Grass Ings | Skelwith Bridge | The Lake District And Cumbria

4.9★

6 Guests
3 Bedrooms
3 Bathrooms
Pets No
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Features

Open fire
Garden / Patio
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

26 Customer Review(s)

Olga
November 2023

“This is a lovely property that we have stayed in previously and thoroughly enjoyed.”

The house is very well maintained and clean and has a lovely, homely feel. The situation is great, with a pub and coffee shop nearby and with some lovely walks available straight from the house. Always a pleasure to return!

The house is very well maintained and clean and has a lovely, homely feel. The situation is great, with a pub and coffee shop nearby and with some lovely walks available straight from the house. Always a pleasure to return!

- Olga, November 2023

Many thanks for your feedback and for continuing to revisit Grass Ings. We hope to see you again in 2024. Property Owner
Neil September 2023

“My wife and I have just returned from a week at Grass Ings with our two sons and their partners.”

We all agreed that everything about our stay was perfect and without fault. The house was exactly as described; very spacious and well appointed. Steve and Jan have clearly gone to great lengths to make sure everything that is needed is there. The outside space is wonderful with fantastic views across the valley, and with the river at the bottom of the garden (we swam in it every day). The location was perfect with a pub/restaurant just down the road, Ambleside a 5 minute drive away for shops and restaurants, and easy access to many of the major lakes. There are also excellent local walks straight from the house - an easy walk to Elterwater along the river, and a wonderful walk to Grasmere via Loughrigg Tarn. We will definitely be back in the Lake District in the future, and Grass Ings will be top of our list for places to stay.

- Neil, September 2023

Hi and thanks for your very encouraging feedback. We are delighted that you enjoyed Grass Ings as much as we do. It was love at first view for us and we hope that will be back to stay at some point. Steve & Jan Property Owner
Thomasin August 2023

“We had a lovely stay & really appreciated the amazing spot & house, plus gardens & river.”

The best holiday house we’ve enjoyed.

- Thomasin, August 2023

Hi Thomasin we are delighted that you enjoyed Grass Ings as much as we do and that you had a lovely time. Thank for sharing your feedback and we hope to welcome you back at some point. Steve & Jan Property Owner
Kath August 2023

“Grass Ings is probably the most lovely property we’ve ever stayed in.”

Comfortable, clean, really well equipped and beautifully decorated to the point I was Googling the art work on the walls. Beds were so comfortable and our teenagers loved the “den” in the basement. The weather was very mixed but we still enjoyed walks to Grasmere, swimming in Loughrigg Tarn and in the river at the bottom of the garden when the current wasn’t too strong and paddle boarding on Coniston Water and Windermere. A couple of very minor things to pass on to the owners: we couldn’t get the heaters in the boot room working at all. Also, the water was cut off one day and my husband had a very near miss with a mousetrap under the kitchen sink.

- Kath, August 2023

Thank you for your feedback - we are delighted that you enjoyed the house. It looks like you had a very hectic week. Its a shame you had a need to use the boot room driers and that they failed to work for you. We will look into this right away and either get them working or, if necessary, replace them. We were also surprised that there was a mousetrap under the kitchen sink we will talk with LL. Steve & Jan Property Owner
Elizabeth June 2023

“Absolutely love this place.”

The setting is perfect. The house is very comfortable and well stocked to ensure a really wonderful holiday. However, the grounds need to be better maintained and there was a thunderstorm while we were there and the second bedroom gutters were overflowing.

- Elizabeth, June 2023

Hi and thank you for staying at Grass Ings again. We are delighted that you share our love for the house and its surroundings. We are also very grateful for the feedback re maintenance issues and I will direct message you to understand them a little better before we talk to our gardener and handyman. One of the challenges we now have is that with the house booked up so well we do not visit as often as we would like and we cannot see first hand any outstanding issues. Not an excuse more a call to action. Property Owner
Tom May 2023

“A super property in a stunning location.”

The house is well-appointed, clean, spacious and comfortable. We wouldn’t hesitate to visit again or to recommend to others. Our only comment is that the kitchen is starting to look and feel a little tired/well-used, and would perhaps benefit from a bit of a refresh to keep it to the high standards set in the rest of the house. (More shelving / storage for dry goods in the kitchen larder would be good too).

- Tom, May 2023

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback it is much appreciated. We are delighted you enjoyed Grass Ings and we do hope that you will come back to see us again. Thank you also for your comments on the kitchen. We do have a regular maintenance programme in place and will be repainting the outside of the house later this summer. When we are next at Grass Ings we will also have a good look at the kitchen and will be guided by your comments. Best wishes. Steve & Jan Property Owner
Kathryn February 2023

“Grass Ings exceeded our expectations and we loved being there.”

The house is light, spacious yet warm and welcoming. Each room is very well furbished and equipped, with some lovely touches by the owners. It's a lovely place. The green space around the house, its garden and the views, are wonderful. It's very well-located for walking (big and small), access to towns, pubs and restaurants. We got back last night and are already working out when we can return!

- Kathryn, February 2023

We are delighted that you enjoyed your time at Grass Ings and made the most of the fabulous location. We look forward to you coming back! Property Owner
Nick January 2023

“Excellent property.”

Great location Could not be faulted.

- Nick, January 2023

We are so pleased you enjoyed Grass Ings and its location. We would love to have you back at some point in the future. Property Owner
Sarah December 2022

“Generally the house was great, as it was last year - warm, very comfortable in some pretty nasty weather conditions as appears to be the norm at Christmas nowadays!”

Had quite a few problems with the TVs though - the freesat service wasn't very reliable and we often couldn't get the live TV to work. Good thing they're smart TVs so we could use Netflix, Disney, etc...

- Sarah, December 2022

Sarah - many thanks for your feedback. We are really sorry to hear that you had problems with the TVs and appreciate that this will have impacted on your holiday - especially with the weather doing its worst. Our son stayed at the house over New Year and he confirms he had no problems with watching live TV. We know that the Free Sat can be a bit awkward to 'log on" to which is why we have detailed operating instructions. I have asked Lakelovers to make sure that there is a copy of the instructions close by each TV each time they set up the house for new guests. Should you decide to stay with us again (we hope you do) then do not hesitate to contact the LL office if you have any issues as they are very willing to help. Happy New Year Steve & Jan Property Owner
Mark October 2022

“Very good holiday accommodation.”

Highly recommended. Thoughtfully laid out for families who love the outdoors. Excellent drying room. Lovely garden area. Fantastic location. Great river access. Lovely views. In particular the personal touches from the owners made it feel much more welcoming and special compared to the average Lake Lovers property. It would be lovely to eventually find a holiday cottage with a decent set of razor sharp kitchen knives for those who enjoy cooking on holiday. Perhaps a set of Wustofs would be the only thing to be done to improve the property?

- Mark, October 2022

Thank you for you positive feedback. We are delighted that you enjoyed Grass Ings and sorry (but not surprised) that you needed to use the drying facilities. Property Owner
Richard August 2022

“Grass Ings is a premium property and we had a fabulous stay there.”

The house is well equipped and spacious with plenty for adults/children to do. It is also a great location as a gateway into the lakes, making many walks and adventures easy to access and reducing travel time which can be an issue at peak times in the Lake District. There was the bonus of walkable restaurant/pub/cafe's and local beauty and walking spots so you could literally walk out the door and enjoy the area.

- Richard, August 2022

Richard - many thanks for your positive feedback. Jan and I will be back up at the house next week and we are eager to get out and enjoy the views and walks from our doorstep. Property Owner
Jason August 2022

“Grass Ings is a lovely property, well kept, great facilities and in a beautiful location!”

- Jason, August 2022

Thank you Property Owner
Clare July 2022

“We had the most amazing week at grass ings , without doubt one of the nicest places we’ve stayed .”

Such amazing facilities, real attention to detail on home comforts and the views are stunning. We’ve loved all the river swimming & kayaking, then chilling out with a bbq ( we brought our own but would Be a lovely addition to the garden or under the summerhouse veranda) The wood burner is a lovely bonus on colder nights , all the rooms are beautifully finished and the bathrooms are all modern and sleek. We’ve got some amazing memories and will definitely be booking up again for next year.

- Clare, July 2022

Clare - many thanks for your great feedback. We are delighted you had a great time - we were there the week before and enjoyed the river and views in just the same way. We will endeavour to keep the house up to date and well furnished and will think again about a BBQ. Steve & Jan Property Owner
Christine June 2022

“The house exceeded expectations in every way.”

The garden and views are gorgeous and the house is incredibly well equipped for families. It was our first trip to the Lakes with our 10 week grandson and it was so nice to spend some of the day 'at home' with plenty of space for all. We are Air Bnb hosts and very much appreciated the care and thought put into furnishing the house - thank you.

- Christine, June 2022

Thank you Christine. Your feedback has given us a real lift. We fell in love with Grass Ings as soon as we saw the views and we are pleased you feel the same way. Property Owner
Elizabeth May 2022

“Absolutely superb accommodation and surroundings.”

Would definitely recommend this property.

- Elizabeth, May 2022

Thank you Elizabeth - Jan and I are delighted that you enjoyed your stay at Grass Ings. We are staying at the house ourselves this week and enjoying the views and the walks all over again. Property Owner
Helen April 2022

“Fantastic cottage Such a beautiful location Very comfortable & well equipped ...”

Fantastic cottage Such a beautiful location Very comfortable & well equipped This was a return visit and we hope to come back again

- Helen, April 2022

Thank you so much for your positive feedback. Jan and I hope you will return soon - Grass Ings and that view will be waiting. Property Owner
Robert March 2022

“Our stay at Grass Ings was to celebrate a defered 60th family birthday.”

I had family members travelling from Northern Ireland and we all were very impressed by the practicability and confort offered by the property. This on top of a magestic setting contributed to an unforgetable experience in the Lakes. We full utilisied all the indoor/outdoor facilities - this was very appropiate as we experienced all four seasons during our stay. We used the location as a base for walking routes everyday and it was a great feeling knowing we were returning to a warm welcoming environment to relax and eat. The vistas from the property are breathtaking and I know my visitors from Norther Ireland have returned home with outstanding impressions of the Lake District helped in no short measure by Grass Ings. Thank-you Steve & Jan

- Robert, March 2022

We are so pleased you had a great family celebration and that Grass Ings proved to be a welcoming venue for you. We know all about the four seasons in one day and as you did its best to embrace this and appreciate the changing views and scenery it brings. Steve and Jan Property Owner
Jon March 2022

“Great house in a great location.”

Was about to book for next year (and likely even more years going forward) when (Lakelovers?) increased the price I paid for this this year by 47%. It's good, but not that good when compared with similar properties charging much more reasonable rates - i.e. same/small increase year on year. Such a shame and only time will tell what the effect is on occupancy rates.

- Jon, March 2022

Many thanks for your comments on the house and location. We are very keen to make Grass Ings a very memorable destination and continue to improve on the house, its furnishings and the outside areas but we rely on LakeLovers to manage and set pricing. In the light of your comments we have asked them to provide us with some detailed feedback. We hope you might find the chance to come back some day. Property Owner
W December 2021

“Slightly misleading re the tv as we thought it was a smart TVs and there was a satellite package but unfortunately not.”

Nice welcome gifts and xmas gift, lovely surprise. Super Christmas tree and decorations. Comfortable place and well heated. Many thanks for a wonderful stay. We've booked for next Christmas.

- W, December 2021

Many thanks for your positive feedback - we are delighted you are coming back again next year. Property Owner
Keith October 2021

“Excellent, high quality holiday let.”

Despite one of the wettest weeks ever the comfort and location of the cottage enabled all three generations to enjoy their week in The Lakes. Boot/drying room so no excuse for not getting out on the fells Deer in the field on the first morning, the arrival of the eight legged lawn mower (sheep) on the second day. The Heron hunting successfully in the field prior to the river creeping up to the garden gate. Quality and variety, perfect. Thankyou.

- Keith, October 2021

Thats the Lakes for you. As they say there is no such thing as bad weather - just the wrong clothes! We are pleased Grass Ings kept you warm and dry. Property Owner
Jane August 2021

“After a disappointing start - on arrival at the property I had to ring Sykes and was put on hold for about 40 minutes to arrange for someone to come and make up the beds in two bedrooms as they had been left in a mess.”

Fortunately a very nice lady came after about half an hour and rectified this! This is a wonderful house and the gardens are really lovely with fabulous views over the fells and down to the river. The house has everything you need with lots of extras you wouldn’t normally find in a holiday let. If I could complain about one thing it would be that the master bedroom wardrobe rail was so high up I had to hang my hangers on a hanger because I couldn’t reach the rail, and neither could my husband! The weather was excellent for ‘the lakes’ and we were able to benefit from eating breakfast outside on the terrace and early evening drinks in the garden on the patio, whilst enjoying the views and early evening sun. A wonderful week was had by all!

- Jane, August 2021

Thank you for your helpful feedback. We can't quite understand how two bedrooms were completely overlooked and sorry for the inconvenience this caused. With regard to the wardrobe rail we put it up a little so that it was easy to store a suitcase at the base of the wardrobe. As someone who is vertically challenged myself I can see the issue and will alter the height. Once I find a step ladder so I can reach! We are pleased you enjoyed your stay at Grass Ings Property Owner
Lynn July 2021

“Wonderful family time in a beautiful house with scenery that you would never tire of.”

I looked to book the same week next year but the price has risen by over a thousand pounds! What a shame.

- Lynn, July 2021

We are pleased that you like Grass Ings and our views. We understand your comments re pricing. We have put this in the hands of Lake Lovers and we know the pricing does "move" in relation to the local market. We do hope that one day you will find the chance to revisit. Property Owner
Helen April 2021

“Loved this cottage - everything was perfect .”

The location is beautiful and the river at the bottom of the garden an added bonus. If you could include the type of Nespresso pods needed in the description that would be really helpful.

- Helen, April 2021

Thank you for your comments. We are pleased you enjoyed Grass Ings and its surroundings. We have updated the description to make clear the type of "pods" needed for the coffee machine. Property Owner
Bethany W Oct 2019

“We had the best stay at Grass Ings cottage.”

It’s spacious and child friendly layout meant that our stay was relaxing and completely stress free. The views from the house are stunning and the location was perfect! Just a stone throw away from Beautiful hikes up Scafell Pike and Black Crag and of course the fabulous Chesters where you can have a mooch and try some scrumptious homemade treats - A must! Thank you for a wonderful stay! Highly recommend.

- Bethany W, Oct 2019
Amy C Oct 2019

“Had an amazing stay at Grass Ings for a long weekend with friends.”

The house is perfectly situated in beautiful Skelwith Bridge, a great location for numerous walks in the surrounding countryside, plus just a couple of minutes' walk to a pub and the fantastic Chesters by the River (highly recommended for breakfast!). The house itself has everything you need and has been finished to a really high standard, and the grounds are incredible - so much space and amazing views. Will definitely be back

- Amy C, Oct 2019
Mr Clark Aug 2019

“Very well stocked, very clean, very high spec holiday let with many homely touches including hand written welcome note from owners and welcome pack.”

Very peaceful location with beautiful garden/patio area, and just a few minutes walk from the excellent ‘Chester’s By The River’ restaurant/cafe. A good base for local walks, plus bus stop is one minute’s walk from property if wish to visit local towns without taking the car. Excellent property and service from Lakelovers as usual.

- Mr Clark, Aug 2019

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Summary

Three bedrooms: 1 x king-size double with en-suite shower, basin and WC, 1 x king-size double, 1 x super king-size double or twin (please state your preference)
Bathroom with bath, separate shower, basin and WC
Shower room with shower, basin and WC
Kitchen with dining area
Sitting room with woodburning stove and Smart TV
Cloakroom with WC
Lower ground floor Den with Smart TV and Xbox 360
Boot room.
Oil central heating, with woodburning stove
Electric oven and hob, fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, Smart TV, Xbox 360 with games, WiFi
Private parking for 3 cars
Drinks patio, sun terrace and in the centre of the garden a large dining patio
Sloped lawns
Sorry, no pets
Sorry, no smoking
Shop and pub are a short walk
Friday or Monday Changeover only.

Awards

The property

Overview Set in almost 3 acres of grounds at the very heart of the Lake District in the spectacular Langdale Valley stands Grass Ings. A superb, detached, residence that has been tastefully developed by the current owners to create a high quality retreat for family and friends offering top quality accommodation in a glorious setting. There are three terraced areas and a quaint summerhouse that capture the sun as the day unfolds and beyond the fully fenced garden is a traditional wild flower meadow leading down to the River Brathay. There is 250m of river bank, a private jetty and seating area which offer the chance to unwind with nature or (at your own risk) to get out onto the water. Yet despite this idylic location with uninterrupted views over Loughrigg Fell and Black Crag, Grass Ings is just a two minute stroll from The Talbot Bar and its neighbours; The Skelwith Bridge Hotel and the famous Chesters by the River with its acclaimed range of home made cakes. Within a couple of miles is the Drunken Duck Inn and the Michelin Star restaurant at Forest Side. Grass Ings offers an excellent base from which to explore and discover some of the best scenery and food and drink in the British Isles whilst being within easy reach of the bustling Lakeland villages of Ambleside, Grasmere or Keswick, with its award winning twice weekly market. Accommodation In Detail From pulling up on the driveway there is a real sense of anticipation to see what lies within the house and as you open the front door there is a view straight down the hallway to the rear porch. So from the very moment you enter the house the beautiful, uninterrupted views become the focal point of your stay. The welcoming, dual aspect lounge is tastefully furnished with comfortable sofas arranged around the feature fireplace with its cosy log burning stove and Smart TV. Relax and enjoy the view across the valley from every seat or take advantage of the large window seat to soak in the stunning scenery. The spacious, social kitchen is the real heart of the home with the large family dining table, in front of the picture window, the idea place for social and relaxing dinners with family and friends. The well appointed kitchen has views across Loughrigg Fell and is equipped with an electric range cooker with five ring electric hob and double oven, two under counter fridges, dishwasher, microwave and Nespresso Vertuo Coffee machine and to the side the walk-in pantry or “Happy Cupboard” which is used as the serving point for drinks to which the owners have thoughtfully added an ice machine. The large porch at the rear of the house offers beautiful views across the valley and the river and is a lovely spot to relax with a good book. From here french doors open onto the first of three patios; this one captures the morning sun and is a great place for an al fresco breakfast. The ground floor accommodation is complemented by a spacious cloak room with WC. On the lower ground floor there is a cosy Den with Smart TV and Xbox 360 + games along with boot room which is ideal when returning after a muddy walk or with mountain bikes and is equipped with drying facilities, sink, washing machine, tumble drier and offers plenty of space for boots, coats and outdoor gear and is also home to the fridge/freezer. Choose from one of three boutique bedrooms. The superb master suite offers views across the river, a comfortable Ercol king size bed, that is a welcome retreat at the end of the day, and a luxurious shower room with walk in shower, basin and WC. The two further bedrooms are presented with a king size bed and a super king bed/twin beds (please state your preference). They are complemented by a high-quality family bathroom with feature bath and shower cubicle and a shower room with a spacious walk in shower. Back outside and the completely private south facing gardens sit to the rear of the house offers a choice of three seating areas; the breakfast patio, a sun terrace and in the centre of the garden a large dining patio. There are landscaped borders of shrubs and to the side the lawn slopes down to the neighbouring wildflower meadow with the River Brathay flowing past. The large drive offers ample parking for three cars. Location Away from the hustle and bustle of tourist traps, Skelwith Bridge is a great location for a Lake District cottage holiday. Between vibrant Ambleside village, Lake Windermere and the breathtaking Langdale Valley, guests here are free to enjoy all of Lake District life. Some of the most famous Lake District walks begin on your doorstep; including challenging routes in the Langdale Pikes, Loughrigg Fell and the tarn, or peaceful strolls (push chair and wheel chair friendly) on the shores of nearby Elterwater. If you'd prefer a leisurely holiday, spend your days strolling gently in the Langdale Valley and sampling the excellent country pubs in the area. Find classy shopping in Ambleside, and enjoy an elegant lake cruise on Lake Windermere or Coniston - all within very easy reach. Your location just off the A593 makes exploring the wider reaches of the National Park a breeze. For example; follow the road back to Ambleside and the shores of Lake Windermere, then north to Rydal Water and Grasmere, or follow the A593 south to picturesque Coniston.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £0.

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About the location

SKELWITH BRIDGE

Ambleside 3 miles; Grasmere 3 miles.

Skelwith Bridge is located in the very heart of the Lake District at the foot of the Langdale Valley. Grasmere, Ambleside and Lake Windermere are all located within three miles of this picturesque hamlet. The small village of Elterwater with its English Lake District Inn is just a twenty minute walk passing Skelwith Force, a fifteen feet high waterfall where the River Brathay forces a passage through the rocks. Once a centre for the slate processing industry, it consists of a cluster of stone buildings by a picturesque bridge spanning the River Brathay. Today, hand-crafted articles can be purchased from the shop and cafe at ‘Chesters by the River’. The Skelwith Bridge Hotel and Talbot Pub, dating back to the 17th century sit in the centre of the hamlet. Nearby Grasmere is perhaps best known as the home of William Wordsworth, a place he once described as "The most loveliest spot that man hath found".

Please note this property has a zip link bed. This will be made as a twin by default. Please contact the call center should you wish it to be a super king.
This property only accepts Friday or Monday changeovers. Please note this upon booking as any non standard changeovers will not be accepted.

This property offers the following short breaks:

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Features

Reviews & Ratings

“This is a lovely property that we have stayed in previously and thoroughly enjoyed.”

“My wife and I have just returned from a week at Grass Ings with our two sons and their partners.”

“We had a lovely stay & really appreciated the amazing spot & house, plus gardens & river.”

“Grass Ings is probably the most lovely property we’ve ever stayed in.”

“Absolutely love this place.”

“A super property in a stunning location.”

“Grass Ings exceeded our expectations and we loved being there.”

“Excellent property.”

“Generally the house was great, as it was last year - warm, very comfortable in some pretty nasty weather conditions as appears to be the norm at Christmas nowadays!”

“Very good holiday accommodation.”

“Grass Ings is a premium property and we had a fabulous stay there.”

“Grass Ings is a lovely property, well kept, great facilities and in a beautiful location!”

“We had the most amazing week at grass ings , without doubt one of the nicest places we’ve stayed .”

“The house exceeded expectations in every way.”

“Absolutely superb accommodation and surroundings.”

“Fantastic cottage Such a beautiful location Very comfortable & well equipped ...”

“Our stay at Grass Ings was to celebrate a defered 60th family birthday.”

“Great house in a great location.”

“Slightly misleading re the tv as we thought it was a smart TVs and there was a satellite package but unfortunately not.”

“Excellent, high quality holiday let.”

“After a disappointing start - on arrival at the property I had to ring Sykes and was put on hold for about 40 minutes to arrange for someone to come and make up the beds in two bedrooms as they had been left in a mess.”

“Wonderful family time in a beautiful house with scenery that you would never tire of.”

“Loved this cottage - everything was perfect .”

“We had the best stay at Grass Ings cottage.”