“Beautiful Setting, Clean and Tidy, Buttermere and Loweswater cottages”
Stopped at Loweswater and Buttermere Cottages in this development in May 2018. Both cottages were immaculately clean and pretty much as shown on webpages. The stone built building oozes character and the surrounding views are stunning which is the biggest bonus of these cottages. The grassed area is fenced off making it safe for children and dog friendly (as they can't get at the sheep!). A very short walk takes you to the lakes edge. Picnic tables are provided. Two dogs are allowed in each cottage.
The cottages themselves are nice enough but whilst they are very tidy and exceptionally clean they could do with a few little touches which would take them from tidy to fabulous. That said, these were minor issues (sofa was broken in one cottage and other cottage had a very old fashioned floral sofa which is not as seen in the website photo!) The bathrooms are probably overdue a bit of modernisation as they looked slightly tired, (think it was probably last fully refurbished in the early 1990's judging from the shower cubical and taps!) However, it did have heated modern towel rails and was spacious enough with walk in showers. Curtain rails were broken in one cottage and the entrance could benefit from a bit of TLC, (dead ivy on frontage and a very faded out of date 'map' on the wall!) Some of the paintings on the walls inside looked like they'd been hanging there about 30 years! However, these were really all pretty minor things. Just a shame as a bit of attention to these simple things would make a nice cottage a fabulous one!
We didn't want for any utensil absolutely everything was provided from the selection of glasses (including champagne, pints and wine glasses) and cooking pots, pans, plates, even a teapot. Bed linen was crisp and clean and towels white and fresh and plenty of them. They were also warm with plenty of hot water. Our fridge did not have a freezer section which was slightly problematic given that we needed to keep a cool bag frozen for carrying insulin. However, Buttermere cottage did have a fridge with freezer compartment, bear in mind if you need ice!
One warning would be that there was unavoidable noise from the cottage apartment above. The residents were not inconsiderate, it was just that the floor above seemed to maximise every little noise (we could hear their dog trotting across the floor at 5am and toilet flushing!) So I would say, bear in mind if you book the ground floor cottages there could be noise.
Near Sawrey has a fab pub the Tower Bank Arms, which was about 5 minute stroll and it served great food and wine/ales. There is also the Sawrey House Hotel in strolling distance which was very beautiful setting. The Cuckoo's Brow Inn was also really great, but a little further away (15 minute stroll) in far sawrey. Both pubs must have reservations in advance. You can also walk to Hawkeshead on the new footpath, but bear in mind that sections of this route do not have a path and are on a very busy country lane, which isn't suitable for pushchairs and felt a little dangerous. You can drive to Hawkeshead though in about 7 minutes. You can also walk to the Ferry for Bowness and Windermere (but it is a rather longer walk of about 35-40 minutes)
All in all, I would sum up that If you're looking for a character cottage with contemporary modern interiors (which are so available now a days) then I'd say avoid these as they are a little dated. However, If you are less worried about style they are very serviceable and we had no regrets staying here. We think it was good value at around £35 pppn for the week). Would I recommend. Yes and no.... yes because of the location and value. Would we book again....probably not, there is so much luxury choice now at affordable prices I think I'd look for somewhere next time that has paid more attention to the little details.
- JudyPen, May 2018
Esthwaite Farm Cottages
A beautiful collection of eleven stone properties, located close to Esthwaite Water, in the idyllic village of Near Sawrey, Lake District National Park. From the moment you approach these delightful cottages, along picturesque narrow lanes, lined by swooping trees and quaint stone walls, you cannot fail to fall in love with this wonderful setting. It is the ideal choice for a break away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Set in a charming courtyard, these eleven homely properties provide welcoming accommodation, many featuring a warming woodburning stove. There is a mix of one- and two-bedroom properties, over one or two stories. With some having open-plan living areas and all with comfy bedrooms, fit for a great night’s sleep in this quiet and tranquil part of the world. The large lawned area allows children and pets to play safety whilst you relax and gaze across the valley. Take a walk to the forested hillsides or maybe take the private path down to the water’s edge. This is truly an unrivalled location for exploring all that the Lake District has to offer. Whatever your motivation for taking a break, there’s something for everyone nearby. Walkers and cyclists can get their kicks at nearby Grizedale Forest. Lake Windermere and Coniston Water offer opportunities for river cruises or water sports. Take a drive through the charming surrounding villages, including beautiful Hawkshead, and explore the boutique shops in Ambleside or Bowness. Further afield, the towns of Keswick and Ulverston are well worth a visit, and kids will love a trip on the Haverthwaite Steam Train, just a few miles away. These characteristic cottages offer the opportunity for a memorable stay that you will want to repeat again and again.
The property
Loweswater is a romantic apartment located in Sawrey, Cumbria, in the heart of the countryside. Inside the owner has created a beautiful feeling with a modern interior that offers a real home from home vibe. Featuring an open-plan living space, with stylish red sofas, rug and curtains coinciding with the light and understated decor. Relax against the cushions and enjoy the large TV and DVD player and watch a romantic film. Cosy up with your loved one in front of the lovely woodburning stove. Step into the modern and spacious kitchen, with its newly fitted white units and sleek black worktops, perfect for some home cooking. Enjoy that meal at the cosy dining area or with your feet up in front of the TV. Down the hall is a large double bedroom with an en-suite shower room with luxury modern fixtures and fittings and a lovely tiled flooring. While you stay at Loweswater, why not visit Dove Cottage? Which is famous for being the home of famous poet William Wordsworth. The Wordsworth Museum is only next door and will transport you back to the 18th-century where you can discover how Wordsworth lived and the pretty cottage garden he planted himself. With guided tours and access to Wordworth's letters, journals and poems. You can take part in the quiz and get stuck into the hands on learning in the family activity room. Write with a quill and ink pot just like Wordsworth! This is not a destination you want to miss when making your rounds. Loweswater is perfect for a romantic getaway for two.
Summary
- All ground floor
- One bedroom: 1 x bedroom with en-suite shower, basin and WC
- Open-plan living area with kitchen, dining area and sitting area with woodburning stove
- Shared laundry.
- Electric storage heaters with woodburning stove
- Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge with ice compartment, washing machine, tumble dryer and freezer in shared laundry, dishwasher, TV with Freeview, DVD
- Fuel, power and inc. in rent
- Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
- Cot and highchair on request
- Ample off road parking in shared courtyard
- Use of shared lawned garden
- Two well-behaved dogs welcome
- Sorry, no smoking
- Shop 2.2 miles, pub 3 mins walk
- Use of tumble dryer by 50p coin meter
- Logs are charged at £4 per bag or 3 bags of logs at £10, kindling is available for £4 per bag, payment is made by the honesty box next to the logs
- Mobile phone signal may be limited due to the location of the property
- Water from private supply, fed from freshwater lake
- To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking Graythwaite Adventure in advance
- Graythwaite fishery is free for all guests and equipment can be hired locally, a small fee is applicable to keep your catch, rod fishing license required
- Please Note: This property charges a £100.00 Good Housekeeping Bond
- Please Note: There is a separate apartment on the first floor; associated noise may be heard
- Please Note: Esthwaite property is an independent company and no one has rights to be on the water or fish or swim without paying Esthwaite water fishery
Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £100.
About the location
SAWREY
Hawkshead 2 miles.
The village of Sawrey is situated two miles from Hawkshead down the eastern side of Esthwaite Water, overlooked by the woods and tarns of Claife Heights. Sawrey consists of two separate hamlets - Near Sawrey and Far Sawrey - both with a cluster of picturesque cottages, tea rooms and pubs. Near Sawrey is famous for Hill Top, the 17th century farmhouse where Beatrix Potter wrote her acclaimed children's stories. Now a museum, owned and run by the National Trust, Hill Top is one of the most visited houses in the Lake District. Far Sawrey is the hamlet furthest away from Hawkshead and the nearest to the ferry point on Windermere. It offers a church and pub/restaurant with a beer garden. There are good walks in the area, including those to Claife Heights and in Grizedale Forest. It's also a great base for enjoying a wide variety of typical Lakeland pursuits - with watersports close at hand on Lake Windermere, fishing on nearby Esthwaite Water and, of course, fell walking.
Note - Esthwaite property is an independent company and no one has rights to be on the water or fish or swim without paying Esthwaite water fishery.
This property offers the following short breaks:
- Winter
- Off-season
- Last minute
