“Accommodation, was a lovely cottage, the details for parking given seemed quite outdated, there was no grass verge for advised parking.”
There is a marked area near the property, but its not clear who the parking is for, or if its parking. As soon as I arrived a neighbour pounced on me about where I was going to park and he was quite interdating, I had driven over 5 hours and it wasn't really the arrival I had expected. I got the feeling the local residents were not that welcoming of the property being a holiday let, different people coming and going, which made me feel unwelcome at the start of my holiday, especially after deciding to leave our dog at home with my partner who was working, it was already a change of plans and to feel quite unwelcomed, as soon as you arrived was not great for a female traveller alone with 2 children. Quite unsettling and my children viewed the on arrival pouncing!!! We pulled into the drive to unload and I got some very unwelcome looks, we were just unloading. I even asked if it was ok to park and unload then move my car.
Once in the cottage the welcome pack was really lovely. Rooms were all made up nice, the second bedroom was rather small with both beds up but my 2 girls managed as we were out most days so a good base. Beds were comfortable. We kept the bathroom window open all the time as there was a damp smell if the window was kept shut. The shower vent really needs a clean as it was pretty dirty. Having the washing machine and dryer is a great bonus with children. The cottage could do with a lick of fresh paint as its starting to look tired and if wanting to keep the 'luxury' status this needs to be kept on top of. Outside seating area was nice, but with the road traffic was a bit noisy for relaxing in, with us not really being around was not an issue. Installing a hot tub out there would really make as difference as its a secluded area, some nice lights would definitely encourage more people to sit outside and use the area, would have been a great evening relax when heading back after a days walking.
Kitchen - The saucepans in the kitchen need updating, I'm not sure if they are conductor pans which with the hob they need to be. Oven and extractor were great. Coffee and cafetiere was wonderful as I always take my own. Some larger mugs for tea and coffee would be welcomed. I always take my own. The ones were nice and fancy, just not big enough. Teapot was lovely to have. Fridge/Freezer great, dishwasher was great to, however I did need to give it a clean inside and put on a cleaning wash as there was a build up on the door and filter. Details regarding how the bins work would have been useful.
Living room and dining area, lovely space, TV and DVD all good and good selection for all ages. My children loved the puzzle they completed through the holiday. The hoover needs to be cleaned or the filter cleaning when hoovering it smelt quite doggie like. Sofas all comfortable. We turned the heating on once and worked very well and quickly so we could dry some clothes. We had a lovely stay once we got over our arrival hurdle, but chose to leave a night early as the 0900 leave policy is very early compared to other places we have stayed as especially as I like to leave somewhere how it was found on arrival, felt we lost a days holiday due to this. Usually 11am exit works better then you can enjoy your holiday and squeeze the holiday feeling before heading back to home and work. Thank you for letting us stay. We loved the Lakes and explored lots.
Thanks for the feedback Suzanne, since your stay we have;
Moved the checkout time back to 11am, painted the property throughout, replaced the fire ignition and spare bed and matress'.
Property Owner
