Guardswood Cottage | Coniston | Cat Bank | The Lake District And Cumbria

4.5★

5 Guests
3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Pets No
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Features

Electric car charging
Off road parking
Ground floor bedroom
Open fire
Garden / Patio
Pub/shop < 1 mile
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

25 Customer Review(s)

Emma
October 2024

“This is a beautiful property that is very well finished to a great standard and in a stunning location.”

Definitely take a torch or two if you're walking into Coniston of an evening though as the track up to the property is dark! The only issue we has was that the internet did not work at all throughout the stay. This also affected the heating as the multiple Nest thermostats all had different times which meant that the heating come on and off at odd times. This was reported on the first day and despite the maintenance team eventually coming out on our last full day they said it was working ...

Definitely take a torch or two if you're walking into Coniston of an evening though as the track up to the property is dark! The only issue we has was that the internet did not work at all throughout the stay. This also affected the heating as the multiple Nest thermostats all had different times which meant that the heating come on and off at odd times. This was reported on the first day and despite the maintenance team eventually coming out on our last full day they said it was working fine (the wifi network was fine but there was no internet service behind this). There are plenty of wine glasses but very few few for soft drinks (such as hi-ball or point glasses). All other aspects were excellent.

- Emma, October 2024
Paul August 2024

“Had aa amazing stay!”

Building and location was perfect and stunning situated near the village with pubs, shops and amazing hiking routes. Cleanliness was spot on too and it ticked all the boxes for us 5. Only recommendation would be with essentials. Unlike some other holiday let's we went to there wasn't any tea, coffee, sugar, hand soap, washing up liquid, shower product and only 4 bits of toilet roll to last 5 of us 5 days. Also think it would he a nice idea for maybe a guest book for people to share what they did when in Coniston for other guests to maybe get some ideas for local activities and share experience. With that being said they're only minor things and the holiday itself was great! Would definitely stay again and recommend. Cheers, Paul

- Paul, August 2024
Elizabeth August 2024

“Thank you for a beautiful stay at Guards Wood Cottage.”

We were three friends who could each have our own bedroom (though we did use the ensuite for our showers!). If travelling with a child, note that the main living area is audible from the small bedroom. Overall a very peaceful and well-appointed cottage with many nearby Lake District attractions! Thanks again.

- Elizabeth, August 2024
Gill April 2024

“What a lovely holiday!”

The cottage was clean, well appointed with splendid views. The fact that the cottage location appeared before booking to be on the b&b site when in fact it is through a gate across a field and up a hill did not affect our enjoyment but it would if mobility was an issue. We did have a problem with the heating which was controlled remotely probably due to booking late and communication problem with the owner. This was corrected immediately after we contacted the owner. The lakes were beautiful and we had all four seasons while there but would readily return to the cottage and the area. My husband loved going to see ‘bluebird’ in the Ruskin Museum.

- Gill, April 2024
Mark February 2024

“The property is a fantastic holiday cottage, well located and modernised to a very high standard.”

We stayed last year and noticed that the cleaning wasn't quite as good as in the previous stay (visible cobwebs and dust), but this is a very minor gripe. Also, the lights in the open area by the stairwell weren't working, which meant the table area was difficult to light properly for working on. Another minor gripe in an otherwise superb cottage. We'll definitely be back next year.

- Mark, February 2024
Jo January 2024

“When we arrived, the track up to the cottage was treacherous due to the ice.”

A supply of grit and a shovel would have been helpful. The cottage is lovely and well appointed. The following items would have been helpful: oven gloves, soap for each sink, washing up liquid, more than 1 toilet roll per toilet!

- Jo, January 2024
Alyson September 2023

“Gorgeous place in a gorgeous location.”

Very well equipped, really comfortable, amazing views. Very happy. The tiniest extras like handwash at all sinks, more toilet roll would have been useful.

- Alyson, September 2023
Sally August 2023

“This is a fantastic property.”

The view and gardens are beautiful . The beds and sofa etc are very comfortable and the kitchen is well stocked. It’s really near a great selection of pubs and a two min walk to the lake. We are a family of five and it felt very easy to holiday in . We loved it and would definitely return. 5 stars !

- Sally, August 2023
Dan June 2023

“This is a beautiful property with everything to a high spec.”

Guests using LOFT ROOM might like to know some key things the listing doesn’t mention: ~No blind on the window which might disturb sleep (not obvious from the photo as loft windows often have discrete fitted blinds). ~Positioning of window screw mechanism restricts the opener so it can’t extend beyond a few inches even though it’s designed to & would be safe. ~Window is a side opener so rain pours in from roof. ~Room gets v hot due to poor ventilation. ~There is no storage in this room at all for clothes. We thought there might have been some added since the photos were taken but that was not the case. ~No door on bedroom so noise travels up from kitchen. This is common on older properties but it would have been useful to know. ~If using for young child be aware the parent bedrooms and toilets are 2 floors down.

- Dan, June 2023

Thank you for your feedback. We take your comments on board, and we will look at the listing to see if there any amendments that need to be made. Thank you- The Lakelovers Owner Relations Team Property Owner
Hazel June 2023

“Exceeded expectations!”

Really stunning place in gorgeous surroundings … very well looked after, clean and beautifully presented .., had a great few days away with friends!! Would be useful to have a sign on the driveway turning off the main road with names of cottage and house for clearer directions!! Super fab place and holiday … would stay again and totally recommend

- Hazel, June 2023
Lesley June 2023

“A beautiful cottage with amazing views.”

Highly recommended.

- Lesley, June 2023

Thank you for such nice comments. It is lovely to see that you had a great stay and enjoyed the views! We hope to welcome you again. The Lakelovers Owner Relations Team Property Owner
Stephen May 2023

“No hand was at any sinks No kitchen roll Only 1 toilet roll in each toilet No ...”

No hand was at any sinks No kitchen roll Only 1 toilet roll in each toilet No welcome pack of milk tea bags etc Cigarette butt on floor Dust under bed Rug folded up on floor Many TV channels not tuned lack of apps Ned’s updating Low battery noise from smoke detector Nice quiet location short walk into town

- Stephen, May 2023

Thank you for your comments. We have passed them onto the Housekeeping team. I'm sorry you didn't get a welcome pack. I have checked all the smoke detectors. They are wired into mains electricity so I think the noise you heard is a test beep, which they do about once a month to test the connection between all detectors in the house. Regarding the TV channels, the tuning was done and can be checked this week, but I'm afraid can't be retuned every week. The TV is a new smart TV and has a large range of apps including Amazon, Netflix, Disney, iPlayer, ITVx, BT Sport, YouTube, AppleTV. Any devices you bring can also be connected to the wifi and we have installed an extra receiver to try and improve the signal. Property Owner
Alex March 2023

“The property wasn’t very clean my wife cleaned the kitchen cupboards and there was dry noodle crumbs in there.”

There was no welcome box general sundries tea , coffee , etc which we have received in other properties we have booked. The dishwasher was in need of salt and rinse aid which meant it didn’t operate correctly. There was no hand soap in the toilet areas. The kitchen had an excess of crockery but few kitchen utensils and equipment. The house is beautiful but poorly resourced and considering the price paid in low season we expected to be satisfied. You must review your price as we could have paid the same amount for two double rooms at the Inn with dinner and breakfast for four people.

- Alex, March 2023

Thank you for your comments. We will pass on your comments regarding the cleanliness of the property to our Housekeeping team to ensure that our high standards continue to be met. We take all comments on board. Thank you. Regarding pricing, we try very hard to ensure competitive pricing. For 3 nights in March, the Coniston Inn charges £707/room including breakfast, not dinner. This is a flexible booking, as are the cottage bookings. So for 4 people you would pay £1,414 not including dinner. This is 2.6 times the price of the same weekend at Guardswood Cottage. Regarding the utensils, we have checked through what is available. There are whisks, electric whisk, stick blender, spatulas, a knife selection, wooden spoons, tongs, mashers, peeler, saucepans, frying pans, casseroles, pots, mixing bowls, Tupperware. If there is something specific you were missing we are always happy to add to the kitchen equipment. Property Owner
Keith February 2023

“We have just returned from five wonderful nights in this gorgeous cottage.”

It exceeded all expectations, with no expense spared on fittings. Lovely views, super comfortable beds, and will definitely return, hopefully many times. A credit to the owners.

- Keith, February 2023

Thank you for your kind feedback. We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay. We hope to welcome you back again. Property Owner
Mark February 2023

“Absolutely superb accommodation in a glorious location.”

The property has been refurbished to a very high standard. I would thoroughly recommend it, and will definitely be looking to stay again! Only (very) minor issue was what to do with recycling? Seemed that there was not an option for this - may have missed something (as a couple of bins were full of bottles)...

- Mark, February 2023

Thank you for your kind feedback. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay. We take all comments on board, and will look into the recycling further. We hope to welcome you back again. Regarding recycling, the waste is collected by Cumbria Waste, who collect what they call co-mingled waste. Basically this means that they collect everything mixed up and separate out recycling at their facility. Property Owner
Janet January 2023

“High end conversion with beautiful views of the fells”

- Janet, January 2023

Thank you for your kind feedback, We are glad that you enjoyed your stay and the views. Property Owner
Jason November 2022

“We had a fantastic stay at Guardswood Cottage and would thoroughly recommend to anyone looking for a secluded spot near Coniston.”

The listing is accurate, this is an immaculate and contemporary property not long converted. Fittings and furnishings are high quality and provide a really comfortable environment. The open plan upper floor makes for a great space to cook, eat and relax with a very large sofa and well stocked kitchen. Views around are of woodland and to the rear towards Coniston village and the Old Man, in clear weather! Log burner was used every night and made the entire upper floor super warm. Bedrooms are super comfortable and the walk in en-suite shower a treat. If I were to mention one small gripe access is via a field full of sheep which meant leaving the car to open / lock the gate. Happy to do this but we had a week of heavy rain which meant a soaking each time we left the property. Not a problem otherwise, just our bad luck with the weather. At the bottom of the drive is the spacious and comfy Coniston Inn which we enjoyed several times, literally a 3 minute walk. Town centre probably around 15-20 minutes walk? Parking outside in a courtyard could house many cars and this is the only time you see the walled neighbouring property. We didn't hear a peep from this neighbour despite it having multiple guests. I would heartily recommend this immaculate hideaway and would stay there again without a doubt.

- Jason, November 2022
Linda September 2022

“Great location.”

Lovely and clean. Attractive property. Short on facilities. No dustpan and brush for spills. No scales. No mixing bowls. No whisk. No microwaveable containers. Only one baking dish. No starter pack for log burner - though it was stated there would be. The house generally felt rather sterile - we don’t expect a home from home, but incredibly little decoration around the place. More like a hotel room.

- Linda, September 2022

Hi Linda, I'm very sorry you couldnt find things at Guardswood Cottage and found the kitchen limited. There are three sets of dustpans and brushes at the cottage. One in the cupboard under the stairs, one next to the front door and one for ash next to the log burner. The scales are in the bottom drawer in the kitchen and the whisk in the utensil drawer. It might be that things were in teh wrong place during your stay and hard to find. All the bowls and plates are microwaveable, and there are pyrex bowls that could be used for mixing. There is no specific microwave tupperware at the property. I can certainly provide some, but please bear in mind it is a small kitchen with limited space. For baking, I provided two caserole dishes, one large rectanglar baking dish and baking trays. I can certainly add more, and chase up the starter pack for the log burner. I provide free logs all winter but not in the summer months and it may be that your stay fell outside those dates. I'm sorry you found the cottage rather sterile, there are pictures on the walls and currently Christmas decorations, but there is room for more. Thank you for your comments. Property Owner
Maureen August 2022

“Lovely property.”

Could have a bit more storage in bedrooms with a small dressing table and mirror. Also very close to next door property with a shared fire pit at the bottom of the garden. We didn’t feel comfortable using this. We were lucky to have quiet neighbours but this would put me off booking again.

- Maureen, August 2022

Hi Maureen, Thank you for your comments and I'm so glad you liked the property. I'm sorry you found the storage in the bedrooms too small. They are small rooms, so I have tried to do the most with what space we have. There is a wardrobe in each of the double bedrooms, with hanging space and a large drawer underneath. There are no dressing tables and I'm afraid I just couldn't find any small enough to fit without making it hard to walk around the bed. There are lighted mirrors and shelf space in each bathroom. Regarding the garden, yes it is close to the house next door and the fire pit is available to both properties. There is a BBQ and outdoor seating just by the kitchen door solely for Guardswood Cottage. Property Owner
Susan May 2022

“Excellent property, can't wait for opportunity to revisit.”

Wonderful views and a feeling of peacefulness.

- Susan, May 2022
John May 2022

“The house was very private, picturesque with beautiful scenery to see through the windows.”

We had a short but wonderful time at Guardswood cottage.

- John, May 2022
Fiona April 2022

“It was a beautifully appointed cottage furnished to a very high standard and breathtaking views.”

Understand we were one of the first guests to stay and therefore a few items not provided. We were very impressed by the speed in which anything missing was supplied. Was one of the best cottages we have stayed in and wouldn’t hesitate to stay again.

- Fiona, April 2022
Carl April 2022

“Got to say the cottage surpassed all expectations beautifully situated on the ...”

Got to say the cottage surpassed all expectations beautifully situated on the side of a hill with great views, A 10 minute walk from Coniston lake an a stones throw from the village, booking was easy with lots of feedback and helpful tips , the cottage was perfect comfortable spacious , and beautifully decorated couldn't of asked for more

- Carl, April 2022

Dear Carl, thank you very much for your comments, I'm so glad you enjoyed your stay at Guardswood cottage! Property Owner
Paul March 2022

“A lovely property but we had issues with no sticks/logs for fire, no Wi-Fi password and the fridge had not been cleaned since previous occupants.”

All issues were resolved after a phone call to your office. At night, realised we couldn’t get anything on TV as there was no instructions. Sent message to office asking for instructions but didn’t get them so couldn’t use TV for the time we were there. I also sent suggestions for owner to provide an information book for the property, as is the usual case but again I got no response other than an email to say there was a message via a link to my account but when I tried to access it I got the following message “There was an error performing login” and to try again which I did on numerous occasions.

- Paul, March 2022

Hi Paul, thank you for highlighting some teething issues in getting the cottage up and running. The welcome pack is now in the cottage. There are logs in a store next to the cottage but this wasn't highlighted for you. I will arrange for a starter pack of logs to be put in the cottage in the winter months. We put a smart TV in the cottage, but they can be tricky to understand the first time. I have added detailed instructions to the welcome pack. I'm sorry your experience logging into your account was frustrating, I will pass this onto Lakelovers. I hope you had a wonderful stay! Property Owner
Lisa February 2022

“Beautiful property .”

.. renovated to a very high standard and very comfortable. Excellent location just short 5 min walk to village. Stunning views from back of property including the Old Man. We would highly recommend staying here and will look forward to staying again in the future. Thank you for a lovely place to stay.

- Lisa, February 2022

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Summary

Over three floors
Three bedrooms: 1 x ground-floor king-size with en-suite walk-in shower, basin and WC, 1 x ground-floor king-size, 1 x second-floor single
Ground-floor bathroom with bath, basin and WC
First-floor open-plan living space with kitchen, dining area and sitting area with woodburning stove (Logs available locally)
Utility
LPG gas central heating
Electric double oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher
Smart TV, WiFi, selection of books
Fuel, power inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Off-road parking for 2 cars with EV electric charger (Charges apply)
Front gravelled courtyard
Garden with lawn and patio
Sorry, no pets
Sorry, no smoking
Shop 0.5 miles, pub 0.1 miles
Note: The second-floor single bedroom is in the attic with sloped ceilings, please take care
Note: Both properties are adjacent to each other

The property

Guardswood Cottage, located just outside of Coniston in the Lake District National Park, is a charming, three-story cottage surrounded by nature.

The property has a wonderfully decorated open-plan living area with stunning views, giving it an excellent location for two couples or a family of five to explore this magnificent region.

Find off-road parking in front of the cottage to safely leave your car and unload your luggage; after rural walks, a convenient porch/utility welcomes you to kick off your boots and toss muddy things into the washer and dryer.

Climb the stairs to the first-floor living area to prepare home-cooked meals in the contemporary kitchen, which features sleek, black cabinets and excellent amenities.

Characterful exposed beams hang overhead, with Velux windows allowing in plenty of natural light, whilst the windows look out over Coniston village and mountains, providing the perfect views while you savour a delicious meal at the rustic dining table!

In the sitting area, sink into the large, cushioned corner sofa in front of the woodburning stove and choose a movie to watch on the Smart TV for evening entertainment, or curl up with a good read from the variety of books offered.

Two king-size bedrooms are on the ground floor, one of which has an en-suite shower room, and a compact single bedroom in the second-floor attic is the ideal little retreat for a younger guest! Although on the first floor, the living area offers direct access to the spacious, shared gardens to let the outside in on warmer days; why not sip your morning coffee in the peace and quiet overlooking the mountains, while the sheep in the neighbouring field graze?

Guardswood Cottage is the perfect place to stay if you want to experience the best of the Lake District.

Note: This property can be booked with Ref. 1091970 together sleeping up to 19 guests.

Thwaite House & Guardswood Cottage

Thwaite House & Guardswood Cottage are two superb holiday homes, set in an acre of shared grounds and gardens, and resting in the charming village of Coniston, Cumbria. Both properties have been thoughtfully refurbished with high-quality amenities, woodburning stoves, ample off-road parking, and Smart TVs, whilst retaining much of the original character, making them perfect for large family gatherings to explore the Lake District National Park. The surroundings enjoy idyllic shared gardens with views across unspoilt countryside to Coniston village centre, mountains and fields where sheep graze, while Coniston Water is nearby for water sports or the Steam Yacht Gondola for a relaxing sailing experience. The lake additionally backs onto Brantwood, the former home of John Ruskin which is now a museum offering access to exhibits and beautiful gardens. Treat your loved ones to a meal out at one of the nearby eateries such as The Coniston Inn for traditional home-cooked meals or The Steam Bistro for globally inspired dishes. The village of Coniston also hosts more eateries, a well-equipped shop, petrol station and a marvellous museum; meaning you will be well-catered to during your stay! Those seeking more fun in the outdoors can venture west to explore the remains of the Coniston Copper Mines, before embarking on the Dow Crag Walk and climbing the peak of Old Man of Coniston. Explore the nearby village of Hawkshead for picturesque walks up to Latterbarrow, The National Trust 's Beatrix Potter Gallery and a selection of traditional inns to stop for lunch, whilst being within easy reach of North Fen National Nature Reserve, Esthwaite Water and Claife Heights. Make your way to Ambleside to discover Stock Ghyll Force, Ambleside's Roman Fort or learn about local heritage at Armitt Library & Museum Centre. So many more things to see and do are waiting to be found here, from the delights of Ambleside and Bowness-on-Windermere, to the sights of Grizedale Forest and the nearby Arnside & Silverdale AONB. Thwaite House & Guardswood Cottage are two wonderful bases for a memorable staycation in the Lake District.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £300.

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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.

This property offers the following short breaks:

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Features

Reviews & Ratings

“This is a beautiful property that is very well finished to a great standard and in a stunning location.”

“Had aa amazing stay!”

“Thank you for a beautiful stay at Guards Wood Cottage.”

“What a lovely holiday!”

“The property is a fantastic holiday cottage, well located and modernised to a very high standard.”

“When we arrived, the track up to the cottage was treacherous due to the ice.”

“Gorgeous place in a gorgeous location.”

“This is a fantastic property.”

“This is a beautiful property with everything to a high spec.”

“Exceeded expectations!”

“A beautiful cottage with amazing views.”

“No hand was at any sinks No kitchen roll Only 1 toilet roll in each toilet No ...”

“The property wasn’t very clean my wife cleaned the kitchen cupboards and there was dry noodle crumbs in there.”

“We have just returned from five wonderful nights in this gorgeous cottage.”

“Absolutely superb accommodation in a glorious location.”

“High end conversion with beautiful views of the fells”

“We had a fantastic stay at Guardswood Cottage and would thoroughly recommend to anyone looking for a secluded spot near Coniston.”

“Great location.”

“Lovely property.”

“Excellent property, can't wait for opportunity to revisit.”

“The house was very private, picturesque with beautiful scenery to see through the windows.”

“It was a beautifully appointed cottage furnished to a very high standard and breathtaking views.”

“Got to say the cottage surpassed all expectations beautifully situated on the ...”