"Overall, the property is excellent."
5 stars and one of the best we have stayed in over the last 15 years. The property has a great layout with lots of interesting space to enjoy.
Only three first-world problems. As mentioned by another guest, the kitchen set-up is a little irregular (certainly got in my steps). Either the dishwasher or the eco tablet is not great: crockery needs a rinse at the sink because some will not come out clean. Lastly, nice to meet the owner briefly upon arrival. A second meeting at 9.30 on exit day was ok but it felt like we were being hustled out - especially as the cleaner was also sat in her car next to mine waiting. Good job, we left at 9.58 by my watch. Didn’t feel like I had that extra 10mins to write this in the guestbook!
Well, it was never going to be perfect but it was pretty close.
Thank you.
Shane.
Hello Shane, It was nice to meet you on arrival when I was finishing work in the wood. It was also a real pleasure to answer your questions about the cottage and woodland so I’m very sorry if you felt in any way being “hustled out”. I often arrive about 9-30 ish on changeover day because there is so much for me to do in the garden that I can start on the bottom section without hopefully disturbing our guests. I always park at the bottom of the drive and don’t go up to the cottage until guests have left. Please accept my apologies if you felt rushed- it was never our intention. I’m glad you enjoyed the cottage and thank you for the 100% review despite this. I will check the dishwasher. Steven
Property Owner
Reviewed by Shane5.0★ Apr 2024
"We had a super time at Spring Cottage."
We met the owners Steve and Fiona when we arrived. They were so helpful and you could tell immediately how much well they take care of the house and its grounds. They had even kindly lit the fire for us, which made it feel so cosy. The house is superbly equipped and huge inside. Everything was spotlessly clean. The grounds are fun to explore. And you couldn’t beat the location in the Lakes - we barely got in our cars all week, we mostly went on adventures from the doorstep.
Reviewed by Jenna5.0★ Mar 2024
"Spring Cottage is a great place to stay."
Excellent location with an easy walk into Ambleside. The house is very well equipped and has all amenities that you could need. The master bedroom and bathroom is amazing and a real wow factor for the house. Ample parking for cars meant it was a great stay for me and my family (6 adults, 1 baby).
Very comfortable, cosy and warm after a long day of walking.
Reviewed by Hannah4.7★ Mar 2024
"Had a lovely stay at Spring Cottage."
The cottage itself passed all our expectations! The facilities in the home are by far the best we’ve had via lakelovers (and we’ve had many over the years) with the added touch of logs being provided! The grounds are just fantastic which the whole family could enjoy, including our four legged friend! We were just a family of 4 so the two largest bedrooms (double master and twin) were just perfect and with lots of space (and what an en-suite the master double has, wow!) but I have to say I would be disappointed if having to use the small double room if visiting with more than 2 adults so other may want to take note of the size if visiting as a group.
We were so pleased with our stay we wanted to book immediately again for 2025 but it’s a shame that the prices have gone up! We managed to get the house during a sale so that plus the increase is deterring us returning unfortunately which we are very sad about after such a lovely stay. It’s frustrating school holidays have to be such a premium at rentals when parents have no choice to travel then.
Reviewed by Sarah4.7★ Feb 2024
"We have stayed at Spring Cottage on quite a few occasions and it does not disappoint."
Great location with good walking from the door, well located for getting out and about the wider lake District and yet a quiet and relaxing base.
Very well appointed kitchen with no shortage of pots / pans / cutlery etc.
Lovely space for socialising with alternatives for those wanting to be quiet.
Reviewed by Ian5.0★ Feb 2024
"The property was stunning."
Great location and views. All facilities catered for. Would highly recommend this property
So much so we’ve booked the property for new year 2024
Reviewed by Andrew5.0★ Dec 2023
"Our second visit to Spring Cottage and this one was just as good as the first."
Definitely felt like a home from home. Thank you for letting us use it.
Reviewed by Jennie5.0★ Dec 2023
"My Wife, Son and his partner stayed at Spring Cottage in November."
The location of Spring cottage is idyllic with views of Wansfell Pike and the River Rothay. The owners have expertly transformed this cottage from a simple cottage into a very comfortable luxury home with a superb garden. We would highly recommend this as a perfect base to explore the Lake District from.
Thank you so much for your kind comments. We are glad that you enjoyed everything that the property and area have to offer.
Lakelovers Owner Team
Property Owner
Reviewed by Peter5.0★ Nov 2023
"The cottage was beautiful, along with the stunning views, and beautifully maintained colourful gardens."
Beds were comfy, WiFi worked, games room was fun, plenty of board games for use, There are lovely places to easily walk and enjoy the views. Information booklets were provided. It was truly lovely. I cannot give this five stars because of things that need tending to, or updating. I'm sorry but, the couches in the lounge seem to not have been cleaned in ages, and that was unsettling. One bath towel, per person for an entire week was too few (many people with long full hair, need a second towel for their hair, or a second towel during the stay). Even the cheapest places we've ever been to offer something for a first morning (or beyond the first morning). We've even been left 'welcome baskets' with scones and jam. It would have been nice to have had even instant packets of coffee and a couple of tea bags and biscuits for that first morning (I cannot think of any hotel or B&B that doesn't provide that). We had to go shopping, came home and made eggs, only to find there was no salt and pepper (and I certainly wasn't going to make the run out again, when hot eggs were on the table). Some very inexpensive long-use items such as these, would have been appreciated. The cottage stated it wanted specific soaps to help keep the water system clean (that's fine--no problem)--but an absolutely minimal supply was provided (less than a quarter of a bottle in two sinks, nothing... not even a simple bar of soap in the shower, no clothes washing powder). I'm fine if I must bring my own, but to then find it's unsuitable and can't be used, then to go to the market and find the cottage friendly 'Ecover' products weren't in stock and spending time searching for 'acceptable products'--well, this was a headache--I don't want shopping worries, or commitments when on holiday, please. A small self-turn-on light at the master bedroom vanity would be nice (constantly walking back and forth to the opposite wall isn't a big task, but it's a nuisance), along with a self-turn-off light at the bedside (falling asleep and having to get up and go to the wall to turn off a light seems ridiculous). Also, a magnifying mirror at the master vanity please (it's very helpful for aiding in applying make-up, or using tweezers). The kitchen layout is odd, but that's just my opinion and it can't be changed--the dishwasher is across from the sink, not beside it, and the rubbish bin is clear across from the sink on the opposite wall. Large spatulas, spoons etc. to cook with are most handy when in the drawer next to the stove whilst cooking, instead of across the kitchen in an inconvenient place. We had a big pot that we brought for a family dinner (glad we did--there are pots, but not one BIG pot). The ladle is way too small and short--almost like a camping ladle--a long handled one would have proved very helpful. There's only one jug which was used as a water jug, but we didn't have another jug for juice. We separated our glass, plastic, paper, compost, and rubbish, only to find upon leaving, that there was only one 'all-in-one rubbish bin' out front. Very sad and disappointing, considering the cottage did not want any chemicals, sanitisers, oil, or even milk down their drains, and wanted everything 'eco' with 'Ecover'. We did see that there was a recycling plant when we were on our way out, but the car was packed full of our suitcases etc., and we certainly weren't going to drive back to the cottage, separate everything, and take everything there. I would hope that the owners could provide many bins, for these several usages. Constantly pouring the bit of excess milk from a cereal bowl or coffee cup (milk and oil cannot be poured down the drain) into the bin seems wrong, and then the bag leaked, and I spent my time cleaning a bin--not what I care to do on holiday. I would have paid the extra twenty pounds (that would have been an overpayment, but I would have paid it) in knowing that basic things: soap in the shower, full liquid soaps and washing powder, a few tea bags, some coffee and UHT milk packets, a small bottle of vegetable oil (or similar), a few tea biscuits, and salt and pepper were provided. Most travellers are tired, have packed and unpacked, and just want to waken to a shower with soap, and a simple something to eat and a hot drink, to get them started. I felt this seemed both cheap, rude, and unwelcoming on behalf of a luxury cottage. When places really 'welcome' my family--I can tell you, I am impressed, start off very happy, and I recommend the place to friends, and want to return there myself. Although the cottage was nice, pretty, roomy, great views...I would not want to return because it did not provide the basic niceties, and I would not want to spend my time cleaning someone else's bin, ever again.
I'm sorry to read your review Mark. You raise many items and I will try and answer most.
1. Recycling. Like most holiday lets here we use Cumbria Waste Group. Whilst everything goes in the one bin the company do recycle from this with their own facility. There was information to say this in our cottage book when you stayed but I've added some more information on it. There was therefore no need to separate out items.
2. Cleaning Products. We do provide our own Ecover cleaning products and hand wash. At the time of your stay we had just switched from cleaning the cottage ourselves to employing our cleaner Diane who is excellent. If there was insufficient for your stay due to this change I'm sorry but a call to us would have allowed you access to our storeroom in the cottage where you could have restocked.
3. Towels. Guests are provided with a bath towel and hand towel for their stay.
4. Bedside light . There are bedside lights with their own switches in the master bedroom. The main 3 gang light switch at the door for the other lights would not be appropriate at the bedside .
5. Kitchen. We spent a long time designing the kitchen and we think it works brilliantly including the location of the dishwasher. As to equipment guests tell us it is very well equipped according to our guest book. We did have a 5 litre stockpot there during your stay but we have now added an 8.5 litre as well.
6. Tea & Coffee. We used to leave a basic supply of tea, sugar salt and pepper etc when we did our own changeovers and have now reinstated this.
Thank you for your other comments.
Steven
Property Owner
Reviewed by Mark3.8★ Aug 2023
"What a lovely stay we all had as a group of friends and family."
This is a great location for exploring this fabulous part of the countryside and the cottage makes the most of this with fantastic views from every window. The owners have worked very hard with this cottage from the stylish ensuite to the lovely gardens extending in all directions. There’s a great games room too where I’d imagine any children would love to get away from there parents! As a group friends we liked there’s different areas to relax and still have your own space. Unfortunately we did have a power cut on our last day for 10 hours which did scuppered our plans for the evening meal and also meant the on-site water for the property went down leading to no water so be prepared to have plenty in bottles for drinking and cooking. The only things we would have liked to have was bbq to make the most of the fantastic garden and ladies please fetch your own hair dryers.
We would thoroughly recommend staying at this fantastic home and wouldn’t think twice about booking again!
Reviewed by Terry5.0★ Jun 2023
"Sixty meters above sea level and an idyllic spot near rydal water."
A private steep woodland to explore. Who could ask for a serene spot in which to sketch .
The cool downstairs bedrooms, together with an amazing en-suite and garden room is a luxury.
We had a wonderful hot week. The owner met us at four when we arrived. He explained the house water system . It was perfect.
Reviewed by Patsy5.0★ Jun 2023
"This is a beautiful property and finished to a high standard."
It was a pleasure to stay here.
Reviewed by Jane5.0★ Feb 2023
"Not our first stay at this wonderful property."
Spring Cottage is in a lovely location. and a great place to return to after a day on the fells or just exploring.
Reviewed by Ian5.0★ Feb 2023
"Great to be greeted with a Christmas tree and burning log fire, very welcoming."
Facilities and space ideal, indoor and out, for our family of 5 and golden retriever! Lots of great walks from the door.
It was a shame one of the double ovens didn't work, which made our Christmas dinner more of a challenge. We let the owners know, so hopefully it will be working for next Christmas - as we've already booked again!
Reviewed by Jennie4.7★ Dec 2022
"This really is an outstanding property which I am loathed to fault at all."
We had a fantastic time and I would most certainly stay here again. A couple of small things to improve our stay would be:
1. More matches to light the fires as we ran out immediately and in December this is quite important. The property is quite cold even with the heating on.
2. Bin bags would be helpful. I wanted to empty the bin before it got overloaded but was unable to as there wasn’t a new bin bag.
3. Cleanliness overall I felt was good. Linens clean and the place smelled fresh but there were cobwebs and dust everywhere which would not take much removing and make the place feel so much better. The floors in particular had cobwebs and the windows and blinds.
4. Directions to the property were fine but finding the property was hard as it is not obvious from the road where the property is and in December after a long drive in the rain and the dark this made for a bit of a stressful arrival. A lit sign that can be seen from both directions down at the bottom of the drive would help with this. Then locating the key was a challenge because there is a log store next to the property but the actual log store is at the bottom of the drive. When you know it’s obvious but again in the dark and rain and after a long drive this was problematic. I called the helpline though and this was solved very quickly.
5. Struggled with baking trays that would accommodate pizzas.
The positives far outweigh the negatives and are too numerous to list but what springs to mind are:
Wedgwood crockery, the overall quality of the refurbishment, the fires, the master suite, the games and books, the kitchen with everything (except bin bags), the utility, the boot room, the games room, the tv with sky and Netflix, the walks and location, the sound system. All fabulous!
It’s the perfect place for a large group or family, it’s a perfect party house it would be perfect for a couple or smaller group looking for a quiet getaway. It’s ideal for hiking and our little dog really enjoyed her first holiday ever.
Reviewed by Kimberley4.7★ Dec 2022
"The property is a beautiful house comfortable but not that clean when we arrived."
But we had a great holiday until the last day when we were leaving and in snowy icy conditions that drive is dangerous as we had to use a piece of wood to clean the driveway
Reviewed by Alison3.4★ Dec 2022
"The addition of somewhere to dry boots would be very useful."
Reviewed by Claire4.4★ Nov 2022
"The property is lovely, and it is one of the best designed places we have been in - the building itself uses every opportunity to showcase the wonderful views and surroundings."
However, when we arrived at 4pm the owners were still there cleaning and we didn’t get in until nearly half past 4. They apologised and also explained the toilet in the upstairs bedroom wasn’t properly functioning (good job we didn’t fill the property with our parents/friends, because this would’ve been a problem). And then we realised there were no hairdryers. We haven’t stayed anywhere in the lakes in the last 20 years that hasn’t supplied one. Not a huge issue though as Heart of the Lakes supplied one but all these little things were a bit annoying given we had paid £3k of hard earned cash for the week.
Reviewed by Heidi3.1★ Oct 2022
"Wonderful holiday cottage ."
Great setting , lots of walks from the house. Amazing dining kitchen, brilliant log fires and lovely bedrooms . I have stayed here twice and hope to rebook next year !
Reviewed by Caroline5.0★ Oct 2022
"A nice place to stay with lovely views from the higher levelled kitchen and garden room over the River Rothay."
Excellent master bedroom suite, but a shame that the two double bedrooms aren’t more equitable in size and quality when there are 2 families staying. The kitchen was really well equipped however some of the crockery needs replacing as there was a few damaged items in the range. We left these out for the owners to discard of.
Reviewed by Daniel3.4★ Aug 2022
"Great Cottage and location."
More toilet rolls please. Not expect so few.
Didn't expect to have to replace washing up liquid too.
Could be a little more clean.
Reviewed by Alan4.7★ Jun 2022
"Excellent property."
Had a great holiday with family for my wife’s birthday. I would highly recommend this property. Quiet location and good walking from the door. Excellent facilities.
Reviewed by Bryan5.0★ Mar 2022
"Spring cottage has been designed superbly and it all works really well."
Although it is a property for 8 people, the two of us had a really lovely week. The logs were really appreciated!!!
Reviewed by Ruth5.0★ Jan 2022
"A fantastic Christmas stay, well appointed with a real home from home feel."
We were made to feel very welcome and arriving after a long journey to a fire gently burning in the wood burner made us both smile.
We could quite happily live in this wonderful cottage and reading through the photo albums on the renovations, it’s clear how passionate the owners are about this home and it’s beautiful surroundings.
Reviewed by D5.0★ Dec 2021
"Spring cottage is probably the best cottage I have ever stayed in in the Lake District, it’s in a great location and a fantastic cottage."
However the cleaning wasn’t done to my standards .
Reviewed by Alison4.4★ Dec 2021
"I've only ticked met expectations as we had been to Spring Cottage before so knew what a great place it was to stay."
Excellent facilities, location, etc. Such a lovely place to enjoy the lakes.
Only comment is, please provide more pegs!
Reviewed by Heather5.0★ Sep 2021
"For the new raised prices I’d expect feather rather than synthetic pillows / duvet’s, the mattress protector was a ‘water proof’ one which wasn’t too pleasant to sleep on, though with the pricey comfortable mattress I understand why!"
Lot of cobwebs around and floors didn’t seem to have been mopped. Otherwise great place, high spec, well equipped and very comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Reviewed by Jason4.1★ Jul 2021
"Unique property in a stunning location."
Positioned perfectly for walking to Ambleside, Rydal and Grasmere with many fantastic walks from the door. Peaceful, well equipped and high quality. Would definitely return in all seasons.
Reviewed by Sandra5.0★ Jul 2021
"Perfect cottage."
..and we had great weather
Reviewed by Paul5.0★ Jun 2021
"Sykes have been awful."
We had additional charges on the property having moved the booking during COVID. They had no accounting trail and had not made us aware of this. Customer support was extremely poor and my complaint has still not been answered. I would not recommend Sykes. The property itself is still a fantastic place and my feedback is critical of the company and not the property.
Reviewed by J5.0★ May 2021
"I have seen your prices for 2022 - a 66% increase on the cost of Spring Cottage since we booked it for this holiday."
I will not return or recommend Heart of the Lakes/Sykes Cottages to anyone.
Reviewed by Richard3.8★ May 2021
"Excellent quality accommodation in a great location."
Well fitted out and perfect for a relaxing break.
Mr LindleyDec 2019
"The house was superb!"
Location was perfect for our needs and the furnishings were to an excellent standard.
Dr FrazierDec 2019
"A luxury holiday experience."
Mr MerrellDec 2019
"Excellent standard,excellent location,excellent facilities"
Mr MartinDec 2019
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