Guests say
Yew Tree Farm in Coniston offers a charming and characterful stay, with many guests praising its historical features, stunning setting, and the warm hospitality of hosts Jon and Jo. The property's connection to Beatrix Potter and the delightful farm animals add to its appeal. While some guests encountered issues with cleanliness and maintenance, the overall experience is often described as magical and unique, with many looking forward to returning.
Cleanliness received mixed feedback. Some guests found the property to be lacking in this area, mentioning unclean kitchenware and issues with wasps. However, others described the property as clean and exceptionally warm, suggesting variability in experiences.
The location is highly praised for its tranquillity, stunning scenery, and proximity to local attractions and walks. Guests appreciated the ability to explore the Lake District from the doorstep, making it an ideal base for nature enthusiasts.
Comfort is generally well-regarded, with guests finding the beds comfortable and the property warm, especially with the open fires. Some mentioned the charm of the property's period character and furnishings, although a few noted the inconvenience of low beams.
Facilities are appreciated for their historical charm and modern touches, such as the hot tub. However, there were comments about the need for better kitchen equipment and issues with Wi-Fi and TV services. The presence of a working farm added to the experience for many.
Thoughtfulness is evident in the hosts' hospitality, with mentions of a warm welcome and occasional gifts such as wine and flowers, which, while delightful, are not guaranteed for every stay. The Herdwick Experience and farm produce also reflect the hosts' consideration for guests.
About this property
This Grade II listed farmhouse is nestled in a quiet Coniston valley and is one of the most well known and most pictured buildings in the Lake District. Once owned by Beatrix Potter, Yew Tree Farm has been used as Miss Potter’s home in the film ‘Miss Potter’ and has been visited by many celebrities over the years, including Emma Thompson and even The Queen visited the farm on her last visit to the Lakes. With the original farmhouse dating back to the early 17th century, it really does exude character with a number of period features and antique pieces including some of Beatrix Potter’s own furniture.
You enter the property into the panelled hallway with the sitting room to one side and the dining room opposite, furnished with one of Beatrix Potter’s own dining table which was once her own tea shop! Moving through the cottage, to the rear is renovated, well-equipped kitchen, filled with useful appliances and amenities for all of your culinary requirements, including a fridge with freezer compartment, oven and a dishwasher, as well as laundry facilities for added convenience. The magnificent period oak staircase features 250 year old panelling and leads to the three charmingly comfortable bedrooms each with feature bespoke beds and fine period décor.
Here you will find a four-poster double room with adjacent bathroom, a twin room with feature panelling and en-suite, while the master bedroom, with its pitched ceiling and cruck beams has a king-size four poster bed with a contemporary en-suite. Outside you can enjoy the atmosphere of the working farm whilst Yew Tree Farm has its own enclosed garden as well as a further patio area to the side where you can barbecue and pamper yourself in your own private hot tub. Enjoy spending time on Coniston Water, whether you are trying a new activity like kayaking or canoeing, or simply relaxing as you sail along the waters on the Steam Yacht Gondolda run by the National Trust, taking in the sights and sounds of the Lakes.
Those avid walkers can embark on a route leading to Old Man of Coniston, a sizeable peak, right from the doorstep, starting off in the village and climbing through old quarry workings, before reaching the summit where there are some superb views of the village to be admired. Futher afield venture into Ambleside, a bustling town that marks the head of Lake Windermere, you can visit the Ambleside Roman Fort, see the Stock Hill Force waterfall, or from here take a Windermere cruiser down to Windermere itself where you can find the fascinating World of Beatrix Potter. This picturesque escape promises a getaway to remember, whatever time of year.
Nestling at the head of Coniston Water, the pretty village of Coniston is surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the Lake District National Park, making it a superb base for touring, with Hawkshead, Ambleside, Windermere and Grasmere just a short drive away. Superb walking, mountain biking and climbing are available locally on Coniston Old Man and Wetherlam, and the lovely woodland trails at Grizedale Forest. For watersports enthusiasts, the quiet lake is ideal for dinghy sailing and canoeing, whilst the less active can enjoy a leisure cruise on the beautiful steam yacht 'Gondola’, or visit Brantwood, the former home of John Ruskin. Nearby attractions include the award-winning village of Hawkshead, home of the Beatrix Potter Gallery, Tarn Hows, one of the most visited beauty spots in the country and Esthwaite Water, famous for its fishing. A first class holiday location at any time of the year.
Accommodation
Three bedrooms: 1 x king-size with en-suite shower, basin and WC, 1 x four-poster double, 1 x twin with en-suite shower, basin and WC.
Bathroom with corner bath, basin and WC.
Kitchen.
Dining room.
Sitting room with open fire
Oil central heating with open fire.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, TV with DVD player, CD player with iPod dock, WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Shared washing machine & tumble dryer.
Travel cot and highchair available on request.
Off-road parking available.
Private decked area with hot tub.
Two pets welcome.
Sorry, no smoking
Nearby points of interest
- Beatrix Potter Gallery, Hawkshead
- Hawkshead Grammar School Museum
- Hayes Garden World Ambleside
- The World of Beatrix Potter
- Lakes Aquarium
- Lakeland Motor Museum
- Esthwaite Water
- Lake District National Park
- Lake Windermere
- Church of St Olaf
Reviews (59)
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Vanessa
. The cottage is situated in an area of outstanding beauty . We enjoyed soaking up the Beatrix Potter Experience! We did struggle with the fire in the lounge all week as it was difficult to keep it going..once lighted. We cooked a roast but struggled with the utensils as some were broken .. ( when we arrived there was dog poo left on the wall by previous guests as you walked to the hot tub which was disappointing) Think cleaner needs to check the area before change over . The best part of the holiday was taking part in the Herdwick Experience.. Thank you so much Jo! We plan to return.. A big thank you so much for a memorable holiday ..
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Ian
First impressions on walking on were akin to going back in time. Very comfortable beds and lush bedding, the cottage boasted 3 lovely bathrooms - the double person bath was excellent. The hot tub was welcome after a long day on the fells and was lovely and hot. Watching the birds feed outside the dining room was also a lovely way to spend breakfast, not forgetting the cats and dogs visiting for a fussing! The location was very handy, the walk to coniston was very pleasant where there were a couple of nice pubs and of course the Ruskin Museum home to Bluebird. Also serves as a great base for doing all the high peeks in the area and Tarn how's opposite for those recovery chill days. My only criticism is the standard of the kitchen, the dishwasher was a bit hard to open and the crockery and cooking utensils could do with a refresh and refinement. A large cafetiere or coffee machine and perhaps plastic cups for using around the hot tub area would also be welcome. Otherwise a magical stay and look forward to returning next year.
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Bryan
Absolutely quintessential English farm cottage retaining its historic charm and character in a breathtaking setting. The fact that it is still situated on a working farm only adds to the experience. Jo and John, the farmers, were wonderfully hospitable, including a welcoming note and bottle of wine. The various farm dogs and cats, particularly Tom the black-and-white cat, took us in like family. Very convenient to the local village of Coniston, which has all the essentials we needed: an outstanding independent wine shop, Bottles & Brews; a co-op for all grocery needs; several excellent pubs; and a petrol station well stocked with firewood for the two open fires. Then also very easy drive to nearby Ambleside, Grasmere, and Windermere, and a beautiful trek farther afield to Keswick. Also convenient to several nearby fells (Holme for an easy warm-up and, of course, Old Man of Coniston). I must also recommend nearby Graythwaite Estate for archery and clay pigeon shooting. Our guide, Simon, was absolutely delightful and great with our children. Canât recommend him enough. Already looking forward to a return visit.