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10 Guests
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5 Bedrooms
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3 Bathrooms
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Pets: Yes
Features
- Off road parking
- Ground floor bedroom
- Open fire
- Garden / Patio
- Highchair available
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
- Broadband / WiFi
Reviews & Ratings
12 Customer Reviews
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"A lovely property in a lovely location leading to a great holiday."
We were lucky to be one of the first to experience the renovations. We put some suggestions in the book at the property. We experienced a planned power cut on the Wednesday morning so that electricity engineers could deal with repairs to a local substation. This wasn't a problem but what it highlighted is the property's dependence on power for the likes of running water, which was only available in the sink in the boot room. The stay was so good we were disappointed there is no availability around easter 2026 for us to rebook!
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"Great place to stay, plenty of space and very clean."
Lots of good walks from the house, we need to come back for longer next time! Highly recommended.
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"The house is in need of a deep clean."
This is especially in the bathroom. Also the downstairs bathroom toilet near the main door leaks. The toilet light next to it doesn't work properly. All the glasses in the kitchen need a good clean.
Thank you so much for your feedback, it is really helpful. We have informed Lakelovers about the cleaning issues and they are making sure an extra, deep clean is carried out before the next guests. We usually find their cleaners are brilliant so it is really useful to hear about anything that needs improving. I have asked the maintenance team to sort out the toilet and light. Property Owner
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"Cottage was delightful."
Due to the large sitting rooms and dining area it gave a multi generation family gathering time together but also space to expand if needed. Especially liked the toddler friendly stair gates and window catches. The cottage was in a quiet location yet very accessible to the Central Lakes by walks and bus.
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"The property is in a wonderful position, convenient for walkers, quiet and with superb views."
It is perhaps a little 'tired' and there were a number of items which we noted and informed the Agents which needed attention and they were able to resolve some of them very quickly. We had a wonderful holiday.
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"The property was perfect for our group of friends."
So much space and one of the best equipped kitchens we’ve experienced. Comfortable beds, big squishy sofas and absolutely amazing far reaching views. Great walks from the doorstep. Good communication from the company and we’re planing on returning next year so better get a move on to secure our dates
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"Hart Head Barn was perfect for our large family holiday, the house is really family friendly (the stair gates were much appreciated!"
), large enough for everyone to find their own space if needed but still felt cosy, especially with the wonderful log burner in the lounge. We’ll definitely return, thank you!
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"A lovely property with good facilities suited all of us very well - aged 6 months to 80 yrs!"
We would certainly like to return.
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"We found in the suggestions book in the property that there had been numerous issues with the heating downstairs previously which obviously had not been resolved, our heating downstairs broke with 3 babies and sub zero temperatures."
The heating engineer could not find the key to the boiler room, so ended up having to angle grind the lock which is not ideal. I would have thought it would have been sensible to have a key hidden somewhere in the property or at least accessible in emergencies such as ours. I had specifically asked about grit knowing about the wintery weather and was assured that the owners said there was a grit bin. However this was full of water and dog poo. Also when we asked lake lovers for some grit they never delivered it and said we could collect some from the Ambleside office. Very disappointing.
Thank you for this feedback. We are extremely sorry about the problems with the heating on the lower floor and the grit during your stay. The night without heating on the lower floor is something we were doing our utmost on that day to resolve and we are sorry that we could not do so because neither our engineer nor the Lakelovers team could get to the house in the exceptionally snowy weather. I believe Lakelovers have been in touch with you about this. We were aware of the historic problems with the downstairs heating and as a result had replaced a faulty valve and tested the heating shortly prior to your stay. Unfortunately a different problem emerged over your first weekend. This has now been fixed and we have carried out a full system overhaul and test. We are as sure as we can be that there won’t be any future heating problems but, in case of unexpected problems, we have provided five new De’Longhi back-up electric radiators which can be accessed in an emergency. I have also been in touch with Lakelovers who have apologised for their confusion over the location of the boiler cupboard key which is accessible at all times. The grit bins near the property are maintained by the Rydal Hall estate. When you informed us that they were empty, we asked Lakelovers to deliver an emergency supply of grit to you immediately and I am really sorry that this didn’t happen - in our experience they are normally extremely responsive in such emergencies. To avoid this problem in the future, we have now purchased an additional grit bin which will be kept on the property and maintained by us. We are really sorry you experienced these problems. As new owners of the property we are really determined to make sure every guest has a really lovely holiday and we are very grateful for your feedback. FROM LAKELOVERS: Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback. We are sorry to read of your difficulties at the property but can see from the notes that you informed us that the previous heating issues mentioned in the suggestions book were from 2018. Thankfully, the heating engineer was able to resolve the problems during your stay. Unfortunately, the grit bin is a communal one and not maintained by the property. I can see that your request for grit was as a precaution and with maintenance emergencies to attend to, you were invited to collect it from the office. I am pleased to see that a resolution to these problems was provided and accepted by you. Lakelovers Owner Team Property Owner
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"Absolutely loved our stay at 2 Hart Head Barn."
Its a large, clean, comfortable, warm and very well equipped property with everything you need for a thoroughly enjoyable stay. The location is fantastic with spectacular views over the valley towards Windermere - there are numerous things to see and do within a short drive and walks from the door, which our dog loved. The driveway is steep as stated in the details, but its easily achievable in a "standard" car with a bit of care.
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"Beautiful house in an amazing location."
No major complaints only to fix dish washer. Many thanks jamie
Thank you for this lovely feedback and thank you for letting us know about the dishwasher which has now been fixed. Property Owner
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"Everything was first class,top quality."
Wonderful location.We didn't use the BBQ because previous guests had not even emptied it,let alone cleaned it.Such a shame,when provided with such good kit.We had a fantastic break and would certainly use the property again,perhaps in winter next time.A few footstools wouldn't go amiss after a long walk.The huge drying room/utility room is brill.
This property is part of the Lakelovers collection.
We have properties to suit every occasion throughout the southern and central Lake District including; Ambleside Cottages, Bowness Cottages, Coniston Cottages, Grasmere Cottages, Hawkshead Cottages, Lakeside Cottages, Langdale Cottages, Troutbeck Cottages, Ulswater Cottages, Windermere Cottages and smaller hamlets between, which although seldom heard of are none the less equally wonderful. With hundreds of properties available, Lakelovers are sure to have a property to meet your needs.
Summary
- Reverse-level
- Five bedrooms: 1 x ground-floor super-king-size (zip/link, can be twin on request) with en-suite with walk-in shower, basin and WC, 1 x king-size with en-suite with bath, basin and WC, 1 x ground-floor king-size, 1 x ground-floor double, 1 x ground-floor twin
- Ground-floor shower room with walk-in shower, basin and WC
- First-floor kitchen
- First-floor dining room
- First-floor sitting room with woodburning stove
- Heated utility/boot room
- Gas central heating
- Electric oven, gas hob, Range cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher and additional fridge
- Two Smart TV's, Wi-Fi, DVD and VCR player
- Fuel, power inc. in rent
- Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
- Highchair available
- Private driveway parking for 5 cars
- Garden with lawn, furniture, barbecue
- Two well-behaved pets welcome
- Sorry, no smoking
- Shop 1.6 miles, pub 0.3 miles
- Note: Check-in from 4pm and check-in from 10am
- Please note: The property is reached by a short, steep drive, all cars can access it, but guests with limited experience of hill driving should bear this in mind.
The property
Ambleside 1.8 miles.
2 Hart Head Barn is a newly refurbished magical Lakeland barn, in a sublime setting with views in every direction towards Rydal Water & Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells, making an ideal base for a large gathering of family and friends.
You are set high above the tiny hamlet of Rydal with panoramic views in all directions.
The traditional Lakeland slate barn blends effortlessly with 21st-century accommodation.
The house has been completely refurbished in 2025 with new heating, hot and cold water systems, all new kitchens and bathrooms and new furniture and decorations throughout as well as a rebuilt external terrace.
This is a place to relax, rejuvenate and spend precious time together.
Inside, you can find five bedrooms, two of which have en-suites, along with a shower room for freshening up after a day of walking.
There are two additional separate toilets.
A brand new well-equipped kitchen offers a space to cook up your family favourites, while the dining room with seating for ten welcomes you to gather with your loved ones over a tasty dinner.
The large sitting room has a toasty woodburning stove, while the warmer months can be spent in the garden with a barbecue dinner or simply a cup of tea with a view.
There is a separate TV room and a large utility and book room, perfect for walkers, wild swimmers or cyclists.
Completing the interior is the sitting room with a toasty woodburning stove, while the warmer months can be spent in the garden with a barbecue dinner or simply a cup of tea with a view.
A short drive or beautiful walk will lead you into either the village of Ambleside or a little further passing Rydal Water into Grasmere.
Grasmere itself is stocked with great pubs, tea rooms and shops and is a walker's paradise.
This secluded retreat is located in an enviable position next door to Rydal Mount, the home of William Wordsworth and an inspiration for his writing.
Here you can leave the car behind, and walk from the doorstep, being situated on the picturesque Rydal/Grasmere circuit walk and at the foot of the well-known Fairfield Horseshoe.
Mountain bikers and cyclists will also enjoy some of the best challenges in the British Isles.
The location is also only a short distance from the vibrant village of Ambleside, with its interesting range of local shops, tempting delicatessens, traditional Lakeland pubs and top-class restaurants - even a cinema and live music bar.
Lake Windermere can also be enjoyed from Waterhead Pier, where ferries depart regularly to Bowness and Lakeside.
2 Hart Head Barn offers a truly memorable holiday destination.
Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £200.
Where you’ll be staying
AMBLESIDE
Grasmere 4.4 miles; Windermere 4.7 miles; Keswick 16.7 miles.
Lying at the northern tip of Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, Ambleside makes a superb base for touring the central Lakes, with Grasmere and the Langdale Valley just a short drive away. There is plenty to do here - cruises, boat trips and watersports on Lake Windermere itself and numerous shops, restaurants and pubs in the village to suit all tastes. On the lakeside at Waterhead, the parkland offers lovely views down the lake and a short stretch of beach, whilst a walk in the other direction, following Stock Ghyll through woodland, will bring you to the entrancing waterfall of Stock Ghyll Force. Along with the Lake and the great walking on offer, Ambleside is also famous for its annual rushbearing ceremony and the diminutive 17th century “Bridge House” - one of the most photographed buildings in the Lake District and now the National Trust Information Centre.
View more holiday cottages in Ambleside
This property offers the following short breaks:
- Winter
- Off-season
- Last minute
- Christmas