Dow Crag House | Coniston | Bowmanstead | The Lake District And Cumbria

4.7★

6 Guests
3 Bedrooms
3 Bathrooms
Pets Yes
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Features

Open fire
Garden / Patio
Pub/shop < 1 mile
Dishwasher
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

34 Customer Review(s)

Juliette
September 2023

“Great house.”

So well equipped and very comfortable. Great location too

So well equipped and very comfortable. Great location too

- Juliette, September 2023

Pleased you enjoyed your stay at Dow Crag House Property Owner
Sandra July 2023

“Dow Crag house is a lovely well furnished property with a beautiful garden at the rear.”

The property contains everything you need - and more. There is no problem parking, even for larger vehicles. Whilst the garden is enclosed we did keep my staffie mainly on lead as anything from one to a flock of sheep would come every day to eat the plants at front of cottage and he could have jumped the gates by the garage and I didn’t want to take any chances. We would quite happily go back to this property.

- Sandra, July 2023

So pleased you enjoyed your stay at Dow Crag. Unfortunately, roaming sheep are often evident in the village, although both the National Trust and landowners continually repair and replace fences and walls. Property Owner
Norman March 2023

“The house was extremely clean and well provisioned with respect to linen, cookware etc.”

Was lovely and spacious downstairs so never felt overwhelmed with 6 people in the house. Location was perfect for a walk into Coniston or out into the surrounding hills with gorgeous views out onto the water itself. The garden was a delight and only wish weather would have been better to allow us to enjoy it more. Have to report that the grill on the cooker did not get to high temperature so would suggest having that looked at. We had a mishap with the plastic colander which we were very sorry about so replaced it with a metal one and left a note for the owners. The only negative was the water supply to the showers. With 6 people looking to shower, use facilities or wash up it was a real struggle to manage the pressure variations and temperature fluctuations. If that could be sorted would have had no issues. Thank you

- Norman, March 2023

Thank you for your feedback. We are currently looking at options to try and improve the water pressure, however, it is a problem within the Coniston area. Thank you for replacing the colander. We have hopefully resolved the grill issue. Property Owner
Stacie February 2023

“This was our 3rd stay at Dow crag house.”

We love the location and the view from the property. Unfortunately this time the use of the garage had been withdrawn without notifying us. This caused us a few issues and we have had to cancel our further stay in May as we need storage for bikes, kayaks etc. The water pressure is an issue. This is longstanding and not the first time we have had problems. Only 1 person can shower at any one time. If any water is run it burns the person having a shower. Not ideal as it hurt my 10 year old. Lake lovers are great and responded to both issues quickly. The water issue was not resolved and probably won’t be without some fundamental changes. I would recommend lake lovers but do think Dow crag house needs a little love and attention.

- Stacie, February 2023

We are sorry to hear that your stay at Dow Crag did not meet your expectations and the problems you encountered. The garage was withdrawn from guest use for bookings from October 2022 onwards and was clearly stated on the bottom of the description page from early 2022, however, we have asked Lakelovers to update the description again and to ensure all current bookings are advised. We are currently working with our heating engineers to see if there is anything we can do to improve the water pressure situation., although it is a general problem in the Coniston area. We overhauled and upgraded the heating and water system 5 years ago, however, we are aware limitations are still in place. Property Owner
Lucy November 2022

“We have stayed at Dow Crag House a number of times and always enjoy our stay.”

The house is comfortable, warm and well equipped. The views from the property are amazing and the walking options from the door are great. We had a problem accessing the property this time as someone had bolted the side door from the inside and we did not have access to a front door key. Lakelovers were quick to respond, sending the handyman with a set of keys. There were also 2 bags of dog poo left on the property; one at the side door and one on the drive. It’s a privilege to take your dog to such a lovely property, please clean up after your dog! Being dog owners we just cleared this away but I can see how this could be off putting for others, especially as it was right at the access door. Looking forward to our stay next year.

- Lucy, November 2022
Beverley October 2022

“3rd time we have been to Dow Crag House because it is so lovely but now it does appear to need to upgrade some of the facilities to keep up with changing times.”

Personally for my family we would like to see tv’s in at least the main bedroom and some sort of Sonos music system so that you can listen to music and the bottom basic tv package is not really enough .. standard sky tv/ Netflix would definitely add to the experience. Other than that it was lovely

- Beverley, October 2022

I'm sorry that you have not enjoyed your last visit to Dow Crag. We are in the fourth season of letting the house so didn't feel that we have become outdated. We prize ourselves on providing a great location to explore the Lakes from our doorstep and admire the natural beauty of the countryside which we feel Dow Crag is still achieving. For those who prefer to stay in, we provide both the lounge and the snug with tv facilities, enabling guests to watch tv in more than one location, and consciously didn't put them in bedrooms, so these are a place of rest and relaxation. The facility is available to add your own streaming accounts, should you wish, or to mirror your phone with either smart tv to access your own tv/music subscriptions. Property Owner
Angela September 2022

“Another lovely stay.”

Had a minor issue with boiler low pressure and Lakelovers managed to get someone to sort it out same afternoon. House is spacious for the family and toasty-warm especially as we were rained out for several days. Thank you!

- Angela, September 2022

Pleased you enjoyed your stay. Thank you for contacting LakeLovers to resolve the boiler pressure. It is important to us that we have Lakelovers to hand to resolve any maintenance issues which may arise during a guests stay Property Owner
Tim June 2022

“Other than nesting starlings in the eves and a few minor maintenance issues, the place was lovely for the family with great views and a sun trap patio to enjoy drinks and eating.”

Certainly would recommend it as a place to stay near Coniston.

- Tim, June 2022

Thank you for making Lakelovers aware of the nesting birds. Pleased you enjoyed the property and the amazing views Property Owner
Robert April 2022

“A wonderful spacious property with fantastic views from the property of Coniston water and the surrounding countryside.”

The log burner fire was so easy to light and look after. Thank you for supplying some logs and the natural fire lighters were a welcome bonus. The local facilities guides provided were excellent. The property was very clean and well decorated. It was everything and more than expected. I would add that it is a property where guests could very easily park 3 cars without causing any inconvenience to adjacent properties. We will definitely reccomend the property to friends and family and look forward to returning in the future.

- Robert, April 2022

Pleased you had a good stay and enjoyed the property. We ask for only 2 cars, to ensure access for our neighbours properties and to ensure all vehicles can turn easily, so not having to reverse onto the main rd. Property Owner
Louise April 2022

“Such a fantastic property, beautiful garden and amazing house.”

Great location for exploring the lakes, would highly recommend!

- Louise, April 2022

Pleased you had a great stay Property Owner
Catherine March 2022

“We really loved this house, very spacious and comfortable, very well equipped too.”

Lots of dishwasher tablets and loved that there was clingfilm and foil in the drawer. Great views from all windows. We loved the rocking chairs! Altogether a great holiday.

- Catherine, March 2022

Pleased you had a great holiday and enjoyed the views especially from the rocking chairs. Property Owner
Caroline February 2022

“The property was spacious, warm and very comfortable and had excellent facilities.”

Despite two power cuts ( one on the first evening and one lasting a day) and three storms, the house remained warm and cosy and we were able to cook on the large gas aga. The situation of the property was good and we were able to walk to local amenities and were in a good central position for sightseeing and travelling around. We had two young children with us and although the house was not recommended for very young children they loved the spaciousness and playing in the garden. On the first afternoon we struggled to open the key box for some time as Storm Dennis raged around us and ended up calling Lakelovers for advice. But with persistence it eventually opened ( this could be easily sorted).

- Caroline, February 2022

Pleased you managed to stay safe and warm during the storms. Our apologies regarding the key safe, which decided to throw a wobbly after we left. It has now been replaced. Property Owner
Angela November 2021

“Lovely house just on outskirts of the village.”

Family had a v comfortable stay. Well equipped with walls up to Old Man from the door. Enjoyed making the most of the views and log fire. Weather was variable but it didn’t put us off. Shame that it’s going to be pretty expensive next year.

- Angela, November 2021
Sheila October 2021

“It had plenty of everything we needed and spares too.”

Eg bin liners, wash pods, batteries etc. Unfortunately when we arrived there was a broken glass in the kitchen. Half a loaf of bread in the bread bin and an oily tray in the oven, but nothing major. Weather was terrible but the location of the house made up for it with a wonderful view of the lake and plenty of books and dvds. When stopping in cottages previously there has always been a welcome gift eg.wine, flowers, cream tea but nothing

- Sheila, October 2021
David September 2021

“Superb location with views of Coniston and within walking distance of the village and the start of the Old Man of Coniston.”

Large property with high level of equipment and furnishings. Secure garden for dog. Fully enjoyed our stay and will return next year.

- David, September 2021
Maxine August 2021

“The house was beautiful couldn’t find any faults with it.”

The location is good just outside Coniston but not far to walk to get to the lake and shops. We had a lovely week and would definitely stay here again.

- Maxine, August 2021
Debbie July 2021

“This was our 3rd visit to Dow Crag and we loved it as much as we did on our first visit.”

The house is immaculate and has everything you want for a fabulous holiday. Our only complaints? Too busy but not the fault of lakelovers and still no decent sized wine glasses :0). I’ll have to take my own next time because we will be back thank you for another wonderful holiday

- Debbie, July 2021
Anthony July 2021

“Having stayed in many Lakelovers properties over the years our hopes were high for the usual standard.”

Dow Crag House exceeded all expectations in terms of the quality and standard of equipment and furnishings. All rooms were spacious and comfortable and the house is complimented by an attractive garden and patio area. We enjoyed the stay so much that we booked for next year half way through our stay and we can't wait to be back.

- Anthony, July 2021
Patricia June 2021

“The cottage was lovely, spacious and clean, with the best equipped kitchen we have ever experienced.”

The garden was great for us and safe for our dog.

- Patricia, June 2021
Susan May 2021

“House was in a beautiful setting and away from the town.”

Comfy sofas and beds a well equipped kitchen with a great utility room. A good house for dogs. Weather was amazing could of done with a parasol for the patio. Would definitely go back.

- Susan, May 2021
Brian May 2021

“Fabulous cottage in fantastic position.”

But you should be aware that one of the large settees in the lounge is missing both back cushions. This means that unless you are about 8 foot tall, it is impossible to sit comfortably on this settee. As only 4 of us were sharing the property, it was not a huge issue for us. But it does need sorting please.

- Brian, May 2021
The Martins Jan 2020

“Another fab week at Dow Crag House - our 3rd visit and won't be our last.”

By far the best holiday home.

- The Martins, Jan 2020
The Sanders Nov 2019

“First visit here and hopefully more to come.”

Great cottage, clean and welcoming with fantastic views from every window. Lovely local pubs for food at Black Bull and Wilson Arms. Great location for exploring South Lakeland.

- The Sanders, Nov 2019
Franklins & Robinsons Sep 2019

“Perfect 2 week stay here, blessed with beautiful weather.”

Our second visit - home still as beautiful as last year. Amazing views of mist on the lake early morning. Booked up for 2020 too. Thank you

- Franklins & Robinsons, Sep 2019
Mr Leahy Aug 2019

“We loved everything.”

Dow drag house was perfect for our first trip.

- Mr Leahy, Aug 2019
Mrs Mylrea Aug 2019

“Dow Crag House is lovely spacious house in a great location with excellent kitchen facilities; it has beautiful garden and views of the lake.”

Best bits: great access to lake and old man Coniston walk.

- Mrs Mylrea, Aug 2019
Mr Dean Jul 2019

“A fantastic house with great Kitchen and garden.”

Probably one of the best properties we have stayed at.

- Mr Dean, Jul 2019
Mrs Sturdy Jun 2019

“This was the most amazing house.”

Beautiful location very well equipped the rooms were amazing. Decor and furnishings of high quality as were the kitchen appliances - which is very unusual for a holiday property - a real home from home.

- Mrs Sturdy, Jun 2019
Mrs Cole Apr 2019

“The house was beautiful, equipped with everything possibly needed.”

The views were just stunning. Great location, easy to walk down into Coniston and enjoy all the amenities. A fantastic holiday had by all!

- Mrs Cole, Apr 2019
Elliot, Oliver, Zoe and Mike Apr 2019

“Brilliant week , fantastic house, lovely views and wonderful fire.”

Everything you need in the house so well equipped. Wonderful to be able to do walks straight from the house.

- Elliot, Oliver, Zoe and Mike, Apr 2019
Lucy Mar 2019

“Our second visit to Dow Crag House – won’t be our last.”

Perfect in everyway. Great weather and wonderful house. Comfortable and warm – Steam Bistro well worth a visit

- Lucy, Mar 2019
The Laws and Maxwels Oct 2018

“Perfection – well accept for the rain on Saturday.”

Wonderful house and superb views. Glorious autumn colours – a little bit of heaven. Thanks so much

- The Laws and Maxwels, Oct 2018
Jill, Pete, Mike and Ade Oct 2018

“Having stayed in the lakes for many years, this is by far the best, for its ...”

Having stayed in the lakes for many years, this is by far the best, for its comfort, amazing views and best equipped cottage we have stayed in – many thanks for sharing

- Jill, Pete, Mike and Ade, Oct 2018
Mrs Jones Nov -0001

“Being in Coniston, overlooking the lake in beautiful Dow Crag House and then ...”

Being in Coniston, overlooking the lake in beautiful Dow Crag House and then being able to walk from our door to the lake, fells and the town

- Mrs Jones, Nov -0001

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Summary

Detached Lakeland property with Lake views
Sleeps 6: 1 King size bedroom 2 King size or twin bedrooms (please specify what you would like your beds to be made up as and which bedroom)
3 bathrooms: 1 Ensuite bathroom with bath and separate shower, 1 Ensuite shower room, 1 Family bathroom
Lounge with beautiful views
Log burning stove
Separate snug/TV room
Open plan kitchen/dining room
Utility/Boot room
Pretty garden≥ Patio with bistro furniture
Private parking for two cars.
Large screen Smart TV, Gas central heating
Range cooker, with 7 ring gas hob and electric ovens, Large fridge, Microwave, Dishwasher, Washing machine, Tumble drier, Freezer
Family dining table with great views
Wi-Fi
Choices Leisure Club Access
Second patio with dining furniture
1 dog welcome
Children welcome
Please note the property isn't suitable for under 2 years old due to safety reasons
No cot and highchair available
Leisure Club membership
Note: This property does not accept short breaks
Note: Not suitable for EV charging

The property

Situated on the edge of Coniston village, with views in every direction and within easy walking distance of Coniston Water, Dow Crag House is located in the very heart of the Lake District. This modern, detached property has been finished to a high standard by its owners and offers great quality in an excellent location. Feature windows from the lounge frame the beautiful view across the valley to the Coniston Fells, Grizedale Forest and Coniston Water and as the evening draws in the cosy log burning stove is a real treat. The spacious kitchen/diner is a real focal point of the house with the large dining table providing a great place to relax and socialise with friends and family. Three well-appointed bedrooms offer a welcoming retreat at the end of the day. With a beautiful garden complete with babbling beck and two patios, you might choose to never venture far, but if you do the village of Coniston is an easy walk away via the disused railway line, with a choice of popular Lakeland pubs, the village brewery and local shops. With easy access to Coniston Water, most famously associated with Donald Campbell and still used for world water speed record attempts, the Lakeland's third largest lake is a popular draw, with a choice of activities on offer from canoeing and sailing to simply relaxing in Victorian elegance aboard SY Gondola. To the west of the village stand the imposing Coniston Fells; Coniston Old Man, Wetherlam and of course Dow Crag, all of which can be reached direct from your door. Accommodation in detail From the parking spaces, most guests enter Dow Crag House through the porch on the side of the property that opens to the boot room with plenty of space for outdoor gear, coats and boots before opening to the hallway. The beautiful picture windows running the length of the lounge offer beautiful views across the garden to the woodland, fells and Coniston Water, large comfy sofas are arranged around the cosy log burning stove and the large screen TV is great for the whole family to enjoy a film together in an evening. A patio door opens to the smaller of the two patios, with bistro table and chairs, which is affectionately known to the owners as the Pimms Patio!, with steps leading down to the main patio area. Along the hallway the cosy snug, with comfortable sofa is equipped with a second TV and is the ideal place to catch up on your favourite soap or read a good book. The open plan kitchen/diner is the real heart of the home with a well-planned and equipped kitchen offering everything you could need for your stay, from the large range cooker with seven ring gas hob and electric ovens, large fridge, dishwasher and a sink with a view! From the skylights the sun floods into the dining room and picture windows again offer beautiful views from the dining table and two carefully positioned rocking chairs share the best views from the cottage! French doors open to steps down to the garden. The three bedrooms are all located on the first floor. The dual aspect master bedroom offers yet another opportunity to enjoy the views from the king size bed and is complemented by a luxury ensuite bathroom with bath, walk in shower, basin and WC. The next two bedrooms, one with ensuite shower room with shower cubicle, basin and WC, are available as either king size double beds or twin beds (please specify when booking which room you require the configuration for). The final room on the first floor is the modern family bathroom with bath with shower over, basin and WC.Back downstairs, the Boot Room is home to the washing machine, tumble drier and freezer and there is also a handy cloakroom WC. To the rear of the property there is a large sloping garden with mature shrubs and trees, lawns and babbling beck and a second larger patio, with dining furniture and BBQ stand suitable for a large disposable BBQ. To the front of the property there is private parking for two cars. Location. A Coniston holiday cottage takes you slightly away from the hustle and bustle of Bowness and Lake Windermere, to a wilder landscape full of adventure. Coniston Water is famous for its part in Arthur Ransome's Swallows and Amazons, with Peel Island being the setting for the 'Wild Cat Island' featured in the story. The lake is also known for Donald Campbell's water speed record attempt in 'Bluebird'. But the real magic comes from the breath-taking surroundings; dramatic fells including Coniston Old Man, wild woodlands and wonderful Lake District walks. You'll have access to no end of stunning routes, from leisurely strolls to challenging ascents. You'll enjoy access to the peaceful village centre, well equipped for stocking up the kitchen with traditional butcher, artisan bakery and supermarket.There are lovely tea rooms, cafes and traditional Lakeland pubs in Coniston village, and the Black Bull Inn is well worth a visit for its award-winning brewery the Coniston Brewing Co. For a cultured day out, head to Brantwood historic house - an impressive residence overlooking the lake, once home to John Ruskin the famous artist, writer and creative thinker. You'll find a range of events on offer, such as talks, concerts, craft workshops and even outdoor theatre.

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

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About the location

CONISTON

Hawkshead 4 miles; Ambleside 8 miles.

Nestling at the head of Coniston Water, the pretty village of Coniston is surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the Lake District National Park, making it a superb base for touring, with Hawkshead, Ambleside, Windermere and Grasmere just a short drive away. Superb walking, mountain biking and climbing are available locally on Coniston Old Man and Wetherlam, and the lovely woodland trails at Grizedale Forest. For watersports enthusiasts, the quiet lake is ideal for dinghy sailing and canoeing, whilst the less active can enjoy a leisure cruise on the beautiful steam yacht 'Gondola’, or visit Brantwood, the former home of John Ruskin. Nearby attractions include the award-winning village of Hawkshead, home of the Beatrix Potter Gallery, Tarn Hows, one of the most visited beauty spots in the country and Esthwaite Water, famous for its fishing. A first class holiday location at any time of the year.

1 dog welcome
Property isn't suitable for under 2 years old due to safety reasons and no cot and highchair available.
Property only accepts 7 night minimum bookings.

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Features

Reviews & Ratings

“Great house.”

“Dow Crag house is a lovely well furnished property with a beautiful garden at the rear.”

“The house was extremely clean and well provisioned with respect to linen, cookware etc.”

“This was our 3rd stay at Dow crag house.”

“We have stayed at Dow Crag House a number of times and always enjoy our stay.”

“3rd time we have been to Dow Crag House because it is so lovely but now it does appear to need to upgrade some of the facilities to keep up with changing times.”

“Another lovely stay.”

“Other than nesting starlings in the eves and a few minor maintenance issues, the place was lovely for the family with great views and a sun trap patio to enjoy drinks and eating.”

“A wonderful spacious property with fantastic views from the property of Coniston water and the surrounding countryside.”

“Such a fantastic property, beautiful garden and amazing house.”

“We really loved this house, very spacious and comfortable, very well equipped too.”

“The property was spacious, warm and very comfortable and had excellent facilities.”

“Lovely house just on outskirts of the village.”

“It had plenty of everything we needed and spares too.”

“Superb location with views of Coniston and within walking distance of the village and the start of the Old Man of Coniston.”

“The house was beautiful couldn’t find any faults with it.”

“This was our 3rd visit to Dow Crag and we loved it as much as we did on our first visit.”

“Having stayed in many Lakelovers properties over the years our hopes were high for the usual standard.”

“The cottage was lovely, spacious and clean, with the best equipped kitchen we have ever experienced.”

“House was in a beautiful setting and away from the town.”

“Fabulous cottage in fantastic position.”

“Another fab week at Dow Crag House - our 3rd visit and won't be our last.”

“First visit here and hopefully more to come.”

“Perfect 2 week stay here, blessed with beautiful weather.”

“We loved everything.”

“Dow Crag House is lovely spacious house in a great location with excellent kitchen facilities; it has beautiful garden and views of the lake.”

“A fantastic house with great Kitchen and garden.”

“This was the most amazing house.”

“The house was beautiful, equipped with everything possibly needed.”

“Brilliant week , fantastic house, lovely views and wonderful fire.”

“Our second visit to Dow Crag House – won’t be our last.”

“Perfection – well accept for the rain on Saturday.”

“Having stayed in the lakes for many years, this is by far the best, for its ...”

“Being in Coniston, overlooking the lake in beautiful Dow Crag House and then ...”

Summary

The property

View on map

About the location

CONISTON