Dovecot Cottage | Grasmere | Michael's Nook | The Lake District And Cumbria

Customer rating

4.5★

2 Guests
1 Bedroom
1 Bathroom
Pets Yes
Show on map

Features

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

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

59 Customer Review(s)

David
January 2026

“Ok. Dovecot cottage is adorable when viewed from your allocated parking space - which is situated behind a gate, which remained closed for the duration of my 2 week stay.”

I've got a Medium sized SUV and I found it very easy to reverse into the space from the road. Upon walking up to the property, its visually impressive, with lovely views from the door, with a nicely grassed lawn area, ideal for our four-legged friends, a further delight was the long dog lead attached to the tree. After entering, you walk directly into the lounge, with the 'ladder' stair case upstairs - I will confirm, this is a wooden ladder, secure hand rails, very sturdy, but it's still ...

I've got a Medium sized SUV and I found it very easy to reverse into the space from the road. Upon walking up to the property, its visually impressive, with lovely views from the door, with a nicely grassed lawn area, ideal for our four-legged friends, a further delight was the long dog lead attached to the tree. After entering, you walk directly into the lounge, with the 'ladder' stair case upstairs - I will confirm, this is a wooden ladder, secure hand rails, very sturdy, but it's still a ladder, with no gate at the top, which I'll explain later. The ground floor consists of a lounge to the left, wood burning stove, 2 seater sofa and a 32" TV with Roku, various platforms including- YouTube, Netflix, Amazon, Spotify, it's very warm, especially with the Gas Central Heating, and a kitchen to the right, Fridge/freezer (small freezer) kettle, toaster, microwave, Gas oven/grill and hob burners, sink/dishwasher - old school style, fairy liquid and a dish cloth, no noise, it works perfectly. The floors are tiled, with a rug (you'll see, ironically, it's ideal) it was very comfortable for my 2 week stay. Upstairs, either via the ladder

- David, January 2026
Stephen December 2025

“Our fourth trip to this beautiful place, Gorgeous basic little cottage, perfect location close to grasmere but away from all the crowds.”

Rained all week but no matter, wet walks and cozy nights by the fire.

- Stephen, December 2025

We were so happy to read your review - it’s lovely to have regular visitors who love this place as much as we do. Looking forward to your next visit! Property Owner
Beth November 2025

“It is the most idyllic place we have stayed.”

Stunning property - the pictures do not do it justice. Great location with brilliant walks from the door. Outdoor space brilliant - just a shame the weather and dark nights made us not fully appreciate it It would have been nice if 2 toilet rolls could have been provided considering we were there 4 nights! There were no specific instructions regarding bedding or towels so we hope we did the right thing Overall the most magical of stays in a stunning very practical property

- Beth, November 2025

Thank you so much for your lovely review. You need to come back when the days are longer and warmer to enjoy sitting on the patio. We always eat outside in the summer - when it’s not a lake-filling day! We’ve had other comments about the quantities of loo roll and will mention this to Lakelovers who service the cottage. As a self catered cottage we are not providing a full supply of all essentials - but we agree that one roll is not much. Luckily we have the Coop in Grasmere with long opening hours just a short walk away - so stocking up on those essentials is quite easy here. We also leave hand-soap, washing-up liquid and washing powder to avoid unnecessary purchases. Property Owner
Tracey November 2025

“The cottage is amazing in an beautiful area.”

Infact we loved it that much we have rebooked. Just a observation the stairs are what I would call a ships stairs, you go down the same way you would go up. Other than that we couldn't fault the cottage, area, facilities.

- Tracey, November 2025
Susanne September 2025

“A lovely little place for those of us still spry enough to use the step ladder up to the bedroom and bathroom.”

Of course, in good weather you can access the upper storey from outside so I wouldn't write it off on that alone. The location is perfect. Couldn't have wished for better. I found the kitchen a little frustrating to use but then, it is small so I knew what to expect before I arrived. It's very comfortable, peaceful and well located so I'd happily stay there again.

- Susanne, September 2025

Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We’re delighted you enjoyed Dovecot’s wonderful and peaceful location and comfort. Yes, the stairs are ships ladder stairs and we don’t recommend anyone with mobility issues to stay in Dovecot, but our other cottage, Fir Tree, has the same lovely location, normal stairs and a bigger kitchen - so a great option for a larger party or a good value winter break sometime. Property Owner
Natalie August 2025

“The cottage was lovely - we spent most of the time sat outside in the garden looking at the views and we saw a red squirrel in the garden's oak tree.”

It is a small place with very steep stairs but we were warned and it was not a problem - made it very cosy and full of character. The dog lead on the apple tree was a really thoughtful touch.

- Natalie, August 2025

Thank you for your lovely review. Sounds like you had some great weather, and we’re delighted a red squirrel came to say hello. We have made sure the photos show the stairs clearly as they are not suitable for everyone - but as you say, they do give the place some extra character. We’re glad you found the long dog lead - we provide this as the garden is not fully fenced. I hope some of the apples were ripe enough to enjoy during your stay. Property Owner
Gill August 2025

“Cute and compact property Stay was warm and comfortable and had all that we ...”

Cute and compact property Stay was warm and comfortable and had all that we needed It was clearly detailed in the listing but the step ladder to the upper level is not for the faint hearted

- Gill, August 2025

Thank you for your review. We’re glad you found Dovecot warm and comfortable and hope you come and stay again. Property Owner
Inge July 2025

“The Dovecot Cottage is lovely.”

It is small, but contains everything you might need. We slept like babies and the bath is supercomfortable, especially after a long walk in the mountains. Thanks for your hospitality!

- Inge, July 2025

So glad that you enjoyed your stay in Dovecot Cottage. There is nothing like a well earned soak in that big bath after a long day on the fells. We do hope you come back for another stay! Property Owner
Primrose May 2025

“We had a great stay at Dovecote cottage.”

We were lucky with a week of sunshine so were able to enjoy the beautiful garden. The location is ideal, there are a number of amazing hikes and walks right on the doorstep. The cottage had everything we needed, particularly the kitchen which was really well equipped for a small space.

- Primrose, May 2025

Thank you for taking the time to write this review. We’re delighted you enjoyed your stay and that the sun shone for you! Property Owner
Harvey March 2025

“Love Dovecot Cottage, have stayed here at least half a dozen times now.”

Most negative reviews are from people who clearly haven't read the description of the property or have unrealistic expectations. Yes it's small & possibly not ideal if you're tall, not very mobile or claustrophobic. It is however, as described a converted Dovecot, small, but peaceful, homely & cosy. Clearly the owners stay here & have thought carefully about what to include in a modestly sized property, we liked the additions since our last stay of the curtain on the front door, bathroom blind & the towel rails over the radiators. Will be back to stay again.

- Harvey, March 2025

Thank you so much for your continued enthusiasm for Dovecot. Yes, we're very pleased with the new curtain and blinds. We've also had a new boiler this year, so the cottage is warmer and quieter too. We do try and stay in Dovecot (or Fir Tree, our larger cottage just in front) as often as possible and are always trying to make small improvements. Do keep coming! Property Owner
Mike February 2025

“Great little cottage, ideally located, close to a pub (5 mins ) and a short stroll to Grasmere village.”

Everything you need for a short break away, stairs are not for the faint hearted but there is a back way so not a problem. Wood burner makes it proper cosy so bring some fuel. It's a converted stone Dovecot so don't expect 5* Spa luxury , if you like the Lakes then you'll like this place. Might be small but it's well laid out and we had a great time.

- Mike, February 2025

Thank you for your lovely review. Please do come back again. Property Owner
Adam January 2025

“We spent a delightful week at Dovecot Cottage, and were very impressed.”

It is in a peaceful, private, secluded location, well maintained, and remarkably well thought out and arranged for such a small space. The kitchen in particular was very well equipped compared to many other self-catering cottages/apartments. There is an excellent pub just round the corner and it is a fairly short walk into the centre of Grasmere. While the headroom upstairs is somewhat limited, particularly in the bathroom, we managed fine despite one of us being 6ft 2! The access from the ground floor to the first floor is very steep however, and would probably be unsuitable for those with limited mobility. All in all, it was a wonderful and very comfortable stay which we would highly recommend to those looking for a base within the heart of the Lake District.

- Adam, January 2025

Thank you for your lovely review. We're delighted you enjoyed the cottage. We stay in the cottage ourselves as often as we can, which means we're able to spot when the kitchen is missing anything. Yes, the sloping ceiling over the bath does make it a bit low (particularly for someone as tall like yourself, or one of the owners who is 6'6"). I'm glad you got on okay though. Property Owner
Stephen December 2024

“A great place to spend Christmas.”

Cosy and just right for two.

- Stephen, December 2024

Delighted to hear you enjoyed your Christmas at Dovecot. Do come back. Property Owner
Stephen November 2024

“Our third stay at this lovely cottage, gorgeous as ever, simple but beautiful.”

Rained all week but we loved it! Booked again for next year.

- Stephen, November 2024

Thank you for your continued enthusiasm for our cottage. Do keep coming! Property Owner
Louise October 2024

“Such a charming little cottage and I would definitely return if staying in this area again.”

We had 3 nights, on one of which we stayed in and cooked Italian and lit the log burner, and it was so cozy. Everything was as clean as it could be (in a rural setting, you are going to expect little cobwebs) but the important stuff like bedding and towels, soft furnishings etc were spotless. Indeed, the slanted ceiling upstairs would be a challenge for taller people after a few days, and the staircase a challenge for less able bodied guests (although, access to the upstairs can also be achieved via the outside staircase…so this is fine!)……but this little place was just magical. (Not really big enough for 3 adults…more of a couples or single traveller place)… A 5 minute walk to a lovely pub with excellent food (dog friendly), and a very pleasant few more minutes into the heart of Grasmere. There are lovely walks direct from the cottage, one of which we had the pleasure of seeing a couple of otters playing in the small lake. (And on the day of arrival, a red squirrel was in the cottage garden!) My only “miff” would be that there was no welcome pack….I have used Sykes cottages several times, and most have left a little tray with the basics on arrival to have a cup of tea/coffee and a biscuit….but luckily we had our own. The village shop is currently (as at October 2024) being refurbished, so the nearest shop is in Ambleside. Highly recommend this little place!

- Louise, October 2024

Thank you so much for your kind review and positive score. I'm so pleased you had a good time. I do hope you come back. There are often red squirrels in the garden and we never get tired of seeing them. Lucky you seeing otters - from your description it sounds like it might have been at the tarn above the cottage. We'll have to have a good look next time we're up. We missed the Coop, too, when we were in the cottage this weekend. The good news is that it's reopening on 28th November. Phew. There's talk of cinnamon buns so perhaps they're adding a bakery. Yes - Dovecot is only for two adults. It would be tight squeeze for three (and there's only one bed)! I'm sorry about the welcome pack - we're not local and it isn't something we're able to organise from a distance, I'm afraid. Property Owner
Kate September 2024

“Peaceful and cosy little cottage in a great location.”

We loved it here. It's small, but we expected that - the photos and description on the website are very accurate. The views from the garden are lovely. We didn't use the car at all for the whole week. There are great walks from the door and it's only a 5 minute walk to the bus stop for the excellent service between Keswick and Kendal (giving options for several good linear walks). The nearest pub is 5 minutes away and the village is also within easy walking distance. The cottage itself feels secluded and is very tranquil. We would love to visit again.

- Kate, September 2024

Thank you for your lovely review. We love the fact that you can walk all week without using the car too. Please do come back. Property Owner
Eliza September 2024

“This is our 4th visit so that speaks volumes.”

The weather was unseasonably hot, in fact we should have packed for Greece. We did notice there was no corkscrew but bought one in Grasmere and left it the kitchen. Also a minor thing, a proper towel rail for the bathroom would be great as currently, the towels get draped over the doors or bannister. Thanks again

- Eliza, September 2024

Thank you so much for your enthusiasm for our cottage. You deserve the great weather. Thank you for the corkscrew - that was very kind of you - I wonder where the original went? Thank you for the suggestion of a towel rail. We thought it was a great idea and installed two: one in the bathroom and one in front of the radiator on the landing. Do come back again! Property Owner
Sophie September 2024

“We had a lovely time staying here.”

The bed was very comfy and the location was great. We really appreciated the dog tether considering the garden was open, this meant we could relax when we were all sat outside. My feedback would be it would have been nice to have some more comforts considering the price e.g a couple of tea bags, a sponge to wash up with. It was also quite cold because of the age of the building, a curtain in front of the front door would really help I think

- Sophie, September 2024

Thank you for your feedback. I'm pleased you had a nice time at the cottage and were able to sit outside and enjoy the views. I'm sorry to hear you were cold. Were you able to turn up the thermostat? We had been thinking about a curtain over the front door - and have now installed one. We have also replaced the boiler since your stay. Unfortunately, because we don't live locally, we're unable to leave more of a welcome pack with tea bags and so on, but the cleaners should have left a sponge for washing up (and a bin bag). I'm sorry that didn't happen. We have left a stock of bin bags for future guests but can’t guarantee these will always be there. Property Owner
George September 2024

“The cottage is tucked away in an idyllic position yet it's not far to walk to the village or pub.”

We spent 5 nights there and didn't use the car everyday as there were plenty of walks from the door. On the first night the TV stopped working due to signal/aerial problems the next morning I contacted Sykes and whilst we were out the maintenance team fixed it which was great. However cleanliness was an issue. In the bathroom the tiles are porous and there is clearly a mould/damp issue. In the window there is a mould/damp spray cleaner. The extractor is not working suitably. The kitchen needs updating. It's a shame because the cottage is quirky and fun, especially climbing the ladder to the upstairs. As it is we wouldn't return.

- George, September 2024

Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback. We take all comments on board, and they will be passed onto the relevant teams. Thank you The Lakelovers Owner Relations Team Property Owner
Matthew August 2024

“Not sure where this feedback is going as I cannot seem to display feedback to customers which is disappointing - seems that only good feedback is shared.”

Shock! This property is not pet friendly and I am extremely upset about my stay. Within an hour of my stay I had to leave the property due to my dog getting injured from going up the stairs. I appreciate it states in the listing about the stairs but this cannot be sold as pet friendly. Shortly after arriving I used the toilet, upstairs, my dog followed me up. As it was a new environment for her this is not an unusual behaviour to have. However, she fell off the stairs as they are dangerously steep and injured her front leg. I vacated the property and booked in at the Swan at Grasmere Hotel - a lovely hotel (stay there instead). This set me back £450 on top of the cost of the cottage to stay at Dovecot. I sent a complaint to Sykes cottages and they said I did not have a case for any compensation as it is advertised on the listing. I completely understand it’s on the listing, however the property is no where near dog safe - if it was, there should be a stair gate at both ends of the staircase. When I suggested this to the customer service agent I spoke to she said “well did you ask for one” as if to say it is my responsibility to check if it is safe for my dog. Anyway I would stay away from this property if you have a dog, it is not safe and is being miss-sold. There are lots of other places to book which would make your stay a lot less stressful.

- Matthew, August 2024

I am so sorry that you were unhappy in the cottage and that your dog had an accident. I hope she has made a full recovery. We have been as clear as possible about the ship's ladder stairs and put photographs from different angles on the website. Unfortunately there isn't room at the bottom of the stairs for a stair gate and any stair gate fitted would interfere with a safe descent. As you know, dogs are not allowed upstairs in Dovecot (or any Sykes cottages). I'm glad your holiday was salvaged and that you had a good time at the Swan. It's been recently renovated and is a great addition to the area. [Sorry this response has been a long time coming - it wasn't originally displayed in a way that allowed us to reply.] Property Owner
Trina July 2024

“We loved our stay here, such a beautiful little cottage and surrounding area.”

We barely had to drive as the walks from the cottage were so good with mountains and lakes within easy reach. Grasmere itself is a really sweet little place, very friendly and some nice places to visit and eat, great stopping point on the way back from a long walk. Only improvement would be to add a gate so the dog could be let off in the garden. We would definitely love to return in the future.

- Trina, July 2024

Thanks very much for your review. We are delighted you enjoyed your stay and the wonderful location. Not having to drive for either walks or food is one of the things we love about Dovecot. We are looking at whether we can add a gate to make the garden secure for dogs. In the meantime we have provided a long dog lead for use by our guests. Property Owner
Katherine July 2024

“We had a fabulous short stay.”

It was perfect for our nervous dog as it is secluded. We enjoyed the uniqueness of Dovecot and will definitely book again in the future.

- Katherine, July 2024

Thank you for this wonderful review. The seclusion of Dovecot, while still being able to walk to shops and the pub is one of its great advantages. We do hope you visit again. Property Owner
Elke June 2024

“What a delightful, cosy little place.”

Very easy to find, located on the edge of the woods at the base of the fell. Very well thought out, considering the size of the space. The photos and description are very accurate. Good quality accessories in the cottage, al you need for a break in the Lakes, felt like a little cabin. Very nice.

- Elke, June 2024

It is really heart warming to read a review like this. We have been gradually adding all the accessories and equipment we look for in a holiday cottage. We are very glad you enjoyed your stay. Property Owner
Michael May 2024

“Everything we wanted and more, perfect location, 10-15 mins to village, 5mins to local pub, several excellent walks on doorstep.”

Peace and tranquillity in abundance. Yes it is small and yes stairs are steep but it's easy to adapt and we quickly became accustomed to it. Perfect getaway we will be booking again without fail 10/10

- Michael, May 2024

Thank you so much for this lovely review. Please do come back. I hope you had good weather and were able to sit outside in the afternoon sunshine and enjoy the fantastic views after your walks. Property Owner
Kate May 2024

“Dovecot cottage is a little gem.”

It is beautifully designed and very cosy. We loved our stay here - even though the bank holiday weather wasn’t particularly kind. Important things to note - the stairs to bed are steep, the ceilings slope upstairs mean you do need to stoop at times. The garden is not enclosed. We wil definitely come back !! It’s a fantastic find!

- Kate, May 2024

Thank you so much for your lovely review and score. Hopefully you managed to enjoy the views of the weather moving over the hills. Yes, the stairs are very steep. We have tried to make this clear in the details and pictures. And yes, some of the ceilings are sloped. Taller guests can be reassured that one of our owners is 6ft6" and loves staying at Dovecot as there are no low doorways. There are sloping ceilings in the bathroom and bedroom, but he does not find these an inconvenience. If you like the area and want more headroom, our other cottage, Fir Tree, which is just in front of Dovecot, has much higher ceilings. We hope to welcome you back to one of the cottages another time. Property Owner
Eliza April 2024

“This is our third visit to the Dovecot and we love it.”

As keen walkers the location is perfect and we barely used our car all week. This time we were treated to a visit from a red Squirrel who spent time on the wall next to the bedroom window. The cottage is sensitively converted from the original and is a lesson in concise design. We look forward to returning for a 4th time if possible and would highly recommend this cottage for couples, with a small dog, who love walking.

- Eliza, April 2024

Thank you so much for your lovely review. We're delighted that you are fans of the cottage and that the squirrels came out to play. It is a real treat to be able to be able to leave the car for a week, isn't it? Please do keep coming back. As you probably know, we also own Fir Tree, just in front, so if you wanted to share the area with a larger group, you could rent both cottages at the same time. Property Owner
Janet April 2024

“A lovely cosy cottage with everything you need supplied in a small space .”

The only thing that would improve the space for dog owners would be a gate to the garden to make it secure. We thoroughly enjoyed our weekend the location of the cottage is perfect .

- Janet, April 2024

Thank you for your comments. We are pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable stay and that you found the cottage cosy. We hope to welcome you again. The Lakelovers Owner Relations Team Property Owner
Karen April 2024

“Dovecot cottage is small and compact but for two people and a small dog this was an ideal property.”

The cottage is well equipped and furnished. The location is simply stunning with hidden gems of waterfalls and panoramic landscapes literally on the doorstep. Instructions on how to find the property were spot on and key code and other information delivered via emails were extremely thorough. The steps to the upper floor are almost vertical, much like on a boat and so you do need to be fairly agile to climb them, although there is an outside set of stone steps that could be used. A couple of dripping taps could be easily fixed. We had an amazing few days in Dovecot cottage. Grasmere village is a ten minute walk away and with so many places to visit, walks to undertake and easily accessible lakes to explore, this really was a fantastic place to stay.

- Karen, April 2024

Thank you for leaving such kind feedback. We are so pleased to see that you had an enjoyable stay at Dovecot Cottage. We take all comments on board. We hope to welcome you back again. The Lakelovers Owner Relations Team Property Owner
Robert March 2024

“We had a lovely stay just before Easter.”

Very friendly communication with the owner. Nice quiet spot but still an easy walk in to town for cafes and restaurants. Walking routes from front door and good bus service was convenient as we had no car with us.

- Robert, March 2024

Thank you for your kind feedback. We are pleased to hear that you had a great stay. With the current lower bus fares, being a 5 min stroll from a bus stop is a major advantage. Quite a few of our guests come without a car or use the buses to enable some great extended walks. Property Owner
David February 2024

“It was lovely.”

Really comfortable bed and such a beautiful view. The cleanliness wasn't quite there (some food bits in dish drainer) but otherwise wonderful! Such a peaceful location.

- David, February 2024

Thank you for taking the time to write this review. Yes, the view from the cottage is very special. In the summer, the chairs outside are a lovely suntrap, so do come back later in the year and enjoy the view from there. Tucked up against the woods, it is very peaceful. I'm so sorry about the dish drainer. We have reported it to Lakelovers (who are responsible for the cleaning) and hopefully that won't happen again. Property Owner
Steve December 2023

“First of all, we did enjoy our stay, it's a wonderful location and ideally placed for exploring the area without having to drive.”

The facilities that have been fitted into a very compact space are excellent, and the property is well fitted out - the custom carpentry is very impressive! The kitchen has everything that could be needed, with the single exception of a rolling pin (I used a wine bottle). Both the bathroom and the bedroom suffer from very low ceilings. The photos in the listing do show both rooms as they are, but it's difficult to get an idea of just how little headroom there is from the images. It's not possible to sit up in bed and have a cup of tea, for instance, as the ceiling is too low. The bed is very comfortable though. In the bathroom the only oart of the room which allows a normal sized adult to stand up is the strip between the door and the toilet - other than that bending over is required - an inconvenience when using the sink. When we arrived there was a cleaning welcome pack - nice idea, but not well executed. It had dishwasher tablets (there is no dishwasher) and bin bags that were far too big for the small pedal bin in the kitchen, and no washing up liquid. This was rectified with a trip to the co-op, but the contractors doing the servicing were clearly not paying attention. Also there was one roll of tolet paper provided - this is not enough for two people, for a week. It was a nice touch to put up some festive decorations, we appreciated it. Although we came prepared as we have a log burner at home, it would also be a nice touch to have an initial supply of kindling & logs for at least one night. The information pack with local walks was very useful and got us to do some walks we wouldn't otherwise have attempted. But why in the list of pubs & restaurants is there no mention of the Swan? It's the nearest & we had a very good Christmas dinner there!

- Steve, December 2023

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review and for your very positive score. I'm glad you enjoyed the location. We love the fact that you can walk from the door in every direction. Unfortunately, yes, the ceilings upstairs are rather low! We have tried to make it clear in the description - I'm sorry they were lower than expected. Our other property, Fir Tree, is just in front of Dovecot. It benefits from the same location but with higher ceilings. Do come back and try it out. At the time, Lakelovers only offered the one welcome pack option with dishwasher tablets.(I hope you were able to use the dishwasher tabs at home.) However they are now leaving a different pack for cottages such as Dovecot without a dishwasher. Unfortunately, we do not live close enough to enhance what Lakelovers can supply. We have now left a washing-up liquid dispenser which we top up when we visit, but it won't necessarily last for many guests. It is rather frustrating. Lakelovers also cannot supply wood or set the fire so we are reliant on guests leaving the fire ready for the next people. The Swan only reopened this summer after being closed for many years. We need to update our list of pubs and add it. Thank you for the nudge. We had a lovely meal at the Yan (up the road past The Travellers Rest) last time we were up - we will add that to the information too. Property Owner
Stephen December 2023

“Our second stay at this wonderful place, only just made it because of the snow, luckily you don’t need a car, amazing walks in the snow and cozy nights by the fire.”

Booked again for next year.

- Stephen, December 2023

Thank you for your lovely review and score. I'm so glad you like the cottage as much as we do and that you're coming back for another visit. If you want to come with a larger group, our other cottage, Fir Tree, is just in front of Dovecot and sleeps six. Lucky you with the snow. Hopefully you'll have good weather for your next visit too. Property Owner
James October 2023

“Would highly recommend this quirky comfortable cottage, especially when the sun shines in the afternoon creating a gorgeous glow through the dove cotes onto the landing.”

Great facilities wood burning stove, very comfortable bath, looking out of the window whilst laying in bed and watching red squirrels. Also a lovely footpath adjacent to the property taking you up on a beautiful woodland path that brings you down to Rydal water.

- James, October 2023

Thank you so much for taking to the time to write this kind review. Ah - the bliss of enjoying the countryside without getting out of bed. I'm so glad you liked the cottage and the lovely local walks, and that you got to see the red squirrels. The Grasmere Red Squirrel Group (who have put up, and keep stocked, red squirrel feeders in the garden of Dovecot and Fir Tree, our cottage just in front of Dovecot) have managed to double the red squirrel population in Grasmere over the last 12 months! Property Owner
jane October 2023

“Very good directions enabled us to find property easily after a long drive.”

Cottage as described. Very quirky. Very clean. Kitchen very well equipped. Bed very comfy and bed linen clean and fresh. Lovely bath. We really enjoyed our stay. The walks from the door were amazing. Village very close by. Our few days were a great experience.

- jane, October 2023

Thank you so much for your review. We're delighted you enjoyed the cottage. I think you might have been very lucky with the weather, too. Did you manage to spot any red squirrels during your stay. Yes, we love the fact that you can walk from the door all week. We hope you come back another time. Property Owner
Mark September 2023

“On arrival we noticed that the cottage could have been cleaned better, there was dirt/ dust on stairs and the cottage did not smell nice & fresh.”

Also on the first night I was woken up by rodent activity above the ceiling in the bedroom ! As the ceiling here is very near you and its wooden then the noise was quite obtrusive ! This happened every night and as a result I did not get any sleep, this ruined our holiday as you can imagine. The central heating system also switched on every 20 mins or so throughout the night. A maintenance guy came out to inspect the boiler and he was made aware of the rodent activity. I did complain to Lakelovers but nothing was done and no compensation has been offered on our return. So if you like good sleep, then I would can not recommend to stay here.

- Mark, September 2023
Emily August 2023

“We loved our stay here.”

We woke up to five red squirrels in the garden, getting some nuts from the box. It was very cozy and accurately listed. Excellent walks straight from the door. Highly recommend.

- Emily, August 2023

We are delighted you enjoyed your stay and thank you for taking the time to write this lovely review. We frequently see red squirrels on that feeder - but never five at a time! Property Owner
Stephen May 2023

“What a gorgeous little place, fantastic setting just a short walk into Grasmere yet peaceful and very scenic.”

The layout was quirky and cozy. Our dog loved the garden and all the long walks. We can also recommend the newly refurbished Swan Hotel, just a couple of minutes walk, for excellent food and very dog friendly. We loved Dovecott Cottage so much we have already booked another week later in the year.

- Stephen, May 2023

Thank you for your kind comments, we are so pleased to see that you and your dog had an enjoyable stay! We hope to welcome you again. The Heart of the Lakes Owner Relations Team. Property Owner
Jacqueline May 2023

“Wow what an amazing little place so unique absolutely loved it I’m only 5 foot so everything was perfect for me.”

The cottage was so well preserved and the garden was amazing lovely views and beautiful surroundings. We had everything we needed for our holiday and our dog got very settled straight away. We will definitely be coming back.

- Jacqueline, May 2023

Thank you so much for taking the trouble to give us this lovely feedback. We do hope that you and your dog come back soon. Taller guests can be reassured that one of our owners is 6ft6" and loves staying at Dovecot as there are no low doorways. There are sloping ceilings in the bathroom and bedroom, but he does not find these an inconvenience. Property Owner
Adrian February 2023

“Great location and nice and closed to places to eat and drink.”

Bonus was seeing a Red squirrel

- Adrian, February 2023

Delighted you enjoyed the location - the combination of fantastic walking from the door and being an easy stroll from Grasmere is one of the things we love about the cottage. We also saw red squirrels in February. There is a feeder outside the bedroom window. Property Owner
Lorraine November 2022

“Quirky, wonderfully peaceful location.”

Well thought out inside. A gem of a property for anyone who enjoys something different. Highly recommend and easy access to lots of beautiful walks. We will definitely be booking again.

- Lorraine, November 2022

Thank you for your lovely feedback. The walking from the door is amazing: from Fairfield and Helvellyn in one direction, to Helm Crag, Easedale Tarn and Silver How in the other. Plus our favourite winter walk of Alcock Tarn and then on to the Badger Bar via the Coffin route and back around Rydal. Property Owner
Charlotte November 2022

“Hi I stayed at the devoted cottage form the 9th to 13th of nov.”

Found it lovely as a little hide away with all the old furnishings on the out of the cottage. Though when we went inside we saw a ladder for stairs which yes it different and I no there is another door to access the bedroom but not every one wants to going around and in and out all the time just to go up stairs. Also the bath is lovely just wish I could of brought it home with me but not the shower part haha. I like the chair in the Corner we’re you could do under hair or makeup ect. All in all we had a really good time in the local villages and doing local thinks. Thinks we come up to lakes again. Many thanks Charlotte and bill

- Charlotte, November 2022

Thank you, Charlotte and Bill, for your feedback. We are delighted you enjoyed Grasmere and Dovecot Cottage. The internal stairs are steep but we do make a real effort to show what they are like on the website. Glad you enjoyed the bath - it is amazing for a long soak after a day on the fells. Property Owner
Kevin November 2022

“A lovely little cottage in a great location, we had a really good stay”

- Kevin, November 2022

We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay at Dovecot. The location is very good: being able to do so many challenging, and gentle, walks straight from the door whilst also being a short stroll from Grasmere village. Hope you visit again soon! Property Owner
Jodeine October 2022

“Dovecot Cottage was an absolute delight!”

It’s a beautiful and characterful place that was a perfect for our anniversary weekend get-away. We appreciated the love and craftsmanship that has clearly gone into this place. Highly recommend :)

- Jodeine, October 2022

So glad that you had a lovely time at Dovecot for your anniversary weekend and that you clearly enjoyed the place as much as we do. We have made quite a few small improvements over the last year and the original design is beautifully thought out and executed, as you say. Hope to see you again soon. Property Owner
Emma August 2022

“I think the ladders in the property should be more accurately detailed.”

Stunning cottage never wanted to leave

- Emma, August 2022

Thank you very much for your review. We had already asked for new pictures of the stairs on the listing and these have now gone live. The stairs are steep so we do want everyone to have a good understanding of this before they book. So pleased you enjoyed your stay! Property Owner
Jill August 2022

“It's exactly what I hoped it would be, very quirky and cosy in a beautiful area near enough to walk into Grasmere.”

I would love to stay again sometime.

- Jill, August 2022

I'm so glad you enjoyed your stay. Thank you so much for your positive feedback. I imagine you had fantastic weather. I hope you were able to spend some time sitting outside the front of the cottage to enjoy the views of mountains and red squirrels. Please do come back. Property Owner
Joanne June 2022

“Beautiful cottage bit of a struggle for me with mobility issues but spotted the side door to upstairs then I was fine.”

Fantastic grounds my pooch loved it. We will return x

- Joanne, June 2022

Thank you for taking the time to give us this useful feedback. After some issues, we now have new cleaners and I think you would notice a marked improvement if you came back. We've also recently had some work done on the outside stairs, so I'm delighted to hear that you found them useful. I hope you and your pooch will be back again soon. Property Owner
Elizabeth June 2022

“This property is a little gem well equipped very clean the only down side of it would be the stairs being more upright but it's very understanding cause of the size of the gap between the entrance and where the stair case is.”

I wouldn't recommend an elderly couple or any one with stair difficulties because of stairs and using the other entrance to the upper part of the cottage. We are looking forward to coming back to this cottage our dog had a great time to when we got home the dog was upset and was very miserable we think it was cause we come home. Thanks. Mr & Mrs Dawes ( Elizabeth)

- Elizabeth, June 2022

Thank you for your lovely feedback. I'm delighted that you liked the cottage. There is an outside staircase that goes up the bedroom, and we've recently worked on improving this. I do hope you and your dog will be back soon. Property Owner
Anthony May 2022

“I you like quirky this cottage is the place for you nice location quite local to Grassmere only a ten minute walk away”

- Anthony, May 2022

Thank you for your lovely feedback. Property Owner
Harvey May 2022

“This is our 4th time staying at the Dovecot, needless to say we love it.”

I'm delighted to find out that there is now somewhere to store my bike(s). The Dovecot is comfy & cosy, it is small but this well advertised & part of the appeal, though probably not great if you're tall or have limited mobility. The kitchen is compact but well stocked. The new hanging hooks proved useful. Nice garden, beautiful views from upstairs & we were visited by the resident red squirrels again.

- Harvey, May 2022

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. Delighted to hear that you like the new hooks and bike storage. We stay in the cottage ourselves as often as we can and love to sit in the garden in the morning watching the squirrels and enjoying the view. Property Owner
Eliza April 2022

“We loved our week in the Dovecote ; from the setting to the wonderful quirky interior.”

We barely used our car all week as there were so many walks we could do from the doorstep; Helm Crag, Alcock Tarn, Easdale tarn up to Castle Howe, the Coffin trail to Ambleside and the Bluebell woods. The interior, although small was very well designed and there were plenty of places to hang wet clothes, store walking boots etc downstairs. My favourite part of the cottage was the dressing area in the dovecote and being able to sit outside in the garden and enjoy the view.

- Eliza, April 2022
Lu-chin January 2022

“I have no idea why the agency sent us an email about we refuse to leave the property which was very rude and impolite.”

Many corners in the cottage we’re covered with spider web, but the rest is nice.

- Lu-chin, January 2022

Thank you for your feedback. When our cleaner turned up at the property at 10:45am, you were still in the property. You had stated you thought check out was the day after however when we explained this, you checked out at 12 which is 2 hours after the check out time stated. This is the reason an email was sent to you however we do apologise if you thought this was rude. Had you told us about the cleaning issues when you arrived we could have rectified these however you never called to inform us of this. We hope to welcome you back again. Property Owner
Jan December 2021

“While the cottage was just what I was looking for, in many ways, there were a few niggles that had a big impact.”

The listing said that the price included electricity and fuel. When I arrived at the cottage I saw no fire wood for the burner. When I called the office, they said that I would need to buy my own, with the nearest place selling appropriate fuel being 12 miles away. This meant that my first night (of two) was without a fire. The heating and hot water pump made a LOT of noise. This meant that I had to turn it off over night, so as to allow myself to sleep. As such, the mornings were VERY cold. The description of where to park was a little confusing. I ended up turning into the "drive" only to find out that this was not the space. It then took me forever to get out, as there was no suitable egress. While I take my share of responsibility for this, it would make sense to put a barrier across that particular entry and make the signage more obvious and visible.

- Jan, December 2021

Thank you for this useful feedback. We bought the cottage in 2021 and are working to improve it. I'm sorry to hear that the heating was noisy. We are up at the cottage next week and will investigate. We will also try and make it clearer where to park. I think blocking off the drive (perhaps with a post) is a good idea. Thank you. We don't provide wood for the wood burning stove as it is not possible to manage the supply on a week by week basis. We will make this clearer in the listing. I hope you were warmer the second night and will return for a smoother visit another day. Property Owner
Leigh November 2021

“It was just a beautiful magical stay.”

Perfect on the run up to Xmas because the town was so beautifully festive. Next time we are planning to stay for longer 2 nights wasn’t quite enough.

- Leigh, November 2021

Thank you for your feedback. That's lovely to hear. Please do come back. Property Owner
Victoria November 2021

“Perfect for an unusual and cosy escape, with excellent views of the fells opposite and original dovecote features.”

Everything you’d want after a days walking. Easy access back onto Fairfield and only a short walk into Grasmere. The dovecote is surrounded by woods with red squirrels and the occasional tawny owl at dusk - a wonderful place!

- Victoria, November 2021

Thank you for this kind review. I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed the walks and views from the door. The red squirrels are usually out and about in the morning but it is very special to have seen a tawny owl. Property Owner
John October 2021

“Unfortunately the cottage was extremely poky, and certainly not worth the money charged.”

The one excellent thing was the sightings of red squirrels, unfortunately there was no food left where it should have been.

- John, October 2021

Owner response: Thank you for your comments. We stay in Dovecot a lot ourselves and while it is definitely cosy, we find it perfect for two people for a week and the walking from the door is amazing. Very pleased you saw the delightful red squirrels. Unfortunately there was an influx of grey squirrels the week you stayed and the feed had to be removed to protect the reds. This constant work is why we donate to the local protection group every time the cottage is booked. We hope to have the feeder back soon. Property Owner
Wes September 2021

“It’s very overpriced for what it is should be £450 per week maximum.”

Having said that we had a great week walking over 60 miles I wouldn’t like to spend a lot of time in there it’s very dark small windows. Red squirrels

- Wes, September 2021

Delighted to hear that the red squirrels were out and about and that you managed to get so much walking in. There are great walks to do from the door in every direction � even Helvellyn. The cottage is built in a style sympathetic to the 17th cottage next door and therefore it has traditionally small windows. It does get the morning sun but perhaps it might feel a bit dark on a dull day in the afternoon. We have replaced the light bulbs with brighter ones downstairs, so hopefully that will make it brighter. Grasmere is a very sought after part of the Lakes with its excellent walking and great eating options. The price of Dovecot reflects the current market and is monitored by Heart of the Lakes and takes into consideration the secluded location near Grasmere, the views as well as the accommodation itself. The Owner. Property Owner
Peter August 2021

“Whilst the cottage was charming and perfectly located.”

Also we understood quirky. The sheer physicality of getting in and out of the bath was almost impossible and triggered a bout of sciatica for me.

- Peter, August 2021

We are delighted you enjoyed the cottage's situation and quirky character. The bathroom ceiling does slope and while the bath is nice and big, the ceiling slope means that you can only get in and out at one end. This can be slightly awkward for taller guests. Property Owner
Graham August 2021

“First evening there was a leak coming through kitchen ceiling from bathroom above.”

Maintenance came next day said it was from faulty radiator valve, but this worried us immensely due to electric points where the water came through. Cottage considerably smaller than anticipated, stairs very steep and outside ones slippy and one loose another health and safety concern

- Graham, August 2021

Since this review was written we have had all the radiator valves replaced and there have been no further leaks. The description of the cottage shows pictures of the layout and mentions the steep stairs and these will not suit everyone. We bought Dovecot in May and plan to improve the terracing to the side of the cottage in due course; however it should be noted that it is not necessary to access this area while staying. The Owner Property Owner
Harvey May 2021

“Stayed at the Dovecot before, great cosy little cottage.”

Only issues were the ash bin wasn't anywhere to be found

- Harvey, May 2021

Delighted you enjoyed another stay in Dovecot. Unfortunately we had to remove the ash bin as guests were using it for general waste. Cold ash can be bagged and placed in the main bin. The Owner Property Owner

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Summary

One double bedroom
Bathroom with roll top bath, basin and WC
Kitchen
Living room/diner with woodburning stove (wood can be purchased from the village)
Gas central heating and woodburning stove
Electric oven and gas hob, microwave, fridge, TV with Freeview, and WiFi (shared with Fir Tree Cottage)
Gas and electricity inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Off-road parking for one car
Outdoor access to lawned areas, terrace and seating
Shared laundry facilities in outbuilding
One well-behaved pet allowed
Sorry, no smoking.

The property

This is a real little gem but far removed from the average self-catering cottage - better described as a little bit 'quirky', it is known to have been short-listed for the role of Bilbo Baggins' house in Lord of the Rings.

The property is unusual in every way but has been carefully planned and is comfortable and cosy - a perfect choice for a couple looking for something that little bit different and it is ideal for a romantic holiday.

With a slanted ladder-type wooden stairway with handrails and wood panelled walls upstairs, it will remind guests of the inside of a yacht rather than a conventional cottage. As its name implies Dovecot Cottage was originally a dovecote, it is a detached stone-built and listed building set on the east side of the vale of Grasmere and is a short walk into the village and handy for a couple of local pubs.

There are enough walks from the door to keep everyone happy and ample places for eating out in the immediate area - no need to use the car on a daily basis. Those of you who enjoy the challenge of the high tops can tackle the summit of Fairfield, or take the shorter steep path to Alcock Tarn to enjoy the panoramic views, whilst for easier days out you could enjoy a stroll into Grasmere village with maybe a row on the lake or a climb to the top of Loughrigg Fell or Silver How.

The beautiful Easedale Valley makes a fine destination for a gentle ramble, lovely for a picnic on a sunny day, and the delightful paths around Grasmere Lake and Rydal Water are some of the most popular in the Lake District. Dovecot Cottage is situated in the same location as Fir Tree Cottage Property Ref. 7045. Accommodation: Steps and path from the parking to the front door.

Entrance into sitting/dining room (TV) with its cosy log burning stove, two-seater sofa and dining table for two.

The fitted kitchen has fridge, electric oven and gas hob, and its own door to the outside.

Laundry facilities are available on site in a separate outbuilding (also used by Fir Tree Cottage next door). And now upstairs...you arrive first in the dressing area which was the original dovecote entrance with the decorative cubbyholes set in the end wall.

The sleeping area (double bed) has some restricted headroom and a door to the outside which accesses steps leading down to ground floor level.

A good sized bathroom has deep Victorian style roll top bath, basin and wc. Outside: The cottage is set on a sloping site backed by trees with grassy areas around and there is room to sit outside just in front of the door on the level terrace.

At the end of the cottage there are slate steps which make an alternative access to the sleeping area on the top floor.

Parking for one car immediately outside the boundary wall.

Shared laundry facilities outside in separate room by driveway gate.

Grasmere village centre three quarters of a mile.

Less than 5 mins stroll to the Swan Hotel for bar and eating out.

EPC Rating: Band F

Short-term Holiday Let Licence No: AB-12345-C

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

View on map

About the location

GRASMERE

Ambleside 5 miles; Windermere 9 miles; Keswick 13 miles.

Situated in the heart of the Lake District National Park is the lovely village of Grasmere, probably best known as the home of William Wordsworth, a place he once described as "The most loveliest spot that man hath found". Any visit to Grasmere needs to include The Grasmere Gingerbread shop, where the Wilson family has been making gingerbread for over 60 years. Also in the village are a number of shops, pubs, a church which dates back to the 13th century, and Grasmere Lake. Grasmere Sports takes place every August, where you can watch participants compete in a variety of sports, including Cumberland wrestling. Just five miles away is the town of Ambleside and Lake Winderemere where you will find shops, pubs, restaurants and the 17th century Bridge House, which is one of the most photographed buildings in the Lake District. Cruises, boat trips and watersports can all be enjoyed on Lake Windermere, and the towns of Windermere and Keswick are also within driving distance. Grasmere is a wonderful base for your Lake District retreat.

The cottage has steep ladder type stairs and restricted access over part of
the bath - it is therefore not suitable for those with mobility issues. The
wifi is normally good but the router is shared with, and located in, Fir
Tree cottage on the same site, and is occasionally interrupted. There is
normally a good 4G signal.

This property offers the following short breaks:

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Off-season
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Features

Reviews & Ratings

“Ok. Dovecot cottage is adorable when viewed from your allocated parking space - which is situated behind a gate, which remained closed for the duration of my 2 week stay.”

“Our fourth trip to this beautiful place, Gorgeous basic little cottage, perfect location close to grasmere but away from all the crowds.”

“It is the most idyllic place we have stayed.”

“The cottage is amazing in an beautiful area.”

“A lovely little place for those of us still spry enough to use the step ladder up to the bedroom and bathroom.”

“The cottage was lovely - we spent most of the time sat outside in the garden looking at the views and we saw a red squirrel in the garden's oak tree.”

“Cute and compact property Stay was warm and comfortable and had all that we ...”

“The Dovecot Cottage is lovely.”

“We had a great stay at Dovecote cottage.”

“Love Dovecot Cottage, have stayed here at least half a dozen times now.”

“Great little cottage, ideally located, close to a pub (5 mins ) and a short stroll to Grasmere village.”

“We spent a delightful week at Dovecot Cottage, and were very impressed.”

“A great place to spend Christmas.”

“Our third stay at this lovely cottage, gorgeous as ever, simple but beautiful.”

“Such a charming little cottage and I would definitely return if staying in this area again.”

“Peaceful and cosy little cottage in a great location.”

“This is our 4th visit so that speaks volumes.”

“We had a lovely time staying here.”

“The cottage is tucked away in an idyllic position yet it's not far to walk to the village or pub.”

“Not sure where this feedback is going as I cannot seem to display feedback to customers which is disappointing - seems that only good feedback is shared.”

“We loved our stay here, such a beautiful little cottage and surrounding area.”

“We had a fabulous short stay.”

“What a delightful, cosy little place.”

“Everything we wanted and more, perfect location, 10-15 mins to village, 5mins to local pub, several excellent walks on doorstep.”

“Dovecot cottage is a little gem.”

“This is our third visit to the Dovecot and we love it.”

“A lovely cosy cottage with everything you need supplied in a small space .”

“Dovecot cottage is small and compact but for two people and a small dog this was an ideal property.”

“We had a lovely stay just before Easter.”

“It was lovely.”

“First of all, we did enjoy our stay, it's a wonderful location and ideally placed for exploring the area without having to drive.”

“Our second stay at this wonderful place, only just made it because of the snow, luckily you don’t need a car, amazing walks in the snow and cozy nights by the fire.”

“Would highly recommend this quirky comfortable cottage, especially when the sun shines in the afternoon creating a gorgeous glow through the dove cotes onto the landing.”

“Very good directions enabled us to find property easily after a long drive.”

“On arrival we noticed that the cottage could have been cleaned better, there was dirt/ dust on stairs and the cottage did not smell nice & fresh.”

“We loved our stay here.”

“What a gorgeous little place, fantastic setting just a short walk into Grasmere yet peaceful and very scenic.”

“Wow what an amazing little place so unique absolutely loved it I’m only 5 foot so everything was perfect for me.”

“Great location and nice and closed to places to eat and drink.”

“Quirky, wonderfully peaceful location.”

“Hi I stayed at the devoted cottage form the 9th to 13th of nov.”

“A lovely little cottage in a great location, we had a really good stay”

“Dovecot Cottage was an absolute delight!”

“I think the ladders in the property should be more accurately detailed.”

“It's exactly what I hoped it would be, very quirky and cosy in a beautiful area near enough to walk into Grasmere.”

“Beautiful cottage bit of a struggle for me with mobility issues but spotted the side door to upstairs then I was fine.”

“This property is a little gem well equipped very clean the only down side of it would be the stairs being more upright but it's very understanding cause of the size of the gap between the entrance and where the stair case is.”

“I you like quirky this cottage is the place for you nice location quite local to Grassmere only a ten minute walk away”

“This is our 4th time staying at the Dovecot, needless to say we love it.”

“We loved our week in the Dovecote ; from the setting to the wonderful quirky interior.”

“I have no idea why the agency sent us an email about we refuse to leave the property which was very rude and impolite.”

“While the cottage was just what I was looking for, in many ways, there were a few niggles that had a big impact.”

“It was just a beautiful magical stay.”

“Perfect for an unusual and cosy escape, with excellent views of the fells opposite and original dovecote features.”

“Unfortunately the cottage was extremely poky, and certainly not worth the money charged.”

“It’s very overpriced for what it is should be £450 per week maximum.”

“Whilst the cottage was charming and perfectly located.”

“First evening there was a leak coming through kitchen ceiling from bathroom above.”

“Stayed at the Dovecot before, great cosy little cottage.”

Summary

The property

View on map

About the location

GRASMERE