Lake District Cottages for Short Breaks

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Ben - Verified booking

  This is a truly stunning property which provided the corner stone to a lovely family holiday in the Lakes.

  Prior to arrival, communications from our host were prompt and thorough ensuring a smooth check in process. Being a young family with a toddler, we were given the option of a cot and high-chair but did not decide to pursue this (although it did provide peace of mind knowing these were available should we need them). Even though there are a few miles of single track roads and narrow passes to access the property, it is worth it to have the privilege of the wonderful rural views from your window. There is a parking area outside the three properties which provides ample room for three large vehicles: an electric charging port was available but we didn't need this. The property itself is immaculate! Upon entry, we were immediately presented with that 'new house smell' as the property was clinically clean. However, this does not detract from the home comforts such as the comfortable beds, fully equipped kitchen, modern bathroom, fully functioning wi-fi, smart tv and duck/bee themed home furnishings which immediately make you feel warmed and welcomed. Ironically, this warming does not extend to the bath/shower as hot water does run out quickly so most of our baths/showers were lukewarm (but this was appreciated as our stay was during a heatwave). Overall, the property was ideal for us being a young family of three: the whole property is on one floor so there is no fear of 'wandering toddlers' coming to any harm and the bedroom setup (one double in one room and two twin beds in the other room) ensured that there was plenty of space. Our favourite features had to be the high-rise ceiling in the living room - a reminder that this is barn conversion (you wouldn't know otherwise) and the outdoor table and chairs which enabled my wife and I to enjoy the stunning scenery with a glass of wine at the end of a busy day. Being a young family, most of our visits started from Lakeside (15 minute drive) which hosts the aquarium, steam railway and ferry terminal all on the same site - the last of which is a nice easy way to reach more populated areas such as Ambleside and Bowness if you fancy an alternate method of transport. It is also worth mentioning that next to a welcome pack of light refreshments and a cleaning kit, there was a clear and thorough 'home guide' which provided all the information needed to operate appliances, dispose of rubbish and plan an agenda for each day. Overall, we had a phenomenal stay and would unreservedly recommend Bill's Barn: it is clear that our hosts have put their all into this beautiful property and always put the needs and interests of their guests to the fore. It was a privilege to have stayed here and we will certainly be returning!

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• Philip - Verified booking

  Durham Bridge Barn David and his daughter, Sarah, were the perfect hosts.

  From the moment we arrived in this beautiful area of The Lake District, to leaving, they were always willing to help us in any way possible. This home-away-from-home is stunningly beautiful and absolutely pristine in cleanliness. PRISTINE! The kitchen is a dream and is stocked with everything you would ever need for a holiday. They even left us a gift box with an assortment of goodies - very much appreciated! Sarah also gave us some fresh farm eggs from her chickens! There are 3 bedrooms; two with large beds (and en-suite) and a small bedroom with a single bed. There is also a downstairs toilet - so convenient! The bed downstairs proved to be too hard for my old bones but Sarah came to the rescue! She provided another heavyweight duvet and with the one I had we folded them lengthwise to form a ‘cushion’ and from then on I slept really well! We did have a few hiccups with the heating but it was sorted and all worked out efficiently. We were within a short traveling distance of Windermere, Kendal, Keswick, Barrow-in-Furness, Ulverston and The Lake District National Park…to name just a few! Such a beautiful part of the country. We definitely want to return - but only if we can stay at the barn! As ‘seniors’ we did find the seating in the lounge area a little bit difficult. The couch is very low, deep and comfortable - but too low to get up from easily. I sat in one of the chairs but my hubby sat on the couch. Once you’re ‘down’ - brilliant - but rising again..!? Whew! We had a few anxious moments at his antics. It wouldn’t stop us returning though. I cannot praise Durham Bridge Barn enough…we both loved staying there and were very sad to leave. You will not be disappointed - I promise!

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• Siobhan - Verified booking

  We had such a brilliant stay at Little Winder, the cottage was perfect for us and our little dog.

  We enjoyed walks from the door step, (Including Athur’s Pike and Bonscale Pike) watched the red squirrels playing in the trees from the window and slept peacefully after days of hiking. The location and views from the cottages was superb. The cottage itself has a good sized entrance hall to take off your walking gear and a shared drying room next door to hang anything wet out on the heaters. The Amazon TV was great and we just logged into our Netflix in the evening or watched the free view channels from the comfy sofa. Kitchen had everything we needed to cook tea each night, there isn’t a freezer on its own just a small compartment in the fridge but we only needed ice so no issue for us. The bed was big and comfortable, the shower was compact but lovely and powerful and hot. There was a secure dog field to let the dog off the lead and have a good play. The hosts were brilliant, made sure we had everything we needed and left us a welcome gift which was such a nice touch. We would definitely stay again.

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• Pamela - Verified booking

  Hello, Thank you so much for a wonderful holiday.

  The barn was all that we wanted and needed. Providing the gift box and eggs was very thoughtful.The location is delightful, so quiet and peaceful but in easy distance to many interesting places and locations, including great pubs and restaurants. Being able to begin lovely walks from the property was really good, especially being able to chat with the chickens on route. We loved the wildlife. The bird song was extraordinary, which made having a cup of tea in the garden very special. Seeing deer wandering amongst the trees was a bonus. We were lucky with the weather, which enabled us to have extremely good views of the night sky. I have been visiting The Lakes for many years and Durham Bridge Barn is the best holiday home I have stayed in. Thank you again and love to Ollie. Pam and Bob Lambourne

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• Ellie - Verified booking

  We had a great week staying in the barn.

  It's a beautiful property and in a great location for visiting lots of attractions in and around Lake Windermere. The property was very clean and the welcome hamper was lovely. Unfortunately we found the beds very hard and uncomfortable and none of us really got any sleep. They are not suitable if you have arthritis/any kind of muscle problems or injury. Having no control over the underfloor heating also meant we were also very hot in the evenings/at night. I can't imagine staying there if the weather is warmer! The sofas could also do with an update. We ended up out and about more because we didn't find the barn comfortable. The garden is beautiful, though. We loved being able to walk up in the woods behind the barn.

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