High Borrans

Lovely accommodation.

No complaints. One suggestions would be to offer a welcome pack. Even a pint of milk in the fridge would have been very welcome.

High Borrans is a lovely apartment, in a great position, you can either walk to Ambleside village, or go the other way to Watershead, which we mostly did, as it was lovely to see the activity on the lake, and there were nice places to eat and drink there.

The apartment is very comfortable, but as some others have said, it does need a bit of t.l.c. In some areas, but that’s being picky, it didn’t in any way detract from our enjoyment, and it is a holiday apartment at the end of the day. We would definitely stay there again.

This first floor apartment, accessed by a steep external metal staircase which less able people may find difficult, is in a lovely old building surrounded by trees and lawns with beautiful views to the lake.

It is very comfortable and tastefully furnished with high ceilings and tall windows which don't open fully so it was a bit hot at times. The house is ideally located between Waterhead, which is a ten minute walk away through the park to the lakeside pub, boats, etc., and Ambleside town. A small suggestion would be for a shelf in the shower to hold shower gel shampoo, etc.

We have stayed at High Borrans many times over several years and always been happy with it.

Comfortable, convenient , lots of parking, great views over the lake. However over time they have failed to maintain it. There are a number of things that have been worn or in a state of needing repair for the last 3 years. In particular - the dinning chairs in the lounge are now shabby and one was missing. The kickboards under the cupboards drop off each time you close a cupboard. The handle on the door of the utility cupboard drops off every time you touch it and has done so for the last 5 years!. Several years ago they changed the bedhead which when removed left a badly marked wall which still remains. If it doesnt change I dont think we would use it in the future

Very nice and spacious accommodation in a great location.

It was good to see the issues mentioned in previous reviews had all been addressed. The smoke alarms activated at 8:30 on the first morning of our stay. Following a phone call, the maintenance guys arrived after about an hour and replaced all three alarms. These things happen, it's the way you deal with such situations is what counts. We'll certainly visit again. A few large wine glasses would be appreciated! Ian

This was our second time at High Borrans.

Great location and comfortable holiday let. Easy to walk into Ambleside (15-20 min) and Waterhead (5 min). Love the views to the central fells and Windermere. Some decor/furniture starting to look worn but a restful place to stay.

We are active, in our late 70’s and 80’s, and have been coming to this property for 20 or so years.

That should tell you how much we enjoy coming here- usually twice a year. Itis an excellent base for two in Lakeland. Good views over Windermere, and handy for Ambleside’s facilities as well as walks and transport around the Lakes. We see shall return again!

This was our third stay at this property, we really like staying here.

The views out of all the windows are great and the deer arrived to meet us on our first evening. This is a spacious apartment that is very comfortable with all you could need for an enjoyable holiday. To be fair, the stairs outside are always a challenge after a day of walking and a few stains on walls could be covered over. However, these don't put us off and we hope to return again soon

The property was lovely perfect for a Christmas break.

The only problem we had was we found the property cold, the smart meter was in the kitchen so we could see the cost of the electricity going up it was a bit off putting turning the radiators on for longer.

Another lovely winter weeks holiday at High Borrans.

Everything you could wish for is provided.This is our 5th stay and hopefully not our last.

The apartment was warm and comfortable for a November break.

It was nicely appointed and located but could have been cleaner on arrival and there were a few minor maintenance / improvement issues that have already been mentioned in previous reviews but have not been addressed.

Such a great find.

High Borrans has the distinct benefit of views across the North side of the Lake and you can only imagine the view 2000 years ago with the Roman garrison parked out side your window! Only the foundations of the Garrison remains but worth the walk across the road. Having your own parking space in a godsend! Apartment is spacious, well furnished and always a joy to come back to after a long days walk. 10-15 minutes walk into Amblesdide so perfect if you prefer not to be in the hustle and bustle. Beautiful time of year to go, (early October) as autumnal colours make the surroundings even more beautiful. Sooo many walks from your front door available too. Highly recommend.

We were delighted with the extremely cosy apartment and its magnificent views from all windows.

Both living room and bedroom were lovely decorated. So nice to stay at a place where there is ample crockery and cutlery too. As it was September, nights were colder, but no problem: we could adapt room temperature in no time. We had a magnificent time!

We really enjoyed staying at High Borrans.

The location was perfect for walking into Ambleside, it has views of fells towards Langdale and lake Windermere too. It’s comfortable, well equipped and clean. Will definitely book here again.

Beautiful building in a gorgeous location.

The apartment is lovely and comfortable with lovely views of Lake Windermere. Could do with a more in depth clean though - we left it cleaner than when we arrived! Nothing major but just little things like cobwebs that had built up over time, cupboard doors had dirty marks and splashes on and mucky fingerprints, toilet was dirty, toothpaste residue on the bathroom sink, skirting boards dusty and dirty, the cutlery was dirty, steps up to the door were very messy - as I said, nothing too major but the quality of the property you would expect more attention to detail. The cleaners could certainly do a better job. A roll of kitchen foil would be a useful addition to the kitchen, as would basics like salt and pepper. No kitchen cleaning spray either. The range of crockery, glassware and utensils though was great - everything we needed. It’s a shame that the outdoor seating and patio area is only for use of the downstairs apartment - would have been nice to sit outside with a view of the lake. On our last day, a man arrived with a wooden table and chairs and put it on the grass at the back of the property so we made use of this on our last evening!! All of that said, we did have a lovely time. We saw some deer right outside the door which was lovely to watch them. We would return but would go for one of the other apartments that has outdoor space and seating area.

Lovely accommodation in a really good area too.

Myself and my partner spent 4 nights here and can’t have any complaints at all, everything we could need was provided for us. The views of the lake and hills are gorgeous, plus plenty of room for parking which was important for me as well. We would be back in a heartbeat, thank you so much!

The flat is lovely and very comfortable - home-from-home!

- and the location is excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would definitely come back. Thank you!

Amazing Christmas stay at High Borran.

Lovely comfortable accommodation, great location, peaceful and great views. The apartment needed a few maintenance issues sorting (not moaning tho) - plinth in kitchen kept of falling off, door handle on kitchen cupboard kept on falling off & was unable to open bathroom window for ventilation. A full length mirror (for the ladies) would be nice . Cleanliness: needed a bit more attention to detail. Very dusty & Cobwebs in places.

This is our third visit to High Borrans and our stay was as good as ever.

The property is ideal for a cosy relaxing break in a perfect location. Hopefully we will return again next year.

We had a lovely week at High Borrans, this was our 3rd time here and it didn’t disappoint.

We had a problem with the dishwasher but it was sorted out the same day as reported we couldn’t ask for any better service. Lovely walks from the property, we will be back.

Property amazing views fantastic- a couple of issues that may have effect on other guests lane up 2 apartments very very dark driving or walking and for the less able they may find the quick path down to rd pretty challenging but overall would definitely recommend thanks

The level of comfort, fittings and fixtures and decoration at High Borrans can only be rated as “first class”, making our week’s stay very pleasant.

One small thing that needs correction is the provision of a mat in the shower (the tray is extremely slippery) Also, we were slightly disappointed that as there was obviously no space for a wardrobe in the bedroom, the “store” in the corner has been utilised as such. Whilst in principle this “works” it is not perhaps ideal, due to also being used as a store for various items, and is simply not in keeping with high standard of the rest of the accommodation. However, these are relatively minor matters, and certainly not enough to deter us from booking again and recommending it to friends.

Not the first time we have stayed here and won't be the last, love this place :) High Borrans is a perfect apartment in a fantastic location, has everything you need and a lovely short stroll into town.

Endless walks or rides from straight from the apartment, don't need to use the car at all. Bed is really comfy, apartment is a great size with nice kitchen and bathroom, wonderful views and grounds with great wildlife. Apartment could do with a bit of a deep clean since we last stayed but all the important bits were spotless, it's a truly wonderful place to stay.

We really enjoyed our stay at High Borrans.

The apartment was lovely, really spacious and high quality. It was a real home from home and we would definitely book there again. There are some stairs you need to climb to get to it and a bank to walk up too, so not suitable for disabled or elderly. However, everything is furnished and decorated beautifully. The weather we had was awful, so we were pleased to have such a great place to stay, thank you.

Before we left the apartment in June we rebooted for next June, so we love the place.

This year was our 4th visit. Great location, easy walk into Ambleside. Good nature outside. The larder doorknob falls off every year but that's the only thing that needs maintenance

We had a lovely week in High Borrans.

The apartment was bright and very spacious with wonderful views. Fully equipped with household needs - I’d suggest bringing essentials like washing up liquid. It was lovely to come back to after a day on the hills and felt like a home from home. It was nice and clean but I’d say it could do with a spring clean, ie the skirting boards in the bathroom needed a wipe down and the doors a wipe over. That said, we’d be more than happy to come back and would definitely book again - Thank you.

We had a wonderful week at this property which was very comfortable and it has also had some upgrades since our last stay there a few years back.

The views are great and it’s very peaceful with private parking. We couldn’t open a couple of the windows but that wasn’t a big deal. Perfect for two people and we would love to stay there again.

The apartment was lovely with great views.

The only criticism is that on arrival, after a very long journey, we arrived to find the bed unmade, no clean towels or binbags. We were at a loss to know what had happened. After trying to contact the office by telephone for about 30 minutes, we spoke to someone who arranged for someone to come and sort it out. The problem was resolved satisfactorily but it was still a disappointing start to our stay.

The property was fantastic, could not fault it.

The only negative is all the dog muck on the steps from where the accommodation is down to the road. I think it is the dog of the people in the abseiling building as they let it roam. However, coming back from a tiring day of walking and climbing up the steps trying to avoid the 'mess' was not fun! The holiday would have been perfect without this element.

Lovely spacious accommodation with a great view.

Well equipped. Good location and very peaceful despite the alarming queue of traffic when we arrived on Saturday evening! A couple of small suggestions. Could you leave a space in the kitchen cupboards for visitors to store food. And could you provide washing up liquid - we've left a bottle. Also we reported a minor maintenance issue with the shower to Sykes which hopefully they've sorted. Apart from that it was great, and we had an excellent week. Thanks very much.

High Borrans is perfectly situated for a short stay.

Waterhead literally just round the corner & Ambleside a 10 minute (max) walk away. We were able to do a different walk each day from the door (4 days) so no need to use the car. Comfortable, cosy yet spacious accommodation. Stairs to property not for anyone with mobility issues. Would benefit from an outdoor seating area.

A lovely cosy apartment with every amenity you need and more.

Really enjoyed both stays we have had here and will hopefully return in the near future.

A very enjoyable week at high borrans , great location , walks from the door.

. A few issues with the smoke alarm and washing machine but very quickly rectified . We'd have no hesitation in booking the property again .

We’ve had a wonderful week at high Borrans!

Nice big appartement and beautiful surroundings. We loved our stay! The fire alarm went of twice for no reason so that was a bit annoying. Happily it was during the day and it stopt in a couple of minutes.

We got a flat tyre on the journey up to Ambleside and as a result had to be towed to the cottage.

We were unsure of the driveway leading to the cottage, specifically not being aware as to whether a flatbed would be able to gain access. We tried contacting Sykes and it was difficult to reach anyone. A recorded message saying if it was an extreme emergency… Then no one did call. You should be given details of owner for emergencies.

We have been coming here for 20 or so years- which says much for the property.

We love its quirks , its location, ideal for us. We love the views, of lake and fells: and they are often spectacular . The apartment is comfortable, and great to return to after a day walking - with all the facilities we could wish for, and near to all that Ambleside offers.

The property was excellent and in an ideal location.

It was warm and welcoming and provided everything needed and more for a restful holiday.

Big door handle not secure and shower screw loose

We enjoyed our stay very much and it was so peaceful, we would recommend to others.

The only small negative is that this is the first sykes property we have stayed in that didn't have a welcome pack. some milk act would have been welcomed after a long drive. Regards Brian and Pat.

We enjoyed our stay at High Borrans.

I would not recommend it to anyone who did not want a half hour walk into town for dinner though. There were a few slightly irritating things about the property but not worth complaining about. None of the clocks in the property were working. Some of the crockery and glasses were actually dirty as if only given the meanest of rinsing not a proper wash. Fingers prints all over the drinking glasses. I partly put this down to the miniscule bottle of washing up liquid. There were however 3 dishwasher tabs which more than covered our week. I would have liked another bath towel. The bathroom and kitchen windows were stuck and could not be pushed open. Lastly the windows in the lounge were not very well decorated on the outside with smears of paint or putty over the panes spoiling the nice view to the lake. On a very positive note we managed to leave the key inside the property therefore locking ourselves out. The emergency hotline was easy to get hold of and the maintenance man promptly attended late at night to let us back in.

Thank yoi

Wonderful stay.

The property was clean, comfortable and well equipped. The caffetiere was broken so we bought a new one at a charity shop and left it at the property. During our stay we experienced a leak from the next door apartment which we reported to the property owner, the maintenance team (Ian & Alan) were extremely prompt and very helpful and sorted drying out the kitchen for us and making it safe. The only slight drawback was the mattress on the bed, very lumpy and could do with changing, also there's no visitors information book, just a folder with all the instruction booklets for the appliances which is of very little use for first timers to the area and the Lakes. Overall a very enjoyable stay and would recommend.

This was our third visit to High Borrans in June and we booked for next year before leaving.

It's a very convenient location not too close to Ambleside centre to be busy. The views are always stunning and the park opposite can be enjoyed from dawn to dusk. Good access to the Langdale Valley and many other locations and we frequently did walks straight from the flat.

Amazing flat in a great place.

Bigger than on the pictures. Have a 3 months old baby and it was perfect. Such amazing light. I was able to work during the week. The wifi can just about handle a Teams call at low quality (7mb/s downlod and 2mb/s upload), there is 4G (only 2 bars so also depends) that handle can more…basically its passable for a couple of days. The garden is beautiful and ambleside is a great town. Its at the start or the mountains and most epic walks are only 20-40max drive. There is also great public transport around the lakes, so having a car is a plus, but not a must.

Beautiful house with lovely views.

No mention that the property had no garden space. Reviews mention deer and badgers but we were stuck inside. Some of the properties were not in use but informed we couldn’t use those gardens.

Fantastic accommodation in a great location, thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

Nice warm apartment with all the facilities necessary for a holiday in comfort. Would love to return in future. The only slightly bad comment is that those stairs outside the apartment would not be suitable as we get older. However, for now, we would love to return in future. Thank you for a smashing holiday, we loved the wildlife we could see from our front door too!

We are long term visitors to The Lake District and Ambleside is by far our favorite spot to stay.

High Borrans is a lovely apartment for two, well equipped and maintained, with great views over Windermere and a great location to stay and explore the area. Will definitely be returning, thank you, David and Coral.

High Borrans was an excellent place to stay.

Very roomy for two people with a large lounge/ dining area whose large windows let in lots of light and gave great views towards Windermere. The shower room was beautifully finished and the bedroom very comfortable with a good bed! High Borrans sits in attractive private grounds, well removed from the road. We too, like some previous guests, were fortunate to encounter three young deer on our return one afternoon. The only slight concern, for those of us slightly longer in the tooth, are the outside steps up to the apartment, on which care must be taken, especially in wet weather. We would certainly recommend High Borrans to friends though.

This was our first stay away in the lakes with our first born, We visit the Lake District every year.

This was by far the cosiest and most enjoyable place we have stayed in Ambleside. The photos don’t do it justice gardens are amazing and landscape surrounding it. We woke up each morning greeted by wild deer grazing out the back, woodpeckers on the window sill , pheasants roaming with young. If you want a amazing experience this is the location. Will defo be booking again. Thanks you for a lovely vacation in our favourite place.

The cottage is beautiful, the family of deer that came to the drive each morning and night were an added plus and a delight to watch from the kitchen or the front door.

Views from each window are amazing and the private parking a plus in Ambleside. WIFI was a bit spotty at the end of the week, but a minor inconvenience. Only fault was that the main bins have not been emptied for some weeks. The instructions in the cottage indicate Monday and Wednesday for these to be emptied and specific coloured bag that must be used (and are not provided). The general waste was full at the start of the week and was not cleared.

Unfortunately the property had not been cleaned prior to our arrival and we had to contact HOTL to get someone out to remove dirty towels bed linen etc.

The shower worked but not on all settings and can only be described as adequate. The property itself is still liked by us and this was our third visit. I hope these were one off blips and should we return are not repeated.

Lovely place to stay, location excellent to reach Ambleside town in 10 mins on foot, to walk from the door to Grasmere or Elterwater and to drive to the Langdale Vally NT car parks.

The apartment has safe parking, great views over Windermere, well equipped kitchen, modern bathroom and tasteful decoration. We had a chilly week but the digital ‘hub’heating system was responsive and kept us warm with plenty of hot water. Thankyou for a great stay.

We have been coming to this property for many years, and have appreciated the owners’ actions to improve and update it .

Better kitchen lighting has improved it considerably during the darker times of the year. This year the shower pump failed as soon as we used it, but as soon as we reported to HoTL, it was replaced and working well with minimum delay. We appreciated HoTL and the owners’ reaction to resolve the problem. Well done everybody!

We had a really lovely time at High Borrans and found the place to be comfy, spacious and clean.

It is a really great apartment with nice furnishings and artwork. It was a great base for our hiking and we loved the views from the windows. The location was excellent for walking into Ambleside (only takes 10-15 mins). The only real problem we had was with the shower water pressure- the pump only turned on a couple of times during our stay which meant most of our showers were with no pressure. Not ideal after you come home cold and wet from hiking! Despite the shower, we had a really wonderful stay and would come again. Thank you

The cottage was over and above what was expected, lovely quality furnishings, beautiful views, beautiful curtains, lovely rooms, great shower, useful kitchen.

Huge walk in wardrobe with hanging space, shelves and automatic light. On the downside although the mattress was firm and comfortable, the pillows were completely flat with no comfort to them at all. Also the metal bed head was very noisy every time we made the slightest move (which must have been awful for people downstairs) . The skirting boards had not been cleaned for a long time and there were quite heavy cobwebs at the corners in the bedroom, bathroom and sitting room. So if dusting is done, and you bring your own pillows and remove the bed head this should make your stay perfect. You need to be happy to climb a steep metal staircase to go in this lovely apartment.

Lovely apartment in great location, ample parking away from the road.

Booked a last minute break with Heart of the Lakes, prompt response from the owner to confirm availability as we travelled on the day of booking. The apartment is a perfect place to stay, everything you need and very spacious too. Bed was very comfortable, lounge has loads of room with dining table and sofas, kitchen has all you need though Ambleside has so many places to eat out you don't really need to be cooking! Will definitely return and stay here again, couple of minor little niggles, shower was very slow to drain, apartment would probably benefit from a good spring clean but was perfectly presentable just a few cobwebs here and there, one last thing was the recycling and refuse setup, specifies orange bags must be used but none supplied. Judging by the wheelie bins it was the same for the other apartments there. All minor things though doesn't take away from it being a wonderful place to base yourself. Even got to see a few of the little bambies on the last night, few bats and one tawny owl but the badgers weren't playing out! Really enjoyed our stay here it is a beautiful place.

Excellent property would recommend it to anyone.

I am sure we will be back.

Lovely location nice clean comfortable property.

Only gripe was no orange bags for refuse sorting as specified in the property info,

Our second visit to this lovely apartment.

Breath-taking views of Windermere and surroundings hills. A great location opposite a lovely park and walks. Not too far to walk and shop in the town centre. A scenic location with plenty of green space to explore. The steps up to the apartment are quite steep, but once all the luggage has been carried inside its great.

I really enjoyed my stay.

The property was in a great location with excellent parking. Inside it was comfortable, extremely clean, spacious and well maintained. The only slight negative was that Heart of the Lakes were unable to address a problem with the internet controlled heating of the kitchen radiator reported on day two. Overall an excellent property that I’d happily recommend to others.

On the plus side the location was good although it would be no good for anyone not good with steps.

It was quite a climb each time from the road. The steps up to the apartment are steep. The view from the apartment was excellent The parking was good. The apartment was spacious although the bathroom situated off the kitchen wasn't ideal. The equipment in the kitchen was OK but the kitchen had issues which I will get to. The bedroom would benefit from a full length mirror. Now the downside. The blind in the kitchen doesn't work We dropped something down the back of the fridge so I lifted the Microwave from the top to pull the fridge out. The top of the fridge is bowed and was full of water. I cleaned it up but by the end of the week it was starting to fill again. The fridge itself has not been de-frosted for a very long time with about 2" ice up the side. When I pulled the fridge out it is clear that this has not been cleaned for a long time with lots of spiders webs down the back. We were in Keswick next day and I called in the office and reported it as I believe the fridge is a safety hazard and needs immediate attention. The two ladies said they would report it but we noticed they didn't write anything down. we noticed the toilet seat was faulty with a crack in the hinge. Next day I rang and reported it and the fridge and the man I spoke to asked me to leave the key in the key safe and they would get someone out to look at both problems and in either case he would ring and keep me informed. Nobody came and we never got a phone call. My wife dropped and ear ring down the back of the bedside cupboard so lifted the cupboard out only to find more cobwebs and and old bill going back to last May. We were of the opinion the apartment had a deep clean. Obviously not. Other issues. Two bulbs out, one I replaced. The shower would benefit from a mat as it is a bit slippery. The TV reception was intermittent, I had to re-programme it twice. As the TV could get Netflix and catch-up channels it would help to mention that in the details and suggest people bring their password with them. The front door mortice lock was sometime difficult to work. There was no welcome basket (which we had from our last apartment only two months ago) Only one toilet roll, no kitchen roll, no salt & pepper. Would we go to High Borrans again - NO Would we use Heart Of The Lakes again - Due to lack of communication and making sure the apartment is up to standards. NO .

This was perfect , great location, great place, parking etc.

The only missing piece, but it may be covid related, is the fact that there is absolutely no "food" as in salt, pepper, oil, sugar etc. Some basics. And there is tablet for the dishwasher provided but not for the washing machine incase you wanted to do a laundry. Thanks

We enjoy this apartment enormously, having visited it for the best part of 2 decades, I reckon.

This Summer, we have been on two occasions and are booked again for the Autumn. It is ideal for 2 active people, and this year we had the added benefit of swimming in Windermere from Borrans Park opposite, and able to walk back and shower in High Borrans afterwards. Good weather on our two visits helped of course. But whatever the weather, we just love it. The walks from the apartment without any need to use our own transport are a bonus, and the views from the surrounding fells are spectacular.

High Borrans was ideal for our week in the Lake District.

Its a well maintained and comfortable apartment in a lovely quiet spot with a great view over Lake Windermere and only a 10 minute walk into Ambleside.

It was a fantastic location with stunning views over Windermere.

Easy walking access to all facilities in Ambleside. Convenient for buses. Lovely apartment surrounded by great gardens. Very clean throughout. Definitely would like a return stay soon !

We had a fantastic stay and the apartment was perfect. We will definitely be staying there again very soon.