Boxtree | Ullswater | Dacre | The Lake District And Cumbria

4.8★

4 Guests
2 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Pets Yes
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Features

Open fire
Garden / Patio
Cot available
Highchair available
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

29 Customer Review(s)

Helen
October 2024

“We really enjoyed our stay at Boxtree.”

It was very comfortable and the kitchen could not have been better - you could tell that a serious cook had equipped it. We'll be very happy to stay there again.

It was very comfortable and the kitchen could not have been better - you could tell that a serious cook had equipped it. We'll be very happy to stay there again.

- Helen, October 2024
Keely August 2024

“Really lovely, cosy cottage.”

It has everything you need for a relaxing stay in a perfect location of Ullswater and other local hotspots. Well stocked kitchen, welcome gifts and comfortable beds made our stay easy and enjoyable. Would definitely stay here again!

- Keely, August 2024
Daryl July 2024

“A lovely cottage with all the equipment you could possibly need.”

- Daryl, July 2024
Judith April 2024

“Our fourth visit to this property so it feels a bit like home from home.”

Always very welcoming and cosy. The beds are first class, as are the general fixtures and fittings. It is a very well looked after house. Thank you.

- Judith, April 2024
Gill February 2024

“The cottage was beautifully furnished, warm and comfortable but the lack of housekeeping stock and the ‘house rules’ did not give an overall welcoming feeling of relaxation or luxury holiday.”

For example - no detergent for the washing machine (in the countryside, wet muddy walks, in winter?), peppermill was empty, torch batteries flat or low, no spare toilet rolls, single small discs of packet soap in bathrooms with no refills, a single replacement bin liner only, outside shed bulb not working. As a pet friendly cottage, comments such as ‘Obviously dogs are not allowed upstairs or on the furniture’ and ‘there must be NO evidence of dogs left in the property on vacating’ feel quite disrespectful to guests and assumes the worst of them. The 9am checkout is early and difficult to rationalise particularly when the guest is expected to do most of the tidying. To be packed up, beds stripped, house ordered, had breakfast and on your way, under the threat of leaving not a single dog hair, by 9am on the final morning makes your last day a very early start and/or takes up much of the previous evening. Things like this detract from what could have been a really enjoyable and relaxing stay. Whilst we appreciate all prices have increased, the cost for ensuring usable items are well stocked and refilled should be a reasonable inclusion to the overall cost. The cottage is not cheap and for this tariff, we really would not expect to feel penny pinched and unfortunately it engenders a degree of dissatisfaction. Initial supply of logs is as stated in the description, but again, refills require a car journey to stock up and in our experience cottages of this cost and marketed as luxury would have extra logs on site and available. The village pub is excellent and well worth returning to, the location is good for local attractions, walking from the door is good if without wanting to let your dogs off lead but requires walking across a lot of sheep fields or the road to get to better dog suitable walks. Overall a very lovely property but not the luxury relaxed holiday ambience we were anticipating. Lots of positives but definitely some areas to reflect on to improve the user experience or expectations

- Gill, February 2024

It was rather disappointing to have received this review as the vast majority of our guests have positively commented about the warmth of the welcome they receive at Boxtree. We feel that Boxtree is very well equipped with the details of how guests can access all the necessary housekeeping arrangements as these are clearly outlined within the welcome pack. Whilst we welcome four-legged friends it is obviously necessary for us to set out the applicable house rules in order to ensure that the cottage can be maintained at a very high standard for the benefit of all our guests – we do not think we are unusual in this respect. We have taken onboard the comments regarding our current checkout arrangements and we have therefore now reverted to a 10am checkout. Property Owner
Vivien December 2023

“An amazing cottage we went for Christmas with friends and everything we needed to cook a traditional Xmas dinner was there for us including a foil Turkey dish.”

We had a slight issue with the boiler on arrival but the owners came out promptly and sorted it for us. A lovely couple who couldn’t do enough for us. We went to the pub in the village for dinner the first night and lunch Xmas Eve. Pub was very welcoming and food was excellent. We were also invited to go to the Christingle at the local church again it was very welcoming. Would thoroughly recommend Boxtree cottage. We will certainly go back.

- Vivien, December 2023
Anthony December 2023

“Lovely property finished to a high specification.”

As a bonus, the food at the Horse & Farrier a few yards away was amazing.

- Anthony, December 2023
James September 2023

“A charming and very comfortable, well equipped cottage.”

Some very thoughtful touches, even if we didn’t have to use on this occasion eg hot water bottles. My partner would have liked a small stool or chair in the principal bathroom in order to use the table as a vanity unit etc, perhaps with a mirror? A 9:00 am departure time is very early for people who are on holiday and who want to spend their last night relaxing , not packing. 10 am is very much the norm elsewhere. Some fly spray to contend with the daily hordes in the conservatory would have been helpful. Really not clear where they came from or what attracted them in such numbers. Had to hoover up daily. However , these are just a intended to be constructive comments and in no way altered our overall high opinion of the cottage and a fabulous holiday. Thank you.

- James, September 2023
Neil July 2023

“This cottage was ideal for two couples and two dogs , literally had everything we needed and more .”

Lovely pub 50 yards away with great food and ideally situated just off A66 for easy access to the lakes at Keswick . Would definitely stay again

- Neil, July 2023
David July 2023

“We've been to Boxtree before and will probably return.”

Lovely quiet cottage with a great pub 30 yards up the road and a 5 mile circular walk that goes past Pooley Bridge on the doorstep.

- David, July 2023
Graham July 2023

“Suggest adding a picture of the conservatory”

- Graham, July 2023
Eleanor May 2023

“Boxtree is a really beautiful cottage.”

It was really clean, very comfortable and the garden is very dog friendly. The location is perfect, and the pub in the village is fab! Pooley Bridge is also in walking distance. We will definitely be staying at Boxtree again.

- Eleanor, May 2023
Richard April 2023

“Perfect location and lovely Cottage.”

Great facilities for Wet Dogs with the out building for drying them

- Richard, April 2023
Karen February 2023

“Lovely cottage.”

Very clean and well stocked with everything you would need. Our dogs loved the back garden which was very secure. Would definitely go back in the future.

- Karen, February 2023
Lisa December 2022

“Beautiful cottage, spacious but cosy and in a great location.”

Pub next door was great. Bedrooms both a good size and beds were really comfy. Considering this is a dog friendly cottage this was one of the cleanest places we’ve stayed.

- Lisa, December 2022
Chris November 2022

“We really enjoyed our stay, it was a joy to come back to the cottage at the end of very wet and windy days.”

A real home from home with every comfort and facility we could want. The only negative I would mention is having to strip the beds, making sure everything is okay and being out of the property by 9.00am. We left the day before due to illness but I would imagine it could be a real problem for some people. I know the cottage was spotless but I think 7 hours is more than ample time to prepare it for following guests.

- Chris, November 2022
Frank September 2022

“Above our expectations.”

Comfortable and welcoming. Ideal for the 2 of us plus the dog. Close proximity to the excellent pub is a bonus. Very enjoyable stay.

- Frank, September 2022
Steven June 2022

“We loved our stay in Boxtree.”

It’s a well placed cottage in a lovely village with a great pub literally just up the road. I loved the conservatory (but not the flies) for sitting reading my book in the colder days we had and the garden for the beautiful days. The bedrooms were great and the beds really comfortable. We will definitely consider returning to this cottage in the future.

- Steven, June 2022
Mark March 2022

“Really good stay and very clean.”

This is our second visit to Boxtree and would really recommend it. The beds are really comfy and the house lovely and warm Dacre is a lovely little village with an excellent pub on the doorstep

- Mark, March 2022
David February 2022

“Second time at Boxtree and likely to be back again as we love the area and the pub!”

Very comfortable accommodation and particularly cosy given all the terrible weather.

- David, February 2022
Sarah February 2022

“The cottage was a haven from the cold after our walking days.”

Sofas and beds are so comfortable .Equipped really well . Cottage is well decorated and warm . Every thing is easy to use. The garden isn’t like a holiday cottage garden .It is beautifully planted and kept. Great pub 2 minutes walk away. Views from back of cottage are spectacular. Good location for accessing the lakes .

- Sarah, February 2022
Claire October 2021

“A perfect cottage for a family with a dog.”

It was warm, clean and cozy with everything provided. The garden was secure with a gate that latches and the sun room was just right to take off muddy boots and towel down a wet dog after a day walking in the fells. The location, just next to a lovely dog-friendly pub and within walking distance of the lake was also a big plus. The owners were friendly and helpful. We'll definitely be back.

- Claire, October 2021
Robert July 2021

“Ideal location in north lakes.”

Nice and quiet and yet Penrith, Pooley Bridge and Keswick only a short drive away. Cottage very good furnished standard. WiFi if important to you is around 30 megs. Lovely walk starts opposite the cottage leading to Dalmein Tea Room, approx 1.5 miles each way. Will certainly have Boxtree on our re-visit list for our frequent stays in the Lakes.

- Robert, July 2021
Keith May 2021

“We absolutely loved staying in this cottage in Dacre.”

The kitchen was so well equipped, the bathrooms were spacious and spotless and the beds were very, very comfortable. We all loved the walks from the door, the peace of the garden when we came home from our many walks and the wonderful Pub up the road. I'm sure that we will come again to Boxtree. Praise indeed as we have been coming to the Lakes and staying in cottages every year for over 30 years, almost always through Lakelovers.

- Keith, May 2021
Judy April 2021

“Lovely cottage & very happy with everything except the double bed mattress in bedroom at the front of the cottage.”

It was so uncomfortable I bought a topper for £ 50 so I could sleep properly during the holiday. I wouldn't return to that cottage unless the mattress was changed , which is a shame as everything else was great.

- Judy, April 2021

Thank you for taking the time to feedback after your recent stay at Boxtree. We are thrilled to hear you had a lovely week and enjoyed the cottage. We are sorry to hear you found the double bed mattress uncomfortable. We have discussed this with the owner and we have taken your feedback on board and will monitor things as this is the first comment we have had with it being uncomfortable. Our properties are graded by Visit England who offer quality accreditation. On their last inspection their comments on the mattresses were; 'Sound beds, very good quality mattresses and very good, easy care linens.' Thank you again for your feedback and we hope it is not to long until we can welcome you back to the Lakes. - The Lakelover Team Property Owner
Mrs Baptiste Dec 2019

“The property was perfect for our stay.”

We will be returning to this property and would recommend it to friends. The garden is small which suited us especially as we were out on the fells all day.

- Mrs Baptiste, Dec 2019
Mrs Nicholls Sep 2019

“The cottage was spotlessly clean, supremely comfortable and well equipped.”

The owners have refurbished and furnished it to a very high standard, in keeping with the age of the property. It is easy to get to off the A66 and is a few miles from Ullswater. Lovely village pub 100 metres away!

- Mrs Nicholls, Sep 2019
Miss Curphey Jul 2019

“The beautiful cottage, the location in the quiet village of Dacre, the superb facilities.”

An excellent cottage which I would thoroughly recommend. The dogs loved it too.

- Miss Curphey, Jul 2019
Mrs Rush May 2019

“The cottage was very comfortable providing everything we needed for an enjoyable holiday.”

The location was lovely and perfect for a quiet relaxed week. We have stayed in many holiday cottages and would rate this as one of the best we have stayed in and would stay again if we returned to the area.

- Mrs Rush, May 2019

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Summary

Two bedrooms: 1 x super king size (can be twin) with en-suite shower room, 1 x double bed with en-suite bathroom
Downstairs cloakroom with basin and wc
Sitting room
Kitchen
Dining room
Sunroom
Drying room.
Oil central heating
Log burning stove
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, TV, DVD, WiFi
Fuel and power inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Cottage garden with furniture
Lockable stone store for bikes
Private parking for 2 cars
Pub nearby
2 well behaved dogs welcome
Sorry, no smoking.

The property

A few minutes' drive or a delightful walk from the shores of Ullswater, in the pretty village of Dacre, Boxtree is a beautifully restored, two bedroom, 18th century farmer's cottage.

This delightful cottage is packed full of quality, charm and character.

With two pretty ensuite bedrooms, a cosy lounge, family dining room, cottage kitchen and sun room all complemented by a pretty cottage garden and patio, Boxtree is a real treat and the perfect place to enjoy the peace and quiet of the Lake District. Dacre is a delightful Cumbrian village which is steeped in history and houses a 14th century castle and a church which is home to the mysterious Dacre bears.

The village has an 18th century pub, The Horse & Farrier where you can enjoy a pint and a meal after a day out exploring.

Dacre is just 7 miles from Penrith which links straight to the motorway and also just 14 miles to Keswick the popular Lakeland market town with a great array of cafes, bars and restaurants and of course the popular, award winning, twice weekly market and great local shops.

Ullswater is on your footsteps from here, enjoying a trip on one of the traditional steamers or enjoying the spectacle of the famous Aira Force Waterfall. ==Accommodation in detail From the parking area, visitors enter through the rear door of the cottage.

The cottage is furnished to a high standard throughout and nowhere more so than in the cosy sitting room with relaxing sofas and armchairs.

The welcoming log burning stove is the focal point of the room and is a welcome treat on a winter evening as you relax in front of the TV.

Original oak beams, pretty cottage window and stone niches all add to the charm. The shaker style kitchen is well equipped with everything you could need and includes an electric hob and oven, dishwasher and washing machine.

Dinner can be served in the adjoining dining room with antique farmhouse dining table making it the ideal spot for dinner with friends or a leisurely family breakfast.

To the rear of the cottage the sun room overlooks the pretty cottage garden and is a lovely spot to relax with a good book or the weekend papers.

A useful cloak room and drying room provide plenty of space for all your outdoor gear and there is the extra convenience of a downstairs WC. Choose from two bedrooms; the master bedroom features a vaulted beam ceiling, feature wrought iron bed and traditional antique furniture and is complemented by a spacious ensuite bathroom with feature roll top bath.

The second bedroom can be presented as either a charming double room with superking bed or twin beds (please specify when booking) and offers a smart ensuite shower room. To the rear of the cottage there is a pretty south west facing cottage garden with patio area and garden furniture and to the side of the cottage there is private parking for two cars.

The lockable stone outhouse offers secure storage for mountain bikes and outdoor equipment. Location Dacre is a small hamlet close to the popular village of Pooley Bridge at the northernmost tip of Ullswater.

The latter has a selection of village pubs, cafes and shops for the visitors and is popular all year round.

The area has a huge selection of footpaths, bridleways and there are walks for all and it is a popular area for mountain biking.

Travelling from the central Lakes over the stunning Kirkstone Pass you will drop down into the beautiful glacial carved landscapes surrounding Ullswater, with many quaint villages along its shore line.

The areas around the lake provide the perfect place for a restful and relaxed self-catering holiday, with plenty of opportunity for walking, exploring and getting out on the Lake.

At the southern end of the Lake you will find Glenridding, a popular little village and an excellent base to explore plentiful challenging peaks but especially Helvellyn and Striding Edge. Ullswater is thought by many to be the most beautiful of all the lakes in the northern Lake District, being a serpentine body of water snaking a nine mile course under the lea of magnificent fells, woodland and mountain.

Much of the lake, its shore and surrounding fells are accessible for visitors to explore, where you will find some of the finest walks and water activities, along with the amenities of the lakeside villages.

One of the best walks in the National Park is the trail that runs along the eastern shores of Ullswater.

Explored from the southern end of the lake, dominated by Place Fell, St Sunday Cragg, and Fairfield, you take the path from Glenridding over to the east side of the water.

You will be able to ramble all day with a magnificent view always in your sight.

For the return journey, board the steamboat from Howtown or Pooley Bridge back to Glenridding. For those who like getting up high, there are some of the best mountains and fells on your doorstep, the most famous being Helvellyn and the precipitous Striding Edge. A gentler walk is Aira Force, probably the most famous of the Lake District waterfalls.

The main force falls some 70ft below a stone footbridge - so don't forget your camera. Getting on the water is easy.

You can take a boat cruise on one of the five beautiful steamers in the Ullswater Steamer fleet.

They run the boats from Glenridding, with piers also at Pooley Bridge and Howtown.

It's a great way to see the lake from a different perspective and well worth taking a camera.

Boat hire is readily available, both at Glenridding and Pooley Bridge, where you have a varied selection of craft on offer including kayaks, sailing boats and little motorboats, along with hire of fishing tackle and licenses. Further afield you have Keswick the main town of the north lakes, a bustling market town set between the peaks of Skiddaw and the gentle beauty of Derwentwater.

An all year round town there are good shops, a host of restaurants and cafes, along with museums, a theatre, cinema and leisure centre.

A major attraction for your canine friend is Podgy Paws pet shop, where you can stock up on goodies for your furry companions.

At the lake you can take a boat trip or hire one for yourself and explore the shoreline and little bays.

For more information on Keswick and its attractions see our links.

The market towns of Penrith and Alston lie to the North West on the edge of the Eden Valley and are well worth a visit. The A591 winds its way from Keswick to Grasmere and on to Ambleside and from there branching off to Coniston and such delights as the Langdale Valley and Hawkshead.

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

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About the location

ULLSWATER

The popular town of Keswick is the holiday centre of the North of the Lake District and has plenty to offer the visitor at any time of year. The town boasts numerous shops and restaurants to suit all tastes, as well as offering miniature golf, excellent parks, the famous Theatre by the Lake, a charming cinema, the Pencil Museum, a climbing wall, fishing and great mountain biking opportunities, whilst the beautiful lake of Derwentwater at the head of the stunning Borrowdale Valley is only a few minutes walk from the town centre. Nearby, between Braithwaite and Buttermere is the beautiful Newlands Valley, while picturesque Bassenthwaite Lake is well worth a visit. From a gentle countryside ramble to a challenging hike up Skiddaw or the famous Catbells, there really is something for everyone. Visit Castlerigg Stone Circle, the Jennings Brewery and Mirehouse, a grand house and gardens on the shores of the Bassenthwaite Lake, or take a fabulous boat trip around Derwentwater. With plenty of attractions for the kids, lovely parks and the nearby Lake District Wildlife Park this is a great Lakeland destination whatever the time of year.

This property offers the following short breaks:

Winter
Last minute
Christmas

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Features

Reviews & Ratings

“We really enjoyed our stay at Boxtree.”

“Really lovely, cosy cottage.”

“A lovely cottage with all the equipment you could possibly need.”

“Our fourth visit to this property so it feels a bit like home from home.”

“The cottage was beautifully furnished, warm and comfortable but the lack of housekeeping stock and the ‘house rules’ did not give an overall welcoming feeling of relaxation or luxury holiday.”

“An amazing cottage we went for Christmas with friends and everything we needed to cook a traditional Xmas dinner was there for us including a foil Turkey dish.”

“Lovely property finished to a high specification.”

“A charming and very comfortable, well equipped cottage.”

“This cottage was ideal for two couples and two dogs , literally had everything we needed and more .”

“We've been to Boxtree before and will probably return.”

“Suggest adding a picture of the conservatory”

“Boxtree is a really beautiful cottage.”

“Perfect location and lovely Cottage.”

“Lovely cottage.”

“Beautiful cottage, spacious but cosy and in a great location.”

“We really enjoyed our stay, it was a joy to come back to the cottage at the end of very wet and windy days.”

“Above our expectations.”

“We loved our stay in Boxtree.”

“Really good stay and very clean.”

“Second time at Boxtree and likely to be back again as we love the area and the pub!”

“The cottage was a haven from the cold after our walking days.”

“A perfect cottage for a family with a dog.”

“Ideal location in north lakes.”

“We absolutely loved staying in this cottage in Dacre.”

“Lovely cottage & very happy with everything except the double bed mattress in bedroom at the front of the cottage.”

“The property was perfect for our stay.”

“The cottage was spotlessly clean, supremely comfortable and well equipped.”

“The beautiful cottage, the location in the quiet village of Dacre, the superb facilities.”

“The cottage was very comfortable providing everything we needed for an enjoyable holiday.”

Summary

The property

View on map

About the location

ULLSWATER