Guests say
Dovecot Cottage in Ambleside is cherished for its quaint charm, stunning location with easy access to walks, and wildlife encounters, particularly red squirrels. Guests appreciate the cosy atmosphere, though some mention the compact size and steep stairs. The garden and views are frequently praised, and the property's unique character adds to the experience.
Cleanliness receives mixed reviews, with several guests finding the cottage clean and well-presented, while others note issues with dust, spider webs, and a lack of freshness. Some concerns about mould in the bathroom were also mentioned.
The location is highly praised for its tranquillity, proximity to local walks, and the village of Grasmere. The scenic views and wildlife contribute to a peaceful and enjoyable stay.
Comfort is generally well-regarded, with guests finding the bed comfortable and the cottage cosy, especially with the wood burner. However, some guests mention low ceilings and difficulty with the bath and steep stairs, which could affect comfort for taller individuals or those with mobility issues.
Facilities are appreciated for being well-thought-out in the compact space, with a well-equipped kitchen and a wood burner. However, there are reports of maintenance issues such as leaks, noise from the heating system, and missing items like a corkscrew and ash bin.
While some guests mention a welcome pack and festive decorations, there is not enough consistent information about thoughtful gestures such as gifts to provide a score. It should be noted that while these touches are appreciated, they are not guaranteed.
About this property
Find a quirky hidden gem nestled in the charming village of Grasmere, famous for being shortlisted by Hollywood moguls as one of the properties for Bilbo Baggins' house in the popular Lord of the Rings franchise. This one-of-a-kind listed building is perfect for a unique romantic retreat among stunning countryside landscapes throughout the Lake District. Make your way through lush greenery comprising tall trees, spacious lawn and a lovely private seating area right outside the property, the perfect spot to indulge in the idyllic surroundings with your other half as you sip on a glass of wine, there’s also exterior stair access to the first-floor bedroom within the cottage.
Feel automatically at home as you step foot into this eccentric abode, resembling the inside of a yacht through intimate oak beams, tile floors and interesting recess cubby holes. Settle in for the night, snuggling up in front of the toasty woodburning stove as you grab a blanket and hop on the plush sofa for a relaxing night in. Resting behind is a gorgeous dining table where you can tuck into a tasty meal during a memorable candlelit evening date night, prepared from the well-equipped kitchen, offering all the amenities needed for your stay. The bedroom is the star of this property, featuring the original dovecote entrance into a wood-filled space, with sloped ceilings and modest bedroom space where you can cosy up with your other half on a frosty winter’s night.
Treat yourself to a luxurious soak in the Victorian-style roll top bath, a perfect way to start a lazy Sunday morning before venturing out to the delightful surrounding areas of Grasmere and the Lake District. Grasmere is one of the few places in the UK where you can still find red squirrels and you can often spot these delightful creatures when staying at the cottage. The owners support the Grasmere Red Squirrel Group with a donation for every week the cottage is booked. The village centre is just a short stroll away, home to several handy shops and local pubs where you can take a break from the kitchen and dine out for some hearty pub grub.
Adventurers will delight in the chance to challenge themselves to a climb up Fairfield Peak, reaching 873 metres of height, this stunt is not for the light-hearted, however there’s also an array of leisurely walking trails if preferred. Those looking for a chilled-out day of exploration can discover Alcock Tarn, an easier route with rewarding panoramic views of breath-taking landscapes. Spend a day rowing a boat on Grasmere Lake, take amazing pictures at Loughrigg Fell, or be wowed by the views from Silver How. Easedale Valley is a charming spot to relax on a Sunday afternoon, offering the chance to enjoy a picnic on a sunny day or enjoy a winter ramble in the frost around Rydal Water.
Dovecot Cottage is a beautiful cottage filled with quirky features, ideal for a romantic escape to the lakes.
Situated in the heart of the Lake District National Park is the lovely village of Grasmere, probably best known as the home of William Wordsworth, a place he once described as "The most loveliest spot that man hath found". Any visit to Grasmere needs to include The Grasmere Gingerbread shop, where the Wilson family have been making gingerbread for over 60 years. Also in the village are a number of shops, pubs, a church which dates back to the 13th century and Grasmere Lake, plus Grasmere Sports takes place every August, where you can watch participants compete in a variety of sports, including Cumberland Wrestling. Just five miles away is the town of Ambleside and Lake Winderemere where you will find shops, pubs, restaurants and the 17th century Bridge House, which is one of the most photographed buildings in the Lake District. Cruises, boat trips and watersports can all be enjoyed on Lake Windermere and the towns of Windermere and Keswick are also within driving distance. Grasmere is a wonderful base for your Lake District retreat.
Short-term Holiday Let Licence No: AB-12345-CEPC Rating: Band F
Accommodation
One double bedroom.
Bathroom with roll top bath, basin and WC.
Kitchen.
Living room/diner with woodburning stove (wood can be purchased from the village).
Gas central heating and woodburning stove.
Electric oven and gas hob, microwave, fridge, TV with Freeview, and WiFi (shared with Fir Tree Cottage).
Gas and electricity included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Off-road parking for one car.
Outdoor access to lawned areas, terrace and seating.
Shared laundry facilities in outbuilding.
One well-behaved pet allowed.
Sorry, no smoking.
Nearby points of interest
- Lake Windermere
- Wastwater Lake
- Wastwater Alpaca Trekking
Reviews (48)
-
Mike
Everything you need for a short break away, stairs are not for the faint hearted but there is a back way so not a problem. Wood burner makes it proper cosy so bring some fuel. It's a converted stone Dovecot so don't expect 5* Spa luxury , if you like the Lakes then you'll like this place. Might be small but it's well laid out and we had a great time.
-
Adam
It is in a peaceful, private, secluded location, well maintained, and remarkably well thought out and arranged for such a small space. The kitchen in particular was very well equipped compared to many other self-catering cottages/apartments. There is an excellent pub just round the corner and it is a fairly short walk into the centre of Grasmere. While the headroom upstairs is somewhat limited, particularly in the bathroom, we managed fine despite one of us being 6ft 2! The access from the ground floor to the first floor is very steep however, and would probably be unsuitable for those with limited mobility. All in all, it was a wonderful and very comfortable stay which we would highly recommend to those looking for a base within the heart of the Lake District.
-
Stephen
Cosy and just right for two.