Large Cottages In The Lake District To Rent

Alasdair - verified booking

"Location was superb. Easy walk down to the shops, cafes and river of Pooley Bridge, and the ferry terminal. Easy car access to much of that area of the Lake District. The view from the kitchen door is superb, and the one from the sitting room and dining room is OK.The exterior is nothing to write home about. Indeed, the outside area is virtually non-existent. The front is a tiny patch of paving slabs with a few shrubs and a bench (with a little step in front of it, not a big drop as they seemed so keen to warn us about in the listing). Other than that there is the tarmac drive and a bare paving slab path squeezing along the side to a hard area at the back for hanging out laundry, all surrounded by a shabby, falling-down fence. Previous visitors have obviously also come expecting space for children to run around and play, which has led to a big sign near the door warning not to play on the road or anywhere else other than the village sports field behind one of the pubs. This was fine for us given the weather, but I feel it is worth warning people who are attracted by the bunk beds into thinking it is perfect for children.It was possible to get a good wind through the bungalow, which was wonderful in the heatwave we were experiencing.The interior is very dated, to be polite. Actually, it is old enough to give the feel of being dirty and grubby even though it was actually clean. The free-standing fridge behind the kitchen door led to many collisions as opening the fridge door blocked the opening of the door to the rest of the house. The en-suite furnishings were a depressing brown and the majority of furniture throughout looked like a mismatch of things picked up in cheap auctions. The beds in the twin room were seriously uncomfortable, leaving me with back pain every morning (and this from someone who is happy camping). The shower in the main bathroom had the knob on backwards; I spent a very long time trying to work out why it was running cold before I found it mentioned in the visitors' book by a previous holiday-maker.Only one small roll of toilet paper was left in each bathroom, so you should remember to bring your own. Similarly, be prepared with your own cooking oil and all other kitchen staples.In summary, it is in a good location for visiting that part of the Lakes, but you'll want to spend as little time in the actual bungalow as possible."

Paul - verified booking

"The cottage was clean & tidy on our arrival. However, the cottage could do with some refurbishment and I for one would be prepared to pay more for that privilege. The bathroom was a huge waste of valuable bedroom space and could be made en-suite very easily. The shower over the bath could disappear and a proper shower cubicle could easily fit in the bathroom. The furniture in all the bedrooms was basic and in need of renewal.Not sure what you could do about it but the stairs to the top floor were difficult and dangerous. There is a need for a downstairs W.C. The property is meant for 7 people so this is not an unreasonable expectation. Lounge was adequate but the kitchen could do with a total refurbishment. The cooker top does its own thing (being electric) and the oven is untameable. I have got used to much better quality accommodation and was disappointed with this cottage. Myself and my family will not be back here until it has been refurbished. I'm sorry if this sounds offensive, - it is not meant to be but I believe that it is better to be honest. A lick of more inviting colour on the outside window and door frames would do much to lift the kerb appeal. The photographs on line flatter the property. Location is good and this would encourage a return stay if/when the property is refurbished. Housekeeping could be more diligent as we found three broken glasses hidden in the utility room - on a window ledge which is below counter height, beneath pile of tea towels. We were lucky not to injure ourselves on these. Fortunately, the beauty of the area was undiminished by the sub standard accomodation."

Val - verified booking

"Generally good holiday property for a large party, good space, furnishings and equipment.Too close to a noisy busy road, which meant sitting outside in the small garden area was not pleasant, so we moved the garden furniture to the front, which worked, although it was not private from other residents at The Terrace. It was also noisy during the night and particularly in the morning, for people who were sleeping on that side of the house.Major irritation was the cleaning team! When some of our party arrived early and wanted to park at the property, they were told that the parking spaces wouldn't be available until 4pm and that their cars would be in the way. This might be acceptable, if it wasn't for the fact that on the day of departure, when our departure time was 10am, some of the cleaning/maintenance team arrived before 9am. One parked his van right in front of the cottage, in a space we had intended to use for loading one of our vehicles. He then sat in the van and stared into the front door watching as we all moved around loading our vehicles. Eventually he sat at the table outside the front, and other cleaning people arrived early also. It felt like vultures were swirling overhead waiting for us to go, and definitely spoiled the last hour of our visit. When we were saying goodbye to other family members at 10am, people who we wouldn't see for another year, they were already in the house and stripping the beds."

Susanna - verified booking

"A great located bungalow for getting to Keswick, out in the hills and Derwent Marina. The decor is very old fashioned and there is a musty smell to the house but once you get over that the lay out and space is great for storing kit etc. Cleanliness was an issue, mold on the walls in the Master bedroom, glasses that needed cleaning before use! With a little updating this could be a fantastic property, we would stay again due to its location and layout but it does need updating. Wi-fi would also be a bonus (but it is clear that the house doesn’t have this when we booked). The ‘Chalet’ Cafe in Portinscale which is in walking distance is fantastic and a great amenitie to have so close by."

Ellie - verified booking

"Absolutely fantastic house. Spotlessly clean, super modern and renovated to a really high standard. Very cosy (we only needed the heating on downstairs and the whole house stayed warm). Right in the centre of Ambleside but not aware of noise from traffic either during the day or at night. Bathrooms were especially lovely. Car park right across the street and permits provided. Front entrance up steps but back entrance up a slope so could get the pram in and out easily. Loads of equipment provided for cooking. Only tiny downside was no downstairs loo (but that’s just because we are used to one and a bit lazy!) and internet was a little bit intermittent. Otherwise no faults at all."