Billy's Cottage

10 Customer Reviews

• "First issue to address are the stairs."

  ...dangerously steep and wouldn't be suitable for someone infirm or children. Very high step into bath which would be difficult for someone with mobility issues and no grab rail. TV not connected to a suitable ariel and often no terrestial channels. Smell of dampness and on looking visible signs of damp seen. Overall cottage was kept very clean by Vicky the caretaker who was so helpful and on hand to promptly sort out an issue in the bathroom...thanks Vicky. Cottage in a good area for getting out and about, street parking wasn't an issue for us. Garden was secure for our dogs. Up to date info for appliances would be useful. Currently Sykes page states this is a new property (24 Aug) this is incorrect. We had a lovely holiday in the area but wouldn't return to Billy's cottage for reasons noted. With a bit of TLC and general maintenance from owner this could be a great wee cottage.

  EstherAug 2025

• "Facilities in the cottage were great and the neighbour Vicky was helpful."

  Steep stairs (as mentioned) but bathroom is downstairs so that was a bonus. Decor somewhat tired in places but overall clean and tidy. Bed and pillows are very soft and uncomfortable; need black out blinds in the bedrooms. Everything we needed except the TV didn’t work and zero response from the owner when asked about it. Took 2 days for owner to reply with key safe number. Garden was great for the dog but not totally dog proof as she managed to jump over the very short fence to next door. A great base for exploring Cumberland, the Lakes and southern Scotland. Not much in Dearham itself but close to A roads to Bassenthwaite and beyond.

  AndreaAug 2025

• ""We rented Billy's cottage that was listed as dog-friendly, but unfortunately, it wasn’t truly safe for dogs."

  There was a toxic plant on the property that we weren’t warned about, and our dog ended up eating it and getting seriously ill from poisoning. Just a heads-up to other pet owners — always double-check what’s around, even if a place says it’s pet-friendly. This has been a heartbreaking experience." Billy's cottage was lovely and clean and comfortable. The lady that cleaned the house was helpful and approachable . We meet the owner they seemed friendly to . --- Would you like to include the plant's name, the rental company, or how your dog is doing now? That can make it even more impactful or helpful for others.

  MarkAug 2025

• "When we arrived we were met with a musty damp smell."

  Dirty stained carpets and dirty stained couches. Evidence of damp is also present. There were spiders and webs everywhere. When they get removed they re-appear. Dead insects were on the kitchen window and back door window. We booked for 4 nights and left after 2. Couldn’t even sit in the garden as the grass badly needed cut and it was a mess with overgrown plants. My wee dog ended up with a terrible rash on his tummy and the vet said it was very likely caused by irritation from the dirty carpets. We had to go to B&M and buy throws so we could sit on the couches. Cosmetic-wise all walls and woodwork desperately need a lick of paint as they look awful. We were also bitten by something while staying here and have itchy red spots. It was anything but a relaxing few days break. The owner was contacted with these concerns and to let them know we left 2 nights early. They read the message but haven’t replied. Sykes have been contacted as well and we are still waiting to hear back from them. Positives would be location, comfortable beds, bedroom storage and kitchen. Everything else needs attention. This place could be a nice holiday home if it gets completely upgraded and thoroughly cleaned.

  The property has a deep clean in the autumn as soon as there is a break. Billy' is very popular so it is difficult to find a slot and usually we have to block off a week. The sofas, although old are great because all the covers come off for a wash. We have been battling with the smell of damp. A few months ago, our builder stripped off the plaster downstairs, sealed the walls and re plastered which we hoped would get rid of the smell of damp. The property allows dogs and they sometimes leave a smell which Vicky treats with animal fabreze and bleach. She is an excellent cleaner and we get great reviews for her. It is an old house so will never smell sweet. On the list of things to do this winter is to paint downstairs and get new carpet for lounge. We also got measured for blinds but at the end of the day, the house is priced low to reflect that it is not 5* accommodation although with Egyptian cotton bedding and towels, well equipped kitchen, milk and wine left for guests, we think we do pretty well. We don't have freeview. The TV is a smart TV. As for the spiders, what can I say. It is semi rural and we may get a few wispy spiders, usually in the cupboard under the stairs which is locked anyway. I personally have never seen any. Property Owner

  IanAug 2025

• "The house needs a severe deep clean."

  On walking in the property you're hit with the smell of mold/damp. the layer of dust on the walls and skirting boards and carpets where you can see that furniture isn't moved to clean, was disgusting. There are as spider webs and spiders everywhere, there was 6 just in the living room. This was the same in every room. The sofas, throws and cushions stink and are not comfortable. Freeview has about 12 channels The bathroom stank also, it really does need a proper deep clean. Location was great though.

  The property has a deep clean in the autumn as soon as there is a break. Billy’ is very popular so it is difficult to find a slot and usually we have to block off a week. The sofas, although old are great because all the covers come off for a wash. We have been battling with the smell of damp. A few months ago, our builder stripped off the plaster downstairs, sealed the walls and re plastered which we hoped would get rid of the smell of damp. The property allows dogs and they sometimes leave a smell which Vicky treats with animal fabreze and bleach. She is an excellent cleaner and we get great reviews for her. It is an old house so will never smell sweet. On the list of things to do this winter is to paint downstairs and get new carpet for lounge. We also got measured for blinds but at the end of the day, the house is priced low to reflect that it is not 5* accommodation although with Egyptian cotton bedding and towels, well equipped kitchen, milk and wine left for guests, we think we do pretty well. We don’t have freeview. The TV is a smart TV. As for the spiders, what can I say. It is semi rural and we may get a few wispy spiders, usually in the cupboard under the stairs which is locked anyway. I personally have never seen any. Property Owner

  CindiAug 2025

• "We had a great week at Billy’s Cottage."

  It is the best equipped holiday cottage we have stayed in and was absolutely spotless. The dishwasher washing machine and drier were wonderful to have too. Especially as the weather was mixed. Everything you need in the kitchen and lovely bedding. Not much to do in Dearhan but it’s an excellent location from which to explore the North Lakes. We also visited the Maryport Tandoori which lives up to its excellent reputation.

  JuliaJun 2025

• "This was our 3rd stay at Billy's cottage and as ever was excellent, cleanliness and facilities are excellent."

  The enclosed back garden was excellent for the 2 dogs. The only thing I would recommend would be a garden hose for dog and poop washing. Will definitely be back

  AlanMay 2025

• "Great little cottage."

  Not a lot to do in the immediate area but an excellent base for visiting the surrounding area. The garden was a lovely space for us to sit, dog safe. The kitchen is well equipped although we didn't use it to cook as we found the takeaway menus!

  RuthMay 2025

• "Great location easy to access all main roads."

  Bed was super comfy especially after a day walking. The shower was powerful and easy to use. The kitchen had everything we needed and even though it was road side parking never had any issues parking outside the cottage. Only downsides Pillows were harder than I’m used to and it was difficult to brush teeth in sink as the location and type of tap. But would definitely recommend and next time we are in Lakes would stay again

  EmmaMay 2025

• "Thankyou so much for our wonderful stay in Billy’s cottage."

  We had a wonderful time. The cottage was warm, cosy, comfortable , clean and had everything we needed and more.

  LeasaFeb 2025

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