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"We were not left a welcome pack, we were left goodies, which we appreciated and a postcard but no information, so were unable to access the WiFi and had no extra information on the house, how things work, recycling, rubbish collection, what was expected of us on departure."
As we could not get into the house until after 5pm on the Saturday of a bank holiday weekend we could not get hold of anybody to help. Eventually, I spoke to someone on the Bank Holiday Monday, explained the situation, he contacted the person who looks after the house. When he came back to us he said that he could not get someone out to us on that Monday, but to leave the house key in the key safe and someone would be in on the Tuesday. We left the key as directed but nobody came to help. Disappointed with this but did not want to waste any more time on this inconvenience.
In all the house was brilliant, ideal for our needs size wise, great setting for our visit. We’re a little disappointed that we book and pay for 7 days, but can’t get in until 5pm, which meant too late to contact anyone to resolve problems, and then have to out of the property by 9am on the leaving day.
Other than that a great time was had by all and we loved the property and it’s setting
Reviewed by Catherine4.0★May 2026
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"Lovely house."
Spacious and great to have four bathrooms. There was lots of crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils. Enough cups and mugs to fill the dishwasher. Contrary to some of the reviews basic cleaning products were present - washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets, washing up clothes, sponges and tea towels. Also some tablets for the washing machine. Enough logs to keep us going to a week. Beds very comfy with nice cotton sheets and comfy pillows. Super location. Nice to have couple of bottles of wine and beer and some preserves. Nicest rental we have had.
Reviewed by David5.0★Apr 2026
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"We are very grateful to the owner for allowing us the opportunity to spend a short time in a very nice warm house in a great location."
Our Winter walking group is already considering returning to The Vicarage. The comments below are intended to potentially help future guests (but I would suggest not publishing these, as they are just suggestions)
- a bit more kindling for the log burners would be helpful
- we temporarily changed a light bulb in one of the main lounge standard lamps to a brighter one, quite difficult to read otherwise
- has the owner considered a small table in the kitchen?
Reviewed by Adam5.0★Feb 2026
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"Outstanding property in all respects high quality fixture’s furnishings space ..."
Outstanding property in all respects high quality fixture’s furnishings space and ambience
Without doubt one of the best holiday let’s we have ever stayed in
Reviewed by Dean5.0★Nov 2025
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"A really well refurbished house to a very top quality and well equipped ."
Plenty of room for the 7 of us. It’s in a lovely peaceful spot with a great pub nearby.
Nice grounds and good room for 3/4 cars if needed.
Like others , our only preference would be for an earlier check in and later check out but we do understand it’s BIG house to clean and turnaround in one day and it was very well prepared. It wouldn’t stop us coming again.
Thankyou
Reviewed by Annie5.0★Oct 2025
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"This is a stunning property and one of the best we've stayed in - a lovingly restored/renovated, spacious, clean, luxurious, house ('home' is a more accurate description) with well-equipped kitchen (including a cafetiere for coffee-lovers), plenty of room to spread out and relax, extensive outdoor grounds, all nestled between the majestic Fells."
There are many, varied walks from the house as well as being within easy reach off Keswick, Ullswater, Thirlmere, Bassenthwaite, Buttermere, Derwent and Crannock Waters. The local bus service is excellent and impressive! We enjoyed a gourmet dinner at the Royal Oak in Rosthwaite village and a more informal, pub-style meal at The Yew Tree Inn.
Thank you for the welcome pack of wine, local beer and produce which was much appreciated!
Reviewed by Dawn5.0★Sep 2025
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"Beautiful , thoughtful renovation ."
An exceptional rental property. Only shortcoming was the lack of very basic foodstuffs . Salt and pepper , Olive oil would not be too much to ask for . Similarly kitchen cleaning equipment was in short supply kitchen towels , cloths etc .
Reviewed by Martin5.0★Aug 2025
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"I would have appreciated a hand held shower head I hate rain showers which are awful for short people like myself and all the shower cubicles only had rain showers."
We had no central heating for the first 4 days when storm Floris hit with low temperatures high winds and rainfall. No instructions how to turn it on we eventually got it on briefly by trial and error but by then the cold weather passed over. Otherwise property superb and beautifully presented. Decor tastefully done and of a high standard. With the exception of my first two comments above I would say that the property is wonderful and worth the high end price. The kitchen very well equipped. The lounges well presented and comfortable but the lighting in the main open plan living area very dim making it difficult to read or do craftwork in the dark stormy weather. Could you supply a couple of spot lamps for this? Position of the house magnificent I would consider returning despite the shortcomings I have mentioned above which would be quite easy to eliminate. Overall a superb and beautiful place and your efforts to bring it back to life are to be praised. Having visited Borrowdale for over 40 years I can remember how it used to be!! Well done
Reviewed by Janine4.0★Aug 2025
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"We returned to the Vicarage after a wonderful week's holiday here last year."
I had wondered whether we would still find it as good as we remembered - and it was! Plenty of space for eight, and although our weather wasn't as good as last year we still made good use of the outdoor eating areas. An amazing supply of dry wood (and firelighters) for all the outdoor and indoor woodburners ensured that we were comfortable even when the weather changed and the temperature dropped. The spacious boot room/laundry is such a bonus, plenty of space to leave boots, anoraks, rucksacks and other clutter, with a heated floor to dry everything.
Borrowdale is a lovely spot, with a rich variety of hill and lake walks for all ages, and making use of the regular (open topped) bus and the Derwentwater steamer meant we didn't always need to use the car. There are plenty of good places to eat nearby, from good pub food (Yew Tree) to fine dining (The Lodore).
Another memorable three generation family holiday here for us.....will we book it for a third year......???
Reviewed by Jean5.0★Jul 2025
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"We stayed at the vicarage as my son was getting married in the village, it was the ideal base."
The house is immaculate and all furnishings a very high standard with lots of nice detail.The weather was amazing so we made use of the outdoor area. My grandson loved running round the garden.
The vicarage is generally well equipped but I would like to suggest the addition of a cafetière. There is a pod machine with 7 pods provided. We were staying 10 days and coffee drinkers. Booth’s supermarket In Keswick didn’t stock the pods needed for the machine so we were unable to buy more for our stay. I had brought along a bag of ground coffee but couldn’t use it as no cafetierre
Reviewed by Paula5.0★Jun 2025
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"What an absolutely delightful property, we felt extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to spend a week here."
We really could not fault a thing. Perfect for families.
Reviewed by Clare5.0★Jun 2025
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"We stayed at the Vicarage for our annual family holiday - 6 adults and two children over three generations."
We've stayed in numerous lakes properties over the years but this definitely was one of the best. The house was very well appointed and comfortable, and the standard of cleanliness was exceptional. We really enjoyed the outdoor space and although we had one of the best week’s this year weather-wise we still had fun sitting around the log burner, with the sheepskins and warm rugs. Borrowdale is.a beautiful location for walking, wild swimming and cycling. We’ve already booked the Vicarage for next year!
Reviewed by Jean5.0★Jul 2024
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"Beautiful home in a beautiful location!"
Reviewed by Tom5.0★Jun 2024
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"Have left comments in the visitor book."
What was really nice about the property was all the little extras like the welcome pack, the torches, enough loo paper, the Herdwick fleeces for the benches, enough dishwasher tablets, the wool blankets, loads of wood (not just a starter pack) etc. Could have done with more bin bags! Absolutely perfect for us oldies and the best that we have stayed in over the years.
Reviewed by Richard5.0★Jun 2024
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"The house was in excellent condition and beautifully decorated."
lovely and warm. loved looking at the renovation photos you have both done a fabulous job.
the week went to quickly, lovely break until we met the cleaner. I packed 98% of the car the night before and was running a bit late 10 minutes as we have a 6 month old and our son who is 9 has type one diabetes.
she didn't even say good morning, just how long are you going to be as I have guests coming at 5pm. I said everything is out of the house and a few bags still in boot room. she said I am not coming in while your there. I said well that's up to you. so at 9.10am I put the bags on the wet paving slabs outside and she went in. couldn't even give our baby her breakfast so we did this I Keswick car park.
Reviewed by James5.0★Feb 2024
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"The Vicarage is a superb property."
It has everything one could possibly need. Very few properties live up to this standard. The beds are very comfortable. All the rooms are a decent size. I could go on, one of the best holiday homes ever.
The 9am exit is the only thing I would improve.
Reviewed by Moira5.0★Nov 2023
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"This is our second visit to the Vicarage (u left a review in the visitors book); it is wonderful in all respects."
In fact it is so amazing that none of our friends want to stay anywhere else when they next visit the Lakes!
Reviewed by Snoo5.0★Sep 2023
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"Beautiful property in a beautiful location."
The owners have worked really hard to provide a stunning home for holiday goers in the Lakes. The home is very well equipped throughout and expertly cleaned. We have been before and already booked again! A regular for us and I would highly recommend anybody else who has the opportunity to do the same, you will not be disappointed.
Reviewed by Paul5.0★Jul 2023
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"What a stunning property in a fantastic location, I could not fault anything at all."
I cannot wait to return, but concerned it will be fully booked up for years to come. This is a very special place and feel privileged to be able to rent the property for a holiday.
Reviewed by Alexander5.0★Jul 2023
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"Such a beautiful house in a stunning area."
It was immaculately clean when we arrived, with a generous welcome pack and message from the owners. It is very well equipped and there is plenty of space with comfortable beds and sofas to relax.
Reviewed by Hilary5.0★May 2023
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"What a wonderful property."
We thoroughly enjoyed our weekend here. We will definitely return at some point.
The master bedroom could do with a large mirror as it was quite dark as main light not central… and would benefit from an earlier check in/ later check out as it was a rush to get out… other than that perfect!
Reviewed by Helen5.0★Mar 2023
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"Beautifully presented, comfortable and spacious house."
A real treat for a relaxing Lakes holiday. Lots of walking and swimming options from the doorstep. Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Heidi5.0★Jan 2023
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"The Vicarage has been refurbished to an exceptionally high standard and is a credit to the owners…."
We really enjoyed our stay there and can thoroughly recommend it for small groups like ours.
Reviewed by Graham5.0★Jan 2023
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"Fantastic, clean, comfortable & well-equipped property in a great location."
We would definitely book again.
Reviewed by Kerry5.0★Dec 2022
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"We booked the Vicarage for Christmas 2022 and liked it so much that we booked to return at Easter."
It is just lovely. The level of cleanliness is the best I have ever experienced so kudos to whoever is responsible for that because it was perfect and we are very fussy!
Despite being a big house it is was never cold and always cosy. There is underfloor heating which keeps everywhere you go toasty. We took some cooking utensils with us for preparing the xmas dinner but we needn't have bothered as they provide absolutely everything you need. All the rooms were gorgeous with quality bedding and furnishing. The mattresses were such good quality that everyone had a good nights sleep. The views from every window were fabulous! I simply cannot fault this property.
There were walks right from the door. Keswick is around a 15 min drive so we were able to nip out for supplies easily. All in all I would highly recommend The Vicarage to anyone. For me it is a 10 out of 10.
Reviewed by Tracey5.0★Dec 2022
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"This is a stunning property."
Our family loved it so much we didn't want to leave! It was warm and festive during our December stay. Will be happy to book this again.
Reviewed by Erika5.0★Dec 2022
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"The Vicarage was perfect for a family get together, spacious, clean, warm and well equipped."
Our only complaint was the requirement to leave by 9.00 am which was pretty brutal! I can understand this during covid but have noticed it has been quietly retained by most providers.
Reviewed by Christopher5.0★Dec 2022
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"Delightful house in a super location with great walks from the door."
The facilities at the house were excellent and had a very well equipped kitchen. Lovely entrance/drying room area to leave outdoor gear which is very useful knowing the weather in the Lakes.
Highly recommend.
Reviewed by Jennifer5.0★Oct 2022
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"Beautiful property with great facilities."
We loved the layout, the quality of the rooms and en suites, the large lounge diner, the provision of firewood for the stoves and the separate boot room. We will definitely book again.
Reviewed by John5.0★Sep 2022
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"Beautiful house well equipped and so comfortable."
It was decorated to our taste and no expense was spared. Absolutely fabulous. The location was wonderful with stunning scenery. A bonus was having a bus stop on the door step into Keswick which took a lot of hassle out of having to get into the car and find parking. We had a truly fantastic holiday. Thank you.
Reviewed by Linda5.0★Jul 2022
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"The Vicarage is a stunning property and was beautifully clean with very thoughtful additions such as the sheepskins for outside sitting and the well-seasoned logs for burning which added hugely to our enjoyment."
Sykes Cottages, on the other hand, were not at all helpful, and actually caused unnecessary hassle, such as by sending an email saying that we needed to take oven gloves and tea towels, which, it turned out, were supplied. It was also very difficult to find out via Sykes if dishwasher tablets, etc, were supplied, and as a result we ended up packing all these sorts of things because we couldn't get accurate information about what we actually needed.
So, to sum up, thanks to the cleaner for a really thorough job and thanks to the owners for creating such a fantastic property, but no thanks to Sykes Cottages who bombard you with marketing emails but can't be bothered to answer any queries properly.
Thank you for your feedback, we provide everything that you would require for your stay in our house to start you off when you arrive at The Vicarage. I would love to welcome you back in the future.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Susan5.0★Jul 2022
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"At last we've discovered the perfect holiday property for a family!"
The Vicarage is extremely spacious, very well equipped, and tastefully decorated and furnished throughout. Add to that its wonderful location in the heart of Borrowdale - what more could you wish for?
Reviewed by Philip5.0★Jun 2022
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"My parents had a lovely time, due to illness myself and my husband couldn't go."
Sykes are incredibly unhelpful, I will never use them again, called with questions several weeks before trip, was told repeatedly I would be called back. No calls received
Asked 10 days in advance about changing dates due to illness, unsympathetic and unhelpful responses from bored staff. Their insurance is outrageously expensive.
Why can we not directly send a message to the owners like every other cottage rental company we have used?
Review from my parent's. House is beautiful, everything was well maintained, beds are amazingly comfortable. Outdoor seating area is absolutely fabulous, loved the entire property. Just one suggestion, after a 7 hour journey a couple of tea bags and pint of milk would have been a great addition (although they very much enjoyed the wines).
Reviewed by Lisa5.0★Jun 2022
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"It needs some bits of finish some common sense thinking re kitchen ..."
It needs some bits of finish some common sense thinking re kitchen storage-centre island but on the hole a fabulous stay
Reviewed by Malcolm5.0★May 2022
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"Beautiful, stylish house with lovely decor and facilities."
Lots of thought and love has gone into the house. We had good weather and used outdoor dining area which we loved. We had great walks from the property each day. We were 3 generations of the family and all agreed we would love to return.
Reviewed by Judith5.0★Apr 2022
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"Everything about The Vicarage was superb, the outside space was amazing, we’ve had a lovely holiday there"
Reviewed by Gillian5.0★Mar 2022
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"We had a fabulous week at the Vicarage - made extra special by 5 days of sunshine in early March (6 dry days out of 7 too!"
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The property was immaculate and so well thought out - we absolutely loved it! From the back issues of Trek with great local walk ideas, to the coffee machine in the kitchen!
The bedrooms and bathrooms were brilliant and the lounges really comfortable to relax after a long day in the mountains.
We might have to stay at a warmer time of year to enjoy the outdoor spaces next time.
Reviewed by Matt5.0★Mar 2022
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