“We really enjoyed our stay and would probably return.”
For the price, this was a very good self-catering option and offered great value for money. If we’d paid a higher rate, we might have rated it lower due to a few issues, but as it stands, it was a great base for exploring the Lake District.
The accommodation is very spacious, with plenty of room for a family of four to spread out comfortably, including a large hallway and a lovely front room that opens onto a raised balcony. The balcony had comfy seating and overlooked a beautiful, peaceful shared garden. Despite being communal, the gardens felt surprisingly private; we didn’t hear or see anyone else during our stay. There’s a swing and two-seater swing sofa, a BBQ area, and outdoor tables in a really charming dingle, all beautifully presented.
The location was excellent, only around 8 minutes' drive from Ambleside, and very convenient for day trips around the Lakes. The undercover parking and easy access for loading and unloading was also a big help. We all slept exceptionally well, the beds were very comfortable, and the internet was fast and reliable. The kitchen and bathrooms were both very modern, and the separate shower room was a bonus. Though it’s worth noting the hot tap in the kitchen was quite slow to warm up (and it does get VERY hot) only produced a trickle of water.
That said, there were some downsides. The place wasn’t dirty, but there were some small bits of stone on the floor in the front room on arrival, an oven tray with what looked like breadcrumbs still on it, and the fridge could have been cleaner. We also noticed cobwebs on the ceiling in several rooms. The shower room and especially the bedroom smelled quite damp, and the settee had a slightly odd smell too. Lighting in the front room was quite dim, especially around the dining table, we ended up moving a lamp just to see our dinner.
The kitchen was modern but under-equipped for a full week of self-catering, there was only one saucepan and one frying pan, which made things a bit awkward. The bedroom furniture, while functional, felt a little sparse, and the sofas and chairs in the front room weren’t especially comfortable or relaxing.
All in all, despite a few niggles, we found it to be a good-value, peaceful, and well-located place to stay with a lot of potential. With just a bit more attention to comfort and kitchen basics, it could be excellent.
