Bull Pen

4.1★

10 Guests
5 Bedrooms
3 Bathrooms
Pets Yes
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Features

Swimming pool
Off road parking
Ground floor accommodation
Ground floor bedroom
Open fire
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

11 Customer Review(s)

Siobhan
April 2024

“Fantastic stay - excellent accommodation & particularly loved access to pool and games room.”

Shop was handy, although a tad pricey. Great walks on the doorstep. Only thing that slightly dampened our spirit was the weather but that didn’t stop us! Lots of exploring, waterfalls visited and paddleboarding experienced. We loved our stay and would love to come back again. Only point to recommend is that it would be handy to have basic cupboard staples to aid with cooking - surprised not to find any sugar or spices. And the enclosed patio area didn’t have a gate on it so wasn’t fully ...

Shop was handy, although a tad pricey. Great walks on the doorstep. Only thing that slightly dampened our spirit was the weather but that didn’t stop us! Lots of exploring, waterfalls visited and paddleboarding experienced. We loved our stay and would love to come back again. Only point to recommend is that it would be handy to have basic cupboard staples to aid with cooking - surprised not to find any sugar or spices. And the enclosed patio area didn’t have a gate on it so wasn’t fully enclosed, which would have been handier for the dogs. Otherwise great stay had by all 9 of us! Thanks

- Siobhan, April 2024
Joanne February 2024

“Some of the property in particular the kitchen needed better cleaning lots of cobwebs upstairs and in some places of the cottage it is in need of painting.”

Quite a-lot of mould in places around the windows because of condensation in particular one bathroom the shower curtain desperately needs replacing as it is covered in mould so we didn’t use this shower. The toaster didn’t work but we were provided with a new one straight away. The hot water tap in the kitchen is also dangerously hot. We did however overall love the cottage, the beds and towels were immaculate and the space extremely homely and spacious and no denying the location is brilliant and extremely picturesque.

- Joanne, February 2024
James August 2023

“It's a lovely well equipped cottage, and it's great having the swimming pool and small shop on site.”

One small note is that the tap water is discoloured, and we only found out the reason why and that it's fine to drink after digging through the information pack. A notice by the kitchen sink for example would have put our minds at ease straight away.

- James, August 2023
Kerry August 2023

“This building was not disabled friendly.”

Steps down to the cottage, then up into the cottage, up into a show half cubicles which was far too small, steps out onto the patio. No toiletry hangers within the show cubicle upstairs so trying to shower, bend down for bottles were near impossible in such a tiny space. Planters blocking disabled parking anywhere near the cottage front door, which had to be moved. 4 cars had punctures on the graythwaite estate!! Not very well maintained. Will not be recommending this holiday venue to anyone.

- Kerry, August 2023
Harry September 2022

“No problems at all with the Bullpen.”

We had a family reunion and all 10 of us enjoyed the stay. We have stayed at the Farm House on other occasions, but this was the first time at the Bullpen and we were not disappointed. We had everything that we needed and the beds were very comfortable. The only negative (which has nothing to do with the Estate) is that the roads are very narrow and quite a few motorists insist on driving over the centre line, making driving rather stressful, which means that unfortunately, I doubt we will return.

- Harry, September 2022
Hayley August 2022

“Fantastic holiday everyone really helpful only downside is not being able to ...”

Fantastic holiday everyone really helpful only downside is not being able to swim everyday as pool has to be booked and was shut at 7 sometimes before , when booked online slots were available until 10 however this is not the case

- Hayley, August 2022
Fraser May 2022

“This property was just what we wanted.”

Whilst it was 'off-season' the peace and calm of the area without large numbers of tourist meant it was a wonderful stay. If anyone wanted peace and tranquility this was the place. The swimming pool , having to be booked, meant the family had a very calm experience. The shop was well supplied and the brochures of available walks were very informative. Highly recommended.

- Fraser, May 2022
Rosslyn March 2022

“We enjoyed a great stay in this beautiful well equipped cottage.”

. the views are fantastic. Walks were great and so was the swimming pool The whole family also had a great time with Graythwaite Adventures.. Would strongly recommend a stay here, we will be returning again

- Rosslyn, March 2022
Michael January 2022

“Our stay at Bull Pen was fantastic.”

The property was just as described. None of the issues mentioned by the previous review existed for our stay. Heating worked well (note it is night storage) and hot water was plentiful. Due to the night storage at certain times the room we had our daughter (7 months) sleeping in was a little cold but we called the office and they provided an additional electric heater for the room. The kitchen, lounge and dining area were perfect for group socialising, cooking and eating. The grounds extensive with lovely walks. Table tennis and swimming were also great additions. Overall an excellent stay

- Michael, January 2022
Steven January 2022

“Hello I am sorry to do theirs but I would like to raise a complaint at the ...”

Hello I am sorry to do theirs but I would like to raise a complaint at the issues we have had during our stay For the whole visit we had hot water for approximately half of one day the rest of the stay the water was cold we could not shower or wash properly the electrician came and fitted a new part on the hot water but this did not improve the issue the water was hot and went cold so quick that only two people could be showered before the water went cold this was terrible for such a large party and new born babies The fridge was in a complete state the smell was terrible and there was rancid waste products behind the fridge we could not use the fridge for approx 36 hours I had to pull the fridge out clean it and disinfect the floors I do not know how the cleaners could miss this There was animal faecies all around the grounds right outside the double patio doors my daughter stood in it when we arrived We did not bring our pets so do not expect this at all There was black mould and damp in the bath rooms this is terrible and not safe at all The upstairs bedroom second from the right the window leaked causing damage to my daughters MacBook Air laptop this now does not switch on I am going to have to get this repaired The bedroom on the far right the radiator nobs are broken and cannot be adjusted causing discomfort during the night The bathroom/shower upstairs on the far right had shelves hanging of the wall The down stairs bedroom had a leak coming from the ceiling leaving water marks on the ceiling At the top of the stairs on the landing the floor was damaged and not load bearing this was unsafe The overall state of the cottage was under maintained and frankly the stay was very unpleasant I had to complain on numerous occasions about things I do not think the cottage was cleaned prior to our stay I spoke to the shop keeper and we nearly went home on day two the only reason we stayed was the adverse weather We came to the cottage with the intent to try it prior to our wedding in September we were hoping to book the whole grounds for our guests I find this very disappointing The cost of the cottage was high for four nights especially when we had no hot water also the other issues we faced The whole party think this trip was ruined The cottage has such potential and looks beautiful but in truth we are very disappointed I have photographs of some of the issues

- Steven, January 2022
Kenneth October 2021

“We all had a brilliant time and will definitely look to be back again sometime soon!”

Facilities amazing, able to book the pool as and when we wanted and was no noise from any other of the accommodation

- Kenneth, October 2021

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Summary

Over two floors
Five bedrooms: 1 x ground-floor king-size double with en-suite shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC, 1 x king-size double, 3 x twin
Bathroom with shower over bath, basin, heated towel rail and WC
Shower room with walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC
Open-plan living room with kitchen, dining and sitting room with woodburning stove
Electric heating
2 x electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, washing machine, dishwasher
TV and WiFi
Shared use of estate facilities inc. indoor heated swimming pool and table tennis room (please bring your own racquets and balls)
Fuel and power inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Logs can be purchased at the farm shop
Travel cot and highchair available on request
Off-road parking for 10 cars
Enclosed patio garden with furniture
Two well behaved pets welcome
Sorry no smoking
Shop 5.8 miles, pub 3.5 miles
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: Minimum 3 night stay
Please Note: This property has a £600 Good Housekeeping Bond
The swimming pool can be booked for 45 minute private sessions, All guests can pre-book up to a maximum of 3 swimming slots ( or 2 slots for short stays 2 and 3 nights ) 7 days prior to arrival by contacting estate@graythwaite.com

The property

Bull Pen is a wonderful stone cottage located near Hawkshead, Cumbria. It is set on a 5,000 acre estate, with plenty of grounds for your dogs to run around and play. Step into the spacious open-plan interior and relax on the plush sofas and armchair with their quirky tartan cushions to keep you extra comfortable. There is an original stone chimney breast housing a cosy woodburning stove, guaranteed to keep you warm during those chilly winter months. The kitchen has a convenient breakfast bar, with a set of fitted wooden units and many modern appliances to suit your needs. Gather around the dining table, with seating for up to ten people and enjoy the benefits of this social space. There are five bedrooms: one ground floor double with a lovely en-suite shower room. The remaining first floor bedrooms consist of one double and three twin, ideal for accommodating families or a group of friends. The bedrooms have a range of furniture, with matching bedside tables and lamps, perfect for some late night reading. The property has one shower room and one bathroom, both with high-quality and modern fixtures and fittings. Outside, the on-site facilities include a luxury indoor heated pool, a tennis court and a children's play area. Off-road parking is available. Hawkshead is ideally located for many attractions. Bridge House is a lovely stone, architectural building, with magnificent views across the local town and is perched over a narrow stream. Bull Pen is the perfect getaway for friends and families.

Graythwaite Cottages

Hawkshead 4 miles. Located on a beautiful, 5000-acre private country estate of diverse lake, forest, woodland and meadow landscapes, this charming courtyard of Victorian farm buildings, dating from 1890, sits in a superb central setting for a Lake District getaway to remember. Each of these delightful Lake District cottages has been thoughtfully refurbished and retain much original character, well balanced with modern furnishings and set just one mile from the shores of Lake Windermere. Each has been finished to a high standard, with most offering cosy open fires or wood burners to snuggle beside after a busy day. The nearest Village is Hawkshead, situated 4 miles from the Estate. The nearest train station is Grange-over-sands and the nearest motorway is the M6 (J36). There are some wonderful on-site facilities to take advantage of, which include a fantastic indoor heated swimming pool, table tennis room and children’s play area. This magical estate offers an escape to another world with a 2.5-acre lake, just a 10-minute walk from the courtyard, which is well stocked with rainbow trout and boasts a serene setting for hazy afternoons spent fly fishing. The estate’s grounds provide a wonderland for all ages and offer plenty of places to stop for a picnic or enjoy a quiet stroll or a gentle cycle along the lakeshore. Make the most of the estate by booking activities with the on-site events team Graythwaite Adventure. The extensive list of premium activities and excursions, designed to keep you entertained regardless of the weather, includes but is not limited to; 4X4 Off-roading, Archery, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Paddle boarding, Canoeing, RIB tours, Sailing, Bubble Football, Guided Walks, Bush craft and more! All activities can be completely tailored to suit your needs and requirements to create the perfect activity schedule for you. Moreover, if there is an activity that tickles your fancy however is not listed please do not hesitate to contact the team. No request is too big or small, and they will endeavour to do their best to deliver. The on-site shop offers everything from milk to luxury local spirits and delicious welcome packs with succulent, locally-sourced food. Get in touch with the Estate to organise your pre-arrival order today. This group of Lake District properties provides an unforgettable escape and is an excellent destination for a special holiday spent relaxing and enjoying the tranquil setting and fantastic on-site facilities. Booked together, the properties can accommodate 86 people.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £600.

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About the location

HAWKSHEAD

Ambleside 5.1 miles; Kendal 17.4 miles.

The picturesque village of Hawkshead still retains the charm and character that so endeared it to its most famous residents - William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Visitors can wander the wealth of tiny alleyways, thoroughfares, archways and courtyards between the whitewashed 17th century houses. There are many pleasant inns, teashops, guest houses and gift shops in the village, as well as the Beatrix Potter Gallery, which houses an annually changing exhibition of the famous author’s illustrations and stories. The other famous Hawkshead enthusiast, William Wordsworth, attended the Old Grammar School in 1779-87, which still stands today, and you can visit the building where the Lakeland poet developed his love of the form, and even see the desk into which he scratched his name as a small boy! Newby Bridge is ten miles away and offers attractions such as the Aquarium of the Lakes and Windermere Lake Cruises, sailing daily between Ambleside, Bowness and Lakeside. With stunning scenery and numerous attractions within easy touring distance, Hawkshead is in an ideal location at any time of the year.

Note: Minimum 3 night stay.

The swimming pool can be booked for 45 minute private sessions, All guests can pre-book up to a maximum of 3 swimming slots ( or 2 slots for short stays 2 and 3 nights ) 7 days prior to arrival by contacting estate@graythwaite.com

This property offers the following short breaks:

Winter
Off-season
Last minute
Christmas

Graythwaite near Hawkshead, Cumbria & The Lake District (Ref. 1049693)

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Features

Reviews & Ratings

“Fantastic stay - excellent accommodation & particularly loved access to pool and games room.”

“Some of the property in particular the kitchen needed better cleaning lots of cobwebs upstairs and in some places of the cottage it is in need of painting.”

“It's a lovely well equipped cottage, and it's great having the swimming pool and small shop on site.”

“This building was not disabled friendly.”

“No problems at all with the Bullpen.”

“Fantastic holiday everyone really helpful only downside is not being able to ...”

“This property was just what we wanted.”

“We enjoyed a great stay in this beautiful well equipped cottage.”

“Our stay at Bull Pen was fantastic.”