Green Stile Cottage

We recently stayed at this Lake District cottage, drawn by its promise of a private, scenic location with a hot tub and high-end feel.

Overall, it is a beautiful spot in a stunning part of the Lakes, but the stay was marred by quite a few maintenance issues and small oversights that felt disappointing given the rental price. Arrival and first impressions The directions were clear and helpful, though the signage on the gate could be larger and more obvious. It would save drivers from having to stop and double-check. Access is via a shared driveway through the neighbour’s garden, with two manually operated gates. The driveway down to the property is narrow, uneven, and lined with trees and bushes, making it tricky to manoeuvre. There is advertised space for three cars, but turning even one around is challenging, two is just about doable, and three would require reversing uphill on what feels like an off-road track. We managed, but it was not relaxing. Upon entering, the cottage generally felt very clean, well-maintained, and fitted out to a good standard, with some lovely decorative touches like the coat hooks in the master suite and a fantastic shower unit. The bedding was fresh and clean, and we appreciated the basic cleaning pack provided. It is always a nice touch. There were blankets, games, books, and local attraction guides, which added to the welcoming feel. Furniture was suitable and in good repair, the TV and Wi-Fi worked fine (though signal is understandably limited upstairs in a stone cottage), and the showers were hot and powerful. These are basic things done right. Settling in and kitchen/living areas/bathrooms The kitchen had some issues that became apparent quickly. Only one roll of toilet paper was provided in one bathroom, with none in the other (outside). This was a surprising oversight for such a minor expense to the owner. One hand soap dispenser was broken (outside). The kettle was in need of descaling or replacement. Both frying pans were essentially destroyed, with Teflon flaking off badly, and utensils were limited. Knives had plastic handles that were flaking apart. Crockery included several chipped mugs, plates, and bowls that really should be replaced. The dishwasher performed intermittently, error-coding repeatedly and not cleaning properly. In the living area, plaster was falling off the wall near the door and curtain pole. The door to the conservatory or orangery jammed shut, and the door between the lobby and kitchen had dropped requiring adjustment. Both clocks had dead batteries. Light switches throughout felt oddly wired. They were either upside down or operating in the reverse direction to what is normal. The second double bedroom stood out negatively, with black mould around and near the shutters. This was concerning in a holiday let. Hot tub and outdoor experience The private location delivered fantastic views from the hot tub, with little traffic and a peaceful setting. The tub itself, however, was a little underwhelming. The jets were weak and clearly need servicing. There were no hooks for towels or robes, nowhere dry to place them, and no handy spot for a phone (for music) maybe install perhaps a small ledge above the light switch? We would have loved a tall table nearby for cups or cans (glass is not permitted). A pathway up to the hot tub would also be ideal. Even in flip-flops, walking across wet grass in the dark is not pleasant. If the privacy screen is closed, there is no way to retract it from inside, and no easy step around the corner post to reach the tub area. A small additional raised flagstone would solve this nicely. During the stay A neighbour was out servicing the garden and driveway around 4pm on both days. He was perfectly pleasant, but it is worth noting as that is often check-in time. Another neighbour appeared with a barking dog around 7 to 7:30am each morning. This is not controllable, but something light sleepers (or those with dogs) should be aware of. Departure and general notes No instructions were provided on what to do with the bedding at the end of the stay. We also were not sure where to dispose of dog poo bags. Clear guidance on that would help. In summary, the cottage has a lot going for it: a truly private and scenic spot, high overall cleanliness and quality in many areas, and thoughtful extras like games, books and guides. The views from the hot tub alone make it special. However, the accumulation of small-to-medium maintenance issues, worn kitchen items, and practical oversights detracted significantly from what could be a fantastic experience. A few cost effective targeted updates (new pans and crockery, servicing the hot tub, addressing mould, better driveway access info/signage, basic supplies like toilet paper and maybe some provisional kindling/wood) would elevate it considerably. We would hesitate to return in its current state but appreciate the potential which might make it seem better value for the price.

Lovely cottage, shower could have been cleaner, Outside area could have been a little tidier .

Hot tub was great and well maintained. I would definitely recommend book .

We stayed here for 3 nights on a girls pre Christmas weekend.

Location is very central and we walked into Windermere (about 40mins) The cottage is cozy and has everything you need. The hot tub was an added bonus. The beds were so so comfy and the shower powerful. Great weekend ❤️

We were only able to use the hot tub twice the whole stay - and each time it was cold.

We read the information provided in order to try and increase the temperature , and also contacted customer services although no answer each time - we just gave up in the end which was quite disappointing given this was an attractive feature when booking. Also the outside toilet was absolutely not usable due to how unclean it was. Apart from that the stay was ok - but don't think we would return in the future

The property was difficult to find and the information sent suggests what3words but did not say it was necessary.

After a long journey I expect a welcome pack of tea,coffee and milk as a minimum but there was nothing so I had to go back out The cottage although dog friendly had not washed the cushions or blankets in the front room which smelt The dishwasher was full of dishes and food, plus the beds were quite uncomfortable The best bits was the location,garden and hot tub. For the price of £730 for 4 days I am very disappointed and would suggest as a minimum put tea coffee and milk as a welcome for travellers

Lovely cottage, very peaceful, comfortable and relaxing.

Was a bit unclean, conservatory had dead flies all over the floor. There was a dressing gown hanging from the curtain rail in living room and curtains need reattaching. Feel it lacks a few home comforts like tea and coffee, soap. The bushes to the gate need trimming it's very hard to get in and out of your car The beds were comfortable, lovely and spacious. Garden is lovely. Hot tub was great. We had a lovely time.

Perfect!

Check in/out - both easy. Arrived to a beautifully clean property. Perfect for our girls weekend. This is also suitable for a family. Will definitely re book. Gorgeous views from hot tub & well maintained.

Lovely stay - cottage was beautiful, comfortable and the hot tub especially was brilliant!

Struggled a little with cooking in the kitchen - a little more equipment would have been helpful: things like a large mixing bowl, wooden spoons, a bread knife and a weighing scale. Other than that the stay was absolutely perfect, we're hoping to book again next year and would recommend to anyone.

We enjoyed our stay, beds were clean and comfy the cottage was peaceful and quiet.

It was nice to just relax and we were spoiled by the lovely weather. The hot tub was a nice feature although not the most powerful. It was great to sit in and enjoy the views. There were a few issues and I must reiterate that it did not spoil our stay. The bins were overflowing with rubbish and dishwasher was broken when we arrived. The customer care team did their best however the dishwasher could not be repaired while we were there. The wine fridge also broke down (although not being used, therefore the team came out and switched it off, they also took away 1 full bin, emptied it and bought it back) I think putting in the information booklet about bins and they should be taken up the drive to be emptied would be a big help. There was also no hairdryer I'm not sure if its provided or not. Most hotels/holiday lets supply them and lastly the top of the driveway leading to the road, the bushes are quite overgrown on one side and you have to 'take a leap of faith' when pulling out. I would suggest arrange to have them cut back or position a turning mirror across the road from the drive to allow for a safer exit.

We had a lovely time at the cottage.

It was lovely and clean, luxurious towels, well decorated, great heating and hot water and WiFi. The hot tub was brilliant, clean, hot, well lit and much closer to the house than it looks in the pictures. It was lovely to have a good amount of fuel in the ‘starter’ pack for the fire. It makes such a difference to be able to a one nights fire fully catered for. Things like this and more than one toilet roll just makes it feel like the owners aren’t stingy! The only downside is that the driveway is quite hard to turn in. We were in a big Range Rover though! Thank you very much for a truly wonderful stay. Highly recommend

This is a pleasant well situated cottage, clean and warm but I question its five tickr rating.

As a veteran of dozens of holiday cottages I think the hot tub has swayed you to give a five star rating to an otherwise fairly standard premises with a rustic living room with a log burner with broken glass which you are encouraged not to use. The kitchen is not particularly well equipped, The living room lighting is either bold clinical white or dark as inadequate lighting is provided, The lighting in the bathroom is not working properly and for a cottage sleeping five a single bathroom is not adequate and the external unheated toilet needs some TLC. In all a pleasant stay in a well situated cottage but not five ticks. Needs revision

Great property,clean ,warm and welcoming.

We had a fantastic couple of days at the cottage.

It is in a great location. It was exactly as described on the website. It was very comfortable, cosy and clean. The hot tub was brilliant too. We have recommended to our family and friends and hope to stay again one day soon.

Wonderful cottage and fantastic location.

Comfortable beds and loads of towels which was handy with having the hot tub there, which was also great. Perfect for exploring the Lakes, close to Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside, with Hawkshead close by too via the car ferry. The WiFi and Smart TV worked well, which was helpful to entertain the kids whilst cooking dinner. Kitchen is small but has everything you’d need if you don’t want to eat out everyday. Modern bathroom with a great shower. Only slight negative was that the website says dogs are allowed but when booking, it turns out they aren’t, so the website needs updating. Perfect cottage for the Lakes, we’ll definitely be back.

Green Stile is a lovely cottage with great facilities, well finished and very homely.

I was specifically looking for somewhere with a hot tub and it makes a special extra touch. Would definitely stay again and recommend to anyone looking for somewhere to stay nearby to the amenities of Bowness but sufficiently rural for a peaceful and relaxing stay.

Excellent response when we had heating and hot water issues.

Shrubs on the driveway could do with being cut back.

Brilliant family holiday.

Superb cottage very clean and comfortable.Hot tub was ready for use on arrival . Thoroughly enjoyed it!

Outstanding!

!! Everything we expected plus so much more

We really enjoyed our stay at Greenstile Cottage.

I was a little apprehensive booking it due to a small number of critical reviews, but our experience was fine. Nice little cottage in a great location, a short drive from Bowness (Although finding parking when you get there is another matter!) and Windermere. The cottage is perfectly fine for a family holiday with the highlights being the hot tub and the conservatory which my partially sighted partner in particular loved because it's nice and bright. It did take me a few days to get used to some the low doorways, I did manage to hit my head a few times before I remembered to duck, but that's period properties! A few ideas to make things even better...somewhere to put the shower gel or soap in the shower, picking up a slippery bar of soap off the floor can be tricky! Fix the refrigerator door to the outer cabinet door, as at the moment you have to open the fridge from the top, and our little people couldn't reach! Finally, a little thing, a wooden spoon or spatula for the kitchen for those self caterers who cook! Loved it, would we stay again, definitely!

Gorgeous cottage.

The house is comfortable and spacious. It had everything we could have needed. There is a massive smart TV with comfortable sofas. The bedrooms were a good size and beds were comfortable. The garden was so beautiful with patches of wild flowers and stunning views. The hot tub was an absolute highlight and fit four adults inside with space to spare. Can't wait to go back!

Great Location & Hot Tub.

Poor Maintenance POSITIVES: great rural location near Bowness, lovely garden with hot tub overlooking valley, light conservatory dining room, cosy living room, well planned small kitchen, good shower NEGATIVES: - Maintenance: our holiday was marred by constant issues including no running water for a day (water was delivered to us, but no showers were possible), heated towel rail not working, no light in outbuildings or hallway (bulbs?), hot tub privacy screen not retracting, electric car recharger not working on last day, plug in bathroom sink not holding water, wardrobe drawer knob unattached, mixing bowl cracked…. - Sykes. It was difficult to speak to the staff as we always got the message “we are experiencing longer than normal wait times”. They offered to resolve the maintenance problems but we didn’t want the inconvenience and hassle of tradesmen calling during our stay (had to for the water problem). - Cleanliness: Outside and outbuildings not swept/cleaned and no outside broom to do it. Bathroom dusty. - Bedrooms: 2nd bedroom mattress ‘saggy’. All duvets too thick for summer - Intrusive neighbour: male on driveway (said owns) near house, and dog barked at us in hot tub and in conservatory (was called back). OTHER - Garden Furniture: Sykes incorrectly told us there were none. There is a table, umbrella, 6 chairs (some arms rusty) and 2 reclining chairs. We wasted precious car boot space taking our 2 Fishermen’s chairs. Not provided: bread knife, measuring jug, butter dish, biscuit/cake tin, plastic picnic-ware (especially glasses for hot tub), kitchen scales, oven gloves, thin kitchen hand-towel, laundry basket, clothes airer/line for swimwear, outdoor broom

Green Stiles cottage was gorgeous.

The house is very comfortable and tastefully decorated. It had everything we could have needed. There is a beautiful conservatory where we ate our meals (when we weren’t eating in the garden as the weather was fantastic). There’s a massive smart TV with very comfy sofas. The bedrooms were a good size and beds were comfortable. The garden was just so beautiful with patches of wild flowers and stunning views. Our kids played in it for hours. The hot tub was an absolute highlight of the stay, especially during sunset. The house was perfectly situated for us to spend lots of time on Windermere and do lots of local walks around Ambleside, Tarns Hows, Rydal Water etc. We had a slight issue one day and it was fixed really quickly with good communication. Can’t wait to go back!

We had consistent problems with the hot tub during our stay.

It failed to hold temperature and only on one night was it at an acceptable warm temperature. There were frequent error codes and a visit by an engineer just resulted in a work around - putting on the jets. Not an option when you are out all day and come back to find it's at 18 degrees. This is a great shame because in all other respects the cottage is excellent.

So not seeing the comments, I didn’t realise the hot tub wasn’t working.

However and thankfully as and engineer, I fixed the horrible and got to enjoy on the last night.. So as of 15th feb the place is fully fictional :-)

Wonderful cottage, quiet and quaint as advertised, lovely to get in front of a lovely log burner after wet and windy walks.

Would love to return and defiantly recommend to anyone else looking at this property. Geordie

Lovely clean cottage.

Vews are absolutely lovely everything from home to home provided .Hot tub with views top notch .Definitely be back soon .

AVOID!

!! This cottage had no hot water for 80% of the time we were there. Only on the last day could I have a shower in the morning. The driveway is particularly treacherous in cold conditions. There was no warning given or solutions offered. The plumber that eventually visited to fix the water informed me that the pipes were not adequately insulated when they added the hot tub to the property so they froze at just below zero. No compensation was offered in spite of not being able to wash for 3 days, hours were wasted on a holiday dealing with a problem to the property. Our parents had to reduce the length of time they could stay at the parents, it was uncomfortable for my child who I couldn't wash properly. No one wanted to use the hot tub because of the inability to wash the chemicals off after use. The owner blamed adverse weather conditions on the problem, but the weather was cold but normal for that time of the year, and very typical for what can be expected in January and February.

Lovely cottage in a great location for exploring the lakes.

The hot tub has a beautiful view and was wonderful after a long day of walking! We had a brilliant, relaxing, peaceful stay. Would recommend the walk to Brant Fell, the ferry to Claife heights, the steam train to Lakeside, the gingerbread shop in Grasmere, and Fell Foot National Trust. We also had a brilliant pie at the Great North Pie Co. in Ambleside. Our stay would have been even more enjoyable if: - the heating was turned up for our arrival. It was set on manual mode to 16deg and was a bit chilly. It didn't take long to heat up though. - there could be more essentials in the cottage e.g. a hairdryer / iron (maybe we just didn't search hard enough?) - we did find a pair of someone else's underwear behind the bathroom towel rail, but otherwise the place was spotless. - a list of recommended places to eat and local attractions (less obvious ones than the leaflets) would make a good addition to the handbook.

Would love to go back,home from home it certainly was.

Directions were easy enough(Sykes info excellent).But if you are travelling from the South and especially in the dark,rain etc....watch your speed as you will miss the turn/gate.The gate is bright enough to see.The views, amnienities make the experience very worthwhile and you are within shouting distance of Windermere.Aiming to go back at some stage for sure.....if you are tall (low beams) and if you don't like spiders (don't go in September!!)...They are by no means criticisms though, beautiful place.

Lovely cottage - just perfect

Beautiful cottage in an ideal location for exploring the Lakes.

The house had all we needed as a family of four. The rooms are well furnished with traditional features and modern design. The outside space was fantastic with countryside views from the hot tub and a private patio area for outside dining. We really didn't want to leave!

Green stile cottage is very cosy and comfortable.

The hot tub was the highlight of our holiday! The only thing I felt it lacked was a washing line to hang towels and swimwear after being in the hot tub! Would definitely recommend.

When I arrived at the property I immediately raised that the master bed had a divot in the middle and was very uncomfortable and had not been advertised as such at the time and me and my partner essentially had to stay on our sides of the bed, it was impossible to lay in your side in the middle.

Nothing came of this except to say that zip lock are routinely used but you don’t expect this concession if you’ve paid £2300 for a week. Another issue is the garden not being enclosed, although this is disclosed, what is not disclosed is that the next door neighbours will be on the property you’ve rented retrieving their dog on a daily basis (I also raised this as a concern with Sykes and no reply was received - I have no clue if the neighbour is the owner, this is an important point especially when you have children playing outside it is unsettling for a stranger to be on the property), the house needs a fence to segregate them, this would also help with the main access gate and not having to open and close it when you are going in and out - there is barely enough clearance to get out of the car door without wetting your clothes on the bushes either side but you can’t leave it open because their dog will put at risk (incidentally no dogs allowed in your property although there are dog accessories in there?) . The property would benefit from a more ample welcome pack, other properties I’ve stayed in far more reasonably priced than this always leave a bottle of wine and biscuits. Other than those issue it is a nice property, it could be made fabulous with more attention to detail.

The cottage is in a wonderful spot with great countryside views.

The facilities were excellent including everything you need (linen, towels, tea towels etc). All the rooms were nicely decorated and still felt modern despite all the great period features. I would note the key collection said the safe was on the wood store but it’s been moved to next to the front door. We also found the front door key rather stiff (struggled to get the key out) so used the patio door key for the rest of our stay. 100% would stay again!

Great cottage and place to stay, house was very relaxing and to a high standard and garden was lovely.

Good location to get into local areas too. Only thing is we arrived in the dark and the key storage was hard to find in the log store - but Sykes have said they will update the information to help and they called to check we were OK as we had young children - very helpful team.

Really lovely cottage in a beautiful peaceful location.

We loved the hot tub! Only very minor faults - kitchen somewhat under-equipped for those who, like us, mostly self-cater (no cheese grater, no colander, no fish slice, no whisk, no baking trays). We found it quite tricky to find the cottage for the first time due to the entrance gate being difficult to see when travelling north on the B5360.

We arrived later than expected, dark and raining.

The entrance to the property is difficult to see especially if coming from the wrong direction. The entrance is angled to the road and very difficult to turn in to it you are coming from the wrong direction with a larger car. The key safe was in an obscure location, not mentioned in the arrival instructions. Took some finding in the dark whilst getting wet!. Once we had found and finally gained entry, the property was very pleasant and ideally located for exploring the southern lakes. We partly chose this property over others because of the hot tub. A very nice and relaxing feature.