend it.

- Stephen, May 2022
Stephen October 2021

“My third time at this cottage.”

One problem, as indicated by a previous client, was the cold tap in the bathroom. Unable to turn it fully off so a continous stream of water. I would call it more than a "dripping tap". ? Storage heaters. The one in the main room hidden behind the sofa therefore not usable. The one in the bedroom no information on how to use it but wasn't required. Bathroom heater - no problem.

- Stephen, October 2021
Deborah September 2021

“The cottage is great, lovely location.”

Could do with a freezer (at least a freezer box in the fridge for ice trays). I understand it’s the character of the cottage, but it is rather dark. Also, the light above the mirror in the bathroom doesn’t always work (it buzzes) and the cold tap doesn’t turn off fully and squeaks. It’s just a bit ‘tired’. We did, however, have a wonderful stay and will be back.

- Deborah, September 2021
Andrew August 2021

“Had a wonderful time in Ambleside, it is a lovely place and a great central hub from which to explore ‘the Lakes’.”

Fabulous and cosy How Head Cottage, just lovely to come back to and relax, has everything you could wish for (apart from a freezer for ice cream lol). Parking was as was expected (tricky at times) but we were parked right outside the front door mainly. An absolutely lovely place to stay and had a great week.

- Andrew, August 2021
Dean May 2021

“Overall we had a great time and I've been visiting Ambleside for 40 years.”

The cottage is in an ideal location for walking and less than a 2 minutes walk to the nearest pub! The cottage is a little tired but thats just being picky as I commented to my wife 'thats what gives it its character' any modernisation would spoil it! We would definitely stay again and I will be highly recommending it to my family and friends.

- Dean, May 2021
Jan April 2021

“Although just a one up and one down this cottage was quite spacious for 2 people and we found it very comfortable.”

The location was peaceful despite being near the centre of Ambleside. It has no outdoor space so better for a short trip. Easy access on foot to the mountains; Red Screes, Fairfield, Stony Cove Pike and Ill Bell ridge ( for a long day).

- Jan, April 2021

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Summary

One king size bedroom with en-suite shower, basin and WC
Open-plan living space with kitchen, dining area and sitting area with gas fire
Storage heaters and gas fire
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, TV
Fuel and power inc. in rent
Bed linen anf towels inc. in rent
Travel cot and highchair available upon request
Roadside parking on a first-come, first-serve basis
Sorry, no pets and no smoking
Note: No WiFi available.

Awards

The property

A Grade II listed cottage dating from 1548, one of the oldest recorded buildings in Ambleside and reputedly built of cobbles taken from the Roman Fort at Waterhead. How Head Cottage sits in a pretty hillside location away from the centre of the village and yet just a short walk from the shops and restaurants. The cottage is perfectly placed for good walking from the door - The Fairfield Horseshoe, Wansfell and Loughrigg for the more strenuous and with Rydal Park and the riverside walks Under Loughrigg all easily to hand. How Head Cottage offers character accommodation for a couple in any season. Accommodation: Front door into L-shaped open plan living room with kitchen area at one end. Feature Lakeland stone hearth with gas burning stove (TV). Doorway opens onto the curving staircase. Upstairs there is one large bedroom with king-size bed and en-suite bathroom (bath with shower over, basin and wc). The cottage is comfortable, with fitted carpets. Deep set windows with oak lintels offer pretty views from upstairs. Storage heaters. Outside: On-street parking usually outside the cottage door. All village facilities within a few hundred yards down 'Peggy Hill'.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £200.

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About the location

AMBLESIDE

Grasmere 4.4 miles; Windermere 4.7 miles; Keswick 16.7 miles.

Lying at the northern tip of Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, Ambleside makes a superb base for touring the central Lakes, with Grasmere and the Langdale Valley just a short drive away. There is plenty to do here - cruises, boat trips and watersports on Lake Windermere itself and numerous shops, restaurants and pubs in the village to suit all tastes. On the lakeside at Waterhead, the parkland offers lovely views down the lake and a short stretch of beach, whilst a walk in the other direction, following Stock Ghyll through woodland, will bring you to the entrancing waterfall of Stock Ghyll Force. Along with the Lake and the great walking on offer, Ambleside is also famous for its annual rushbearing ceremony and the diminutive 17th century “Bridge House” - one of the most photographed buildings in the Lake District and now the National Trust Information Centre.

This property offers the following short breaks:

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Ambleside, Cumbria & The Lake District (Ref. 1042821)

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Features

Reviews & Ratings

“I didn’t even stay a night.”

“Lovely cottage- nice location, well equipped and comfortable.”

“Nice property.”

“Bad for parking no toilet rolls gas fire didn’t work could be cleaner”

“Lovely cottage kitchen has all that you need we had a fabulous holiday clean, comfortable and quiet yet just a minute fron ambleside center.”

“Very relaxing stay and would definitely go back.”

“Great location with lots of walks on the doorstep and just a short saunter down the hill into town.”

“A really nice cottage well located to local amenities just requires a new mattress and white light bulbs in the bathroom and kitchen to get 5 stars.”

“We would like to bring to your attention a couple of issues we had with the property, hoping they can be resolved before your next letting.”

“I have just had a lovely stay at How Head.”

“This is a wonderful place to stay in Ambleside.”

“My third time at this cottage.”

“The cottage is great, lovely location.”

“Had a wonderful time in Ambleside, it is a lovely place and a great central hub from which to explore ‘the Lakes’.”