Orchard Cottage

4.9★

8 Guests
4 Bedrooms
4 Bathrooms
Pets Yes
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Features

Off road parking
Open fire
Garden / Patio
Cot available
Highchair available
Pub/shop < 1 mile
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

19 Customer Review(s)

Sophie
October 2024

“Beautiful cottage in a fantastic setting.”

The perfect place to explore the stunning Lake District. We spent a week for our mini moon and twins’ 3rd birthday. Our two Labradors loved the large garden and we all enjoyed watching dragonflies dancing over the pond. Lovely large comfy beds were exactly what we needed after long days sightseeing. Staying in such a beautiful cottage with breathtaking views has confirmed that we want to find our own family home in the heart if the Lakes. An amazing place to bring up our children, ...

The perfect place to explore the stunning Lake District. We spent a week for our mini moon and twins’ 3rd birthday. Our two Labradors loved the large garden and we all enjoyed watching dragonflies dancing over the pond. Lovely large comfy beds were exactly what we needed after long days sightseeing. Staying in such a beautiful cottage with breathtaking views has confirmed that we want to find our own family home in the heart if the Lakes. An amazing place to bring up our children, surrounded by nature.

- Sophie, October 2024

Thanks for your lovely review! John and Emma Property Owner
Emma August 2024

“We had a wonderful week here with family.”

The house is superb and a joy to stay in. Everything has been completed to a high standard and we didn’t want to leave! Our only feedback echos that of previous visitors, the conservatory is the highlight of the house, to sit and marvel over the fabulous gardens and watch the light change over the hills is breathtaking however there is no comfortable seating! We brought camping chairs in to sit in as we spent most of our time there. A large comfortable sofa or conservatory furniture would be a welcome change and the desk and chair seem pointless here. We will definitely be back!

- Emma, August 2024
Stella July 2024

“Idyllic setting, beautiful home and very well thought out and cared for.”

My family and I had a wonderful visit and would highly recommend a stay here

- Stella, July 2024

We’re delighted you enjoyed your stay! John & Emma Property Owner
Jude May 2024

“Orchard cottage is a wonderful place to spend a holiday with friends or family.”

It was spotlessly clean and the accommodation was very good. Comfortable beds and plenty of bathrooms. The views from the kitchen and dining room are spectacular. The cushioned pads added in the window seat make this a great place to enjoy the view of the garden and surroundings.

- Jude, May 2024

We're so glad you enjoyed your time at Orchard Cottage! Property Owner
Kate May 2024

“Hi, we loved the property and garden - absolutely fabulous.”

What stopped me giving it a 5 was: - lack of reading lights by bed in bedroom(s). - lack of champagne glasses - sounds a very small things but this week was a big celebration and a holiday home of this standing usually has champagne glasses. I presume they had been broken by previous guests and not replaced as i think there were 2 only. - lack of comfortable seating in conservatory. This area is such a lovely part of the house, especially with the long (and often damp) evenings. It seems such a waste that there is nowhere really comfortable to sit where a family/friends can chat. The desk is just cumbersome and quite obviously put there as there's' nowhere else for it to go. The seats at the dining table are too uncomfortable to hang around on for too long on. I imagine in winter the original living room with a fire is cosy and comfy but when there is light it's so lovely to take advantage of it. -also lack of comfy seating outside. It would be really easy to have some comfortable garden chairs for example

- Kate, May 2024

Thank you for your detailed comments. We are pleased that you loved the property and enjoyed the garden! We do take all comments left on board. Thank you- The Lakelovers Owner Relations Team Property Owner
Helen October 2023

“Beautiful property, in a fabulous location, with the most amazing garden & views!”

Plenty of space for all. Could do with a mirror in each bedroom near sockets for drying hair.

- Helen, October 2023

Thankyou for the nice review. Property Owner
Dean August 2023

“Fantastic property.”

Amazing views and well equipped. Super place to base a family for a week in the lakes. We will return!

- Dean, August 2023

Thank you for your kind feedback. We are so pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable holiday at Orchard Cottage. We hope to welcome you back. Thank you- The Lakelovers Owner Relations Team Property Owner
Heather July 2023

“This is our second year in a row staying in the beautiful Orchard Cottage.”

We could not wish for a more peaceful and secluded spot to have our holiday. The views are spectacular, walking trails right from the doorstep and the house suits all of our needs with children and dog. We will definitely be back!

- Heather, July 2023

Welcome back and glad you enjoyed your time at Orchard Cottage again! Property Owner
Carol June 2023

“Orchard Cottage is a stunning, dog friendly holiday home.”

It's well cared for, well equipped and is very spacious. Although there was only four of us, and a dog, in our party, we like plenty of living room and this cottage certainly provided for this. We made good use of the dining, kitchen and conservatory to simply rest and enjoy the views. The garden is impressive and we were lucky that the gardener arrived during our stay and was willing to share his very extensive knowledge on the plants. A huge bonus is the cottage location, with plenty of walks from the door and brilliant views from the cottage itself. It would have been fascinating to have read something on the history of the house and who might have lived there; perhaps keen gardeners because some of the shrubs are at least one hundred years old. We've stayed in many Lake District cottages and this is our number one property.

- Carol, June 2023

Delighted to hear this was your number one Lake District cottage. Regarding the history of the house, we think it's one of the earliest examples of vernacular in the valley, among the first surviving ordinary houses that were not grand residences. Hilltop (Beatrix Potter's home) also dates from the early 1600s and the layout of the core was exactly the same looking at their display on the history of that house. The gardens were only extended in the 1980s but the earlier portion could easily date much further back. Property Owner
Clare June 2023

“A really wonderful house and garden!”

We enjoyed the walks and views from the house. Very helpful to have a pub at the end of the drive! Thank you very much!

- Clare, June 2023

That’s great that you enjoyed your stay at Orchard Cottage! Thanks for the feedback. Property Owner
Steve May 2023

“Excellent accommodation in a beautiful garden with stunning views around.”

Very high spec throughout the property. Very comfortable beds and lovely bathrooms. Real luxury! Ample parking in a safe and secluded private road.

- Steve, May 2023

We're very glad you enjoyed your stay at Orchard Cottage, thank you for the feedback. Property Owner
Moira February 2023

“Thoroughly enjoyed our long weekend in Orchard Cottage.”

Such a peaceful location with fabulous views and great walks right on your doorstep. The cottage is tastefully furnished and well equipped with everything you need, although we did struggle a little with one hairdryer between 7 of us! The huge kitchen was very much the heart of the home for our stay (of which we were very envious) and the two dogs just adored playing in the garden. Definitely a 5 star property which we would highly recommend and hope to visit again.

- Moira, February 2023

We are very glad you enjoyed the views, walks, kitchen, gardens and peaceful location. It looks like a hairdryer has gone walkabout so we have ordered another! Property Owner
Margaret November 2022

“Fabulous cottage for our family holiday in November, garden was perfect for the dog and grandchildren, it didnt matter it was wet.”

Views are beautiful and location convenient for Hawkeshead, Coniston, Tarn Hows, Ambleside.we did venture to Honister and Buttermere i love driving the winding roads. We usually stay outside keswick in Threlkeld or Grange , this was a welcome change and will definitely be returning.

- Margaret, November 2022

We're very pleased you enjoyed your stay and exploring a different part of the Lakes! Property Owner
David November 2022

“The property more than met our expectations - it is a delightful holiday home in a fabulous location.”

The huge kitchen and it's outlook over the surrounding countryside was amazing and very much the hub of the home. The two large en-suite bedrooms were well proportioned and comfortable. The smaller double and twin rooms were perfectly adequate. My wife and I were fortunate to occupy the largest of the bedrooms and our en-suite bathroom was absolutely stunning. Even in mid-November, we enjoyed glorious weather and were able to sit outside and appreciate the well-designed and maintained garden. Finally, having the Outgate Inn at the end of our drive was very handy indeed. We would love to return, sometime!

- David, November 2022

Thank you for your lovely comments. We do hope you do have the chance to return! Property Owner
Nigel October 2022

“Lovely house with plenty of space for an extended family of 3 generations.”

In good condition with tasteful decoration, plenty of big windows to sit in, huge smart TV, and somewhere for everybody to be together or sit quietly alone. Quiet with walks from the door and easy access to Ambleside, Hawkshead and loads of brilliant lakeland walking locations.

- Nigel, October 2022

Thankyou for the feedback, it's great you enjoyed the house and the all the walking nearby! Property Owner
Kathryn September 2022

“Stunning cottage, beautifully situated and perfect for a family get together.”

An excellent combination of old and contemporary fittings. We loved the kitchen and dining area and we found everything that was needed. The local pub was good and so handy. The views and the garden were wonderful and only short drives to Ambleside/ Windermere etc We will be back! A microwave would have been useful to warm baby food etc

- Kathryn, September 2022

We're so glad you enjoyed your family get together at Orchard Cottage. Thank you for your kind words. A microwave is on order now! Property Owner
Carolyn August 2022

“What a find!”

Orchard Cottage is absolutely beautiful in a stunning setting. The house dates back to the 1600’s and has been recently sympathetically renovated and stylishly decorated. It’s set back from the road, down a gated drive so is totally private. We visited during a heatwave in August and were able to relax in the lovely gardens surrounding the cottage. The large pond is safely surrounded by fencing and there are lawns for children to play. Walking from the cottage to Hawkshead took around fifteen minutes along lovely country lanes, off road. Three generations of our family had a wonderful holiday and are already planning to return.

- Carolyn, August 2022

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. We are delighted you enjoyed your stay at Orchard Cottage. Property Owner
Heather July 2022

“Such a wonderful week in Orchard Cottage!”

The views from the kitchen are quite simply breathtaking and we loved that there were so many walks accessible…right from our doorstep. Having a lovely little pub so nearby was also very convenient. We loved the house so much and the gardens were just beautiful, loved by all, but especially by the children and the dog. We can’t wait to return!

- Heather, July 2022

Thank you so much for your kind comments. We are so happy you enjoyed your stay. Property Owner
Aslan July 2022

“Incredible property and setting let down by lack of household sundries/equipment.”

The property itself has been recently refurbished to a very high level but a lot of the equipment just do not match the finish. All kitchen crockery/utensils/cookware are IKEA, which is often fine, but sometimes these are flimsy and feels like a corner has been cut here. Considering the level of rent and quality of property, many items were not provided/overlooked which made the stay not as relaxed as it should be: 1. No barbecue. The garden and patio are gorgeous so why not provide a barbecue for guests to use? 2. No hand soaps in any of the toilets/bathrooms and kitchen. 3. Lack of basic cleaning products like toilet cleaner etc. 4. Only one cutting board for a property that sleeps 8. I purchased an extra one and left it at the house to save the next occupants the stress of cooking for 8 using just one board. 5. Only one mixing bowl. etc. When I called up to talk through the points above I was told (a little rudely) that this was a self-catered property so these items would not be provided. Whilst I understand that Sykes mostly does self-catered holiday lets, the quality of this rental property does mean it is reasonable to expect it to come with these basics. Also, might be worthwhile going around and snagging the house as it seems a few pieces of refurbishment evidence are still around. Plastic wrapper left of fire alarm, the plastic film left or refrigerator corners etc. Also might be worthwhile to switch around the hinge of the refrigerator so it opens out into the kitchen rather than straight up against the wall. Perhaps just a couple of reclining lounge chairs and a parasol for the garden would also be ideal. I think most of the above is just some relatively minor teething issues and once these are sorted this really will be a dream holiday home!

- Aslan, July 2022

Thank you very much for your valuable feedback as our first guests and many apologies you found some teething issues. We’re making sure the consumables you mentioned are on hand for future guests at changeover, and we have added to the mixing bowl and chopping board quantities. Unfortunately it is not recommended to include BBQs to holiday accommodation and we don’t have a robust way to add sunshades outdoors given the changeable weather in the Lakes, although the gardens do have several shady and sunny spots to relax in. Once again, thank you so much for helping us to make sure this is the dream holiday home experience you kindly mention it should be! Property Owner

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Summary

Four bedrooms: 1 x super-king-size with en-suite free-standing bath, walk-in shower, double basin, 2 x heated towel rail, and WC, 1 x super-king-size with en-suite walk-in shower, basin, and WC, 1 x king-size, 1 x twin
Shower room with walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail, and WC
Bathroom with free-standing bath, basin, heated towel rail, and WC
Kitchen/diner
Utility
Off road parking
Sitting room with woodburning stove
Conservatory
Pub nearby.
Central heating with woodburning stove
Range oven with gas hob, fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, Tassimo coffee machine, wine cooler
Smart OLED TV, fibre broadband and WLAN WiFi and extensive DVD library
Sonos music system, Fuel, power, and starter pack for woodburning stove (Oct-March) inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Cot and highchair available
Private off-road parking for 4 cars
Rear multi-level garden with lawn, several patio areas, furniture, and large fenced pond
Two well-behaved dogs welcome
Sorry, no smoking
Shop 1.2 miles
pub 0.1 miles
Note: Children must be supervised at all times in the garden
Note: There are steps to the interior and exterior of the property
Note: Bedrooms 3 and 4 have sloped floors, due to the age of the property
Note: Dogs must be kept on lead due to nearby livestock
Note: The master bedroom and shower room are situated on the half-way landing

The property

Hawkshead 1.1 miles.

Orchard Cottage is a large four-bedroom, luxury home in Outgate, Cumbria, not far from the village of Hawkshead.

The cottage welcomes eight guests and two well-behaved dogs and is finished to an extraordinary degree, with contemporary appliances, fashionable furnishings, elegant bathrooms, and a sizable private garden, while keeping some of the home's original features and beamed ceilings, dating back to 1603. Surrounded by a semi-rural setting of land gifted by Beatrix Potter to the National Trust, Orchard Cottage offers a peaceful and tranquil setting with breath-taking fell and countryside views.

Enjoy the outdoor area, which provides sweeping views across the rolling countryside and out towards Latterbarrow and the stunning Windermere Valley and features numerous patio spaces with welcoming furnishings.

You can access a wealth of beautiful countryside walks right from your doorstep.

Enter the house to relax in the suntrap conservatory, cook in the stylish kitchen, dine at the large table, and unwind in the living room with the backdrop of the woodburning stove.

The main Victorian-style shower room and the super king-size master bedroom, with en-suite in tow, are located on the halfway landing.

The additional three bedrooms are located on the first floor; one of them has an en-suite, while the others share a beautifully decorated bathroom.

If you can tear yourself away from your home-from-home, visit Hawkshead, which boasts a wealth of amenities; Queens Head is a popular restaurant where you can dine out, and the neighbourhood Co-op is where you can get your "must haves" whilst The Honeypot Deli provides a lovely selection of "nice to haves." You will also find the traditional Outgate Inn a stone’s throw away, along with Hawkshead and the famous Drunken Duck Inn, both of which can be accessed by delightful country walks.

Along with Claife Heights, nearby attractions include the breath-taking grounds of Wray Castle, Hill Top Beatrix Potter House, a National Trust site connected to the famous best-selling author.

From the bus stop directly opposite, buses run approximately hourly on the route linking Hawkshead, Coniston, Ambleside, Wray Castle and Windermere, enabling endless walk permutations and arrival from anywhere in the country by public transport.

Cycle paths link Orchard Cottage to Ambleside, Hawkshead, Wray Castle and beyond.

A must-see for adventurers is Rydal Cave, a former slate quarry, along with Stock Ghyll Force, a magnificent 70-foot waterfall. For all types of visitors, The World of Beatrix Potter Experience is an interactive three-dimensional attraction.

As you make your way into Windermere, take the opportunity to explore the 10.5-mile-long resident lake of the Lake District National Park, Lakes Aquarium, which is home to a variety of marine life, or consider climbing Scafell Pike, the tallest and most significant peak in England. All this and more awaits at Orchard Cottage.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £300.

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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.

This property offers the following short breaks:

Winter
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Outgate near Hawkshead, Cumbria & The Lake District (Ref. 1064500)

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Features

Reviews & Ratings

“Beautiful cottage in a fantastic setting.”

“We had a wonderful week here with family.”

“Idyllic setting, beautiful home and very well thought out and cared for.”

“Orchard cottage is a wonderful place to spend a holiday with friends or family.”

“Hi, we loved the property and garden - absolutely fabulous.”

“Beautiful property, in a fabulous location, with the most amazing garden & views!”

“Fantastic property.”

“This is our second year in a row staying in the beautiful Orchard Cottage.”

“Orchard Cottage is a stunning, dog friendly holiday home.”

“A really wonderful house and garden!”

“Excellent accommodation in a beautiful garden with stunning views around.”

“Thoroughly enjoyed our long weekend in Orchard Cottage.”

“Fabulous cottage for our family holiday in November, garden was perfect for the dog and grandchildren, it didnt matter it was wet.”

“The property more than met our expectations - it is a delightful holiday home in a fabulous location.”

“Lovely house with plenty of space for an extended family of 3 generations.”

“Stunning cottage, beautifully situated and perfect for a family get together.”

“What a find!”

“Such a wonderful week in Orchard Cottage!”

“Incredible property and setting let down by lack of household sundries/equipment.”

Summary

The property

View on map

About the location

HAWKSHEAD