Guests say
Brunt How is a well-loved cottage in Cumbria, praised for its stunning views, spacious and elegant rooms, and peaceful location. Guests have enjoyed the beautiful gardens, local walks, and the property's proximity to attractions. While some minor maintenance issues and cleanliness points were raised, the overall experience has been positive, with many guests expressing a desire to return.
The property generally meets cleanliness expectations, with clean bedrooms and bathrooms noted. However, some guests reported a 'wet dog' smell, dirty skirtings, and cobwebs, suggesting the need for deeper periodic cleaning, especially considering pet-friendly policies.
The location is highly praised for its quietness, proximity to local attractions, and stunning views. It serves as a comfortable base for exploring the Lake District, with easy access to walks and nearby towns.
Guests find the property comfortable, with large rooms and comfy beds contributing to a restorative stay. Some concerns were raised about specific beds and the need for blackout curtains, but overall comfort levels are high.
Facilities are generally well-received, with a well-equipped kitchen and generous living spaces. However, issues with plumbing, electricals, and maintenance of items like the dishwasher and TV have been noted, affecting the score.
While guests appreciate the well-stocked kitchen and the property's charm, there is no mention of gifts or special touches that would indicate thoughtfulness from the hosts. Therefore, this score cannot be provided.
About this property
Set in a peaceful and elevated position within the Langdale Valley on the outskirts of Skelwith Bridge, you will find this magnificent stone dwelling. A spacious and pet-friendly property, Brunt How is sure to add a touch of luxury to any self-catering stay, making this a superb choice for your next group getaway to the Lake District. Step inside the grand dining room and admire the charm and character of the decorative beam ceilings. Continue through to the quaint yet well-equipped kitchen featuring a plethora of appliances such as a sleek built-in oven and electric hob – sure to inspire some good home-cooking. A warm and welcoming sitting room has been wonderfully appointed with two chic chesterfield sofas, an ornate woodburner and a contemporary TV, an ideal setting to relax and unwind in at the end of a fun-filled day exploring the encompassing fells. Climb the staircase up to the first floor and be welcomed into a gorgeous king-size bedroom boasting a beautiful mahogany sleigh bed and two inviting armchairs, from which to enjoy views across the River Brathay, and a fabulous en-suite bathroom with sophisticated wall-to-floor tiling where you can indulge in a moment to yourself as you soak up your muscles with a long afternoon bath. A large family bedroom decorated with pretty yellow hues and pastel blue accents can be found hosting two single beds with two additional pull-out truckles, as well as a handy en-suite shower room. Across the way a tranquil twin hosts two single beds with crisp white bedding, offering up the perfect space for tucking in the children as you send them off to sleep with their favourite bed time story. Completing this floor is a well-designed family bathroom, home to a roomy P-shaped bath with an overhead shower, providing guests with the option of a quick morning rinse or a more luxurious dip in the tub. Make the most of warmer climates with evenings spent lounging on the well-manicured lawns in the sloping back garden, or delighting in a refreshing glass of wine with friends out on the front patio. Resting to the rear of the property, Loughrigg Fell makes for an unforgettable day in the great outdoors, filled with exciting off-beaten tracks and scenic hiking routes all waiting to be explored. A pleasant walk away, the centre of Skelwith Bridge is complemented by a quintessential café serving takeaways and a charming country bar where you can delight in a pint with the locals. Here you will also find the cascading waterfall of Skelwith Force and the pretty Trevor Woodburn Bridge. The neighbouring town of Ambleside offers a good selection of shops and restaurants, as well as making a great setting off point for a walk through the wonderful woodlands that surround the mesmerising Stock Ghyll Force. Head to Rydal to explore the enchanting cave or step back in time at Rydal Mount and Gardens and Wordsworth Grasmere, the former homes of English Poet William Wordsworth exhibiting his famous works. Spend the afternoon at excellent attraction of Brockhole on Windermere, or cross the lake to the west shore and uncover the incredible fortress of Wray Castle. Travel to Kendal to tour the 14th century bulwark of Sizergh Castle, or take a scenic car journey down to Milnthorpe for a day at the Lakeland Wildlife Oasis. Embark on a cruise along Lake Windermere or visit the village of Conniston for a trip on the National Trust owned Steam Yacht Gondola, before wandering the halls of the captivating Ruskin Museum. Learn all about the famous Author Beatrix Potter at her former residence of Hill Top or at the popular World of Beatrix Potter attraction, with all of your favourite characters such as Peter Rabbit. There’s much fun to be had with your loved ones on a magical family holiday to Brunt How.
Lying at the northern tip of Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, Ambleside makes a superb base for touring the central Lakes, with Grasmere and the Langdale Valley just a short drive away. There is plenty to do here - cruises, boat trips and watersports on Lake Windermere itself and numerous shops, restaurants and pubs in the village to suit all tastes. On the lakeside at Waterhead, the parkland offers lovely views down the lake and a short stretch of beach, whilst a walk in the other direction, following Stock Ghyll through woodland, will bring you to the entrancing waterfall of Stock Ghyll Force. Along with the Lake and the great walking on offer, Ambleside is also famous for its annual rushbearing ceremony and the diminutive 17th century “Bridge House” - one of the most photographed buildings in the Lake District and now the National Trust Information Centre.
Accommodation
Highly Commended Four Star property.
Three bedrooms: 1 x king-size with en-suite bath, shower over, basin and WC, 1 x family room with 1x Super King size zip link bed and 1x single bed with en-suite shower, basin and WC, 1 x twin.
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin, heated towel rail and WC.
Utility/cloakroom with basin and WC.
Kitchen/diner.
Dining room.
Sitting room with woodburner
Oil fired central heating with 1 x log burners.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer, dishwasher, HiFi System with IPod docking station, TV with Blu-ray Player, WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Travel cot and highchair available upon request.
Off-road parking for two cars.
Enclosed front patio and sloping lawned gardens to the rear with outdoor seating area.
Use of the greenhouse with table tennis.
One well-behaved dog welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
No stag or hen parties
Nearby points of interest
- Hayes Garden World Ambleside
- Beatrix Potter Gallery, Hawkshead
- Hawkshead Grammar School Museum
- The World of Beatrix Potter
- Lakes Aquarium
- Esthwaite Water
- Lake District National Park
- Lake Windermere
- Wastwater Lake
- Church of St Olaf
Reviews (21)
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Mark
Very well situated close to Ambleside with wonderful walks striaght out of the house. It's also very well placed to get to the more adventourous hills in the Langdale valley. We felt like welcome guests of the family who owns the property with their photos on the walls and a good supply of kitchen essentials. Kitchen just a little small in comparison to all the big rooms - but only a problem if you want to do lots of cooking!
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Pauline
Comfortable, extremely clean and a well stocked kitchen ( a few more baking trays might be helpful ) beautiful views in a very quiet and secluded location. The elegant rooms are large with high ceilings and traditional details. When the week came to an end we were extremely sad to leave our home from home. A top class residence.
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Peter
While the house and gardens are wonderful, the furnishings have become shabby. The quilt cover is stained in the main bedroom, lounge chairs have their stuffing escaping from torn arms, carpets in need of cleaning. Flys in bed 1 window casement that come into the room in their 100âs if you want to air the room. We love this house but would like to hear that the owners are planning to update the ageing furnishings. Just a suggestion, could the property provide a clothes horse so washing and damp coats could be dried without having to use the tumbler?