The Smithy

This is the very best and most welcoming holiday accommodation that we've had in 40 years, and we rent at least two places a year.

It is immaculate and very well equipped with thoughtful items such as OS maps and games. The welcome pack was much the best I've seen and even included boiled sweets for coat pockets. The pillows and towels were good and the kitchen wanted for nothing. Even the location over-delivered. Thank you for being a kind renter, rather than a stingy one.

Incredible property in a beautiful location, we walked from the house most days leaving the car parked securely off road in its private space.

Property extremely comfortable, modern and super clean. The house had everything we needed and a wonderful courtyard style enclosed patio area. Kitchen fully equipped, full size fridge and freezer which aided our home delivery. Exceptional views from every window. A truly lovely property. Borrowdale hotel offered a wonderful afternoon tea, and the Lodore spa is definitely worth a visit to fully relax and unwind. We will definitely be returning, thank you

We have just returned from our third stay at The Smithy in Borrowdale.

The property is perfect for us, it is a remote, beautiful, peaceful area with plenty of walks from the doorstep. The Lodore jetty is just a short stroll down the road and is ideal for catching the ferry to Hawes End to go up Cat Bells. Due to low water levels, this was inactive during our stay but the walk is still easily accessible on foot from the cottage. The views from The Smithy are lovely and there is a small private garden at the back, which gets the sun all afternoon. There was previously a rotary airer and pegs outside but that seems to have been removed, not sure why. We did have a couple of cleaning issues, which we have brought to the attention of the management company (Not Sykes). We were hopeful they would take positive action but after receiving a reply from them, their focus was more on the time we were advised the Cleaners were at the property (by a local resident), compared with the ‘app’ they run off. Regardless of whether the Cleaners were at the property for 50 minutes in total or 1 hour 45 minutes each, the issues we found were genuine and photos were provided to substantiate 4 of the 5 issues raised below. The remote control for the TV was sticky and grubby. The indents on the kitchen chair covers had bits of food debris in them. The chair leg in the kitchen had some liquid spills on it. The light switch sockets and shaver socket were grubby with splashes of something on them. The bathroom light fitting had numerous dead insects in it. The welcome pack was a little let down too, maybe we have been spoilt here in the past. There were still some lovely sweet and savoury treats but in place of the usual bottle of wine and two small beers, was a large bag of coffee and two small jars of preserves. Not quite the same substitute but I took the coffee for my neighbour who would appreciate it. The house was very comfortable and the newly renovated small upstairs bathroom was a great improvement and now matches the downstairs modern main bathroom. Having a full size fridge and freezer is also a bonus, as being remote, we always take our provisions for the week. The kitchen was well equipped and the smart TV meant we were not short of things to watch on an evening. Parking is a little tight but we have an estate car and managed to get it off road without any issues, you just need to get the car well over to the neighbouring house wall. Despite the couple of negative points mentioned, we would recommend this property, as the location is just amazing.

A gem of a cottage in a beautiful location.

We stayed here with our grandchildren and had the perfect break. The property is as described and well equipped. The underfloor heating a bonus too. We received a lovely welcome box, with treats to enjoy over the weekend. The beds were comfy and the house was toasty when the sun went down, the log burner made the living room cosy. There are multiple beautiful walks right outside of the cottage door, you can literally park up and not get in the car until returning home. We were blessed with sunny, dry weather. We would recommend the cottage for a stay. If I had any negative, it was that the toilet seats hadn't been cleaned underneath and we were unable to put rubbish in the outddoor bin when we left, as it was full already. Both problems, easily remedied.

We had another fantastic stay at The Smithy.

The cottage is clean and comfortable and extremely well equipped. We love the location: walks from the door and quieter than some of the other tourist hotspots. Keswick has everything you need and is a short drive away.

A wonderfully comfortable, clean and well equipped holiday cottage, in a stunningly beautiful location.

Thank you for a fantastic stay!

The Smithy is in a superb location, and close to buses and boats.

We had everything we needed. Something about the history of the building would be welcome.

This was our second stay at The Smithy and we have had a wonderful holiday.

The cottage has plenty of space, it is cosy in the evenings, comfortable, clean and quiet. The location of the property is perfect, the views are wonderful and there are plenty of walks directly from the cottage. The weather was amazing for April aswell, we even managed to sit in the back garden a couple of times when we returned from our day’s walking. There was also a generous welcome pack waiting for us when we got there. Thank you very much. Highly recommended, already booked again for next year.

The Smithy was an excellent property.

Great setting. Easy access to Keswick and surrounding places. Good amenities, comfortable and clean; well decorated. Kitchen was well stocked Would stay again.

This is a lovely cottage.

Thank you for the generous welcome pack it was much appreciated by all The cottage is in a great location, We did walks from the door. Keswick only few miles away for shops. Nice and clean lovely decoration has everything you need. Highly recommend. After seeing a comment on reviews about the parking space I was concerned but there is plenty space for a large car or 4 by 4 and the space is directly off the road no long reverse required. Would love to return.

Stunning location, walks on your doorstep and very quiet.

Easy access to places of interest, towns and walks whilst being in the heart of the Lake District. Very clean and well equipped spacious cottage.

We have just returned from a one week stay at The Smithy in Borrowdale.

On arrival, there was a very generous welcome pack (thank you very much). The property was very clean, comfortable, had everything we needed and is in a very beautiful location. There are plenty of walks that you can do from the doorstep and Keswick is also only a very short drive away. The ferry from the Lodore jetty is a 15 minute walk from the cottage, which is handy for getting over to Hawse End for Cat Bells or just to enjoy a trip round the lake. This is possibly the best property we have stayed at over the years and we can’t wait to return.

The Smithy is such a beautiful cottage set in the gorgeous Borrowdale Valley with spectacular views.

It is fully equipped and the welcome pack was so lovely, so thank you so much. We are a family of 4, including 2 teenagers and we all thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

Fantastic cottage.

In a lovely location (surrounded by sheep, but short walk to bar/hotel). Quirky, but in a good way. Comfy bed. Everything you need for a few days walking. Welcome pack was very welcome (and sparkling!) Could do with somewhere to hang, dry and air wet walking kit. Otherwise perfect place to stay.

We had an amazing break!

Location was amazing and house was beautiful! We will be coming back - thank you so much

Great cottage in fantastic location.

Extremely clean and with lots of nice little extra touches which sets it apart from other cottages we have stayed in. Nice welcome pack too.

Wonderful walks, Derwent Water and Keswick close by we had a wonderful stay beautiful cottage in the most perfect location.

If you love a spa, I highly recommend The Lodore Falls. Log burner was a treat and the views were divine. Thank you.

A wonderful cottage!

The Smithy is in a fantastic location: rural and peaceful, with stunning views and walks from the door, yet only a few miles to Keswick. The cottage has everything you could need: comfy furniture, efficient heating and hot water, brilliantly equipped kitchen, WiFi and smart TV. The off-road parking is also a bonus. We will definitely return!

A wonderful stay in the most perfect cottage.

Loved the character the views and there was nothing else we felt we needed. Everything was provided by the cottage owners. Would love to know the history of the cottage itself.

We thoroughly enjoyed the peace and quiet of the borrowdale valley and the smithy was an excellent place to relax and unwind.

The facilities were excellent and I can't think of anything I'd change. We,d have no hesitation of going back and hopefully we will. Kind regards Kevin & Cathy

We had a lovely week at The Smithy.

When we arrived the house was spotless and welcoming. The Smithy is in an ideal location for walking and climbing no driving required. We used the car once visiting Booths in Keswick for provisions. The Smithy is well equipped with everything needed for your stay. I loved the courtyard garden to sit and read after a long walk. I have already recommended The Smithy to family and friends. We will be visiting again.

Not a single problem.

Really well equipped, great location, spotless inside.

Hi, We always stay at the Lodore Falls when staying at Keswick and this was our first time in a cottage.

We couldn’t have been happier. The cottage was perfect for us! Loved every minute of our stay. Perfect location and we had great weather to. A few points which may be worth mentioning for people staying for the first time 1 How to use the log burner. No instructions 2 How to use the hob. No instructions 3 Maybe bring fire lighters with you if staying for a few days 4 Parking is tight if you have a 4x4 but is doable These are the only suggestions we could think of! Our stay was perfect and will definitely be staying again soon. Thanks

A lovely cottage in a great location the best property we have rented in the UK.

Attention to detail superb. Thank you so much made our Christmas very special

A lovely cottage.

Just a few too many cushions ! Will return...Thankyou

I have emailed you separately and sent a photo / video.

Cottage was very well equipped, spacious and spotless.

It’s location was ideal, so much to explore from your doorstep.

The location is stunning and the cottage was pristine and furnished and equipped to a very high standard.

The Smithy was a perfect base for our lake district holiday.

Wonderfully comfortable and convenient overall.

Beautiful location. We felt we had enough privacy, despite the proximity to other houses. The tiny patio/garden is hidden and perfectly oriented to catch the sun. A peaceful place for a relaxing breakfast! The bedrooms were v comfortable esp the spacious master bedroom & we really appreciated the shiny new kitchen esp the dishwasher and ample freezer and fridge space. Thank you for a great holiday!

Lovely comfortable cottage, tastefully decorated and great new kitchen.

Perfect location too with lots of beautiful walks from the doorstep and just down the road from Keswick.

The Smithy is a beautiful cottage in stunning surroundings.

Lovely new kitchen/diner with underfloor heating. Not much outdoor space but that’s not an issue in winter. Will definitely go back one day!