Guests say
Guests are generally delighted with 'The School', praising its warm, well-equipped interiors and idyllic location. The property's layout is ideal for groups, offering both communal and private spaces. The surrounding area is perfect for walking, with direct access to scenic trails. Some minor maintenance issues and cleaning oversights are noted, but these do not detract significantly from the overall positive experience.
Most reviews indicate that the property is clean and well-presented, with spotless bedrooms and bathrooms. However, there are a few mentions of specific areas not being cleaned to a high standard, such as the kettle and the table tennis table, which slightly lowers the score.
The location is highly praised for its quiet setting, proximity to local walks, and a nearby pub. The scenic views and direct access to the fell are particularly appreciated, contributing to a high score in this category.
Guests find the property to be warm and comfortable, with supportive furniture and beds. The multiple levels and spaciousness allow for comfort for guests of all ages, although there is a mention of limited movement for those with mobility issues.
The property is well-equipped with a variety of amenities and thoughtful extras. However, there are several comments about maintenance issues such as a problematic TV, an annoying freezer alarm, and a defective gate, which suggest room for improvement in this area.
While the reviews reflect a well-equipped property with many thoughtful extras, there is no specific mention of gifts provided by the hosts. Therefore, it is not possible to score this category accurately, and the score is set to null.
About this property
This luxurious five-bedroom holiday home spread over three floors, has been lovingly and skilfully crafted from an early Victorian, Grade II listed property, built from local stone and slate. The property is full of character, previously being used as the village school until it was changed to a private dwelling with dual use as the village post office in the 1960s. Look out for the post box at the end of the drive. The whole interior has been professionally styled, using designer fabrics and furnishings, oak flooring in the main living areas, carpeting in the bedrooms and tiling to bathrooms. This really is a hidden gem, set in an idyllic location. It is ideal for a family or group of couples.
The property is in the small village of Mungrisdale, nestled in the northern fells of the Lake District. It is two miles from the A66 which links the bustling market towns of Penrith and Keswick and is set in walker’s paradise, with stunning trails up to the high fells of Blencathra and Skiddaw from the doorstep. This really is idyllic walking territory. The much-loved Mill Inn, famous for its hearty welcome and good food, is in the village.
From the garage walk around the side of the house to the fell at the back, step into the entrance hall and store your outdoor gear. Walk up a couple of steps to the main level, to find a large and elegant double-height sitting and dining room featuring enchanting large fan-shaped windows, sumptuous furniture and an impressive fireplace with multi-fuel stove. From the dining area you will find a cutting-edge kitchen with cream, shaker style units and granite worktops, a breakfast bar and a large range cooker. You will also find a twin bedroom with views to the rear on this floor, which has sole use of the shower room down one flight of stairs, which also acts as the main cloakroom. Walk downstairs to find a second, beautiful open plan lounge area with full height and full width windows, situated in harmony with its own contemporary kitchen with dining table. A sliding, patio door leads to the garden from here. Also find two lovely bedrooms at this level: a twin bedroom with en-suite shower room and a double bedroom with king size bed and en-suite bathroom with separate shower cubicle. This floor can be used as a separate apartment. Climb to the top floor to find two spacious master bedrooms, both having ingenious glass gallery windows enabling you to look out over the lounge area below. Both bedrooms have king-size beds, comfortable seating and en-suite bathrooms. You will love the large south-west facing landscaped garden with flower beds and shrubs, and terrace with garden seating and lovely fell views. drive.
The popular town of Keswick is the holiday centre of the North of the Lake District and has plenty to offer the visitor at any time of year. The town boasts numerous shops and restaurants to suit all tastes, as well as offering miniature golf, excellent parks, the famous Theatre by the Lake, a charming cinema, the Pencil Museum, a climbing wall, fishing and great mountain biking opportunities, whilst the beautiful lake of Derwentwater at the head of the stunning Borrowdale Valley is only a few minutes walk from the town centre. Nearby, between Braithwaite and Buttermere is the beautiful Newlands Valley, while picturesque Bassenthwaite Lake is well worth a visit. From a gentle countryside ramble to a challenging hike up Skiddaw or the famous Catbells, there really is something for everyone. Visit Castlerigg Stone Circle, the Jennings Brewery and Mirehouse, a grand house and gardens on the shores of the Bassenthwaite Lake, or take a fabulous boat trip around Derwentwater. With plenty of attractions for the kids, lovely parks and the nearby Lake District Wildlife Park this is a great Lakeland destination whatever the time of year.
Accommodation
Over three floors.
Five bedrooms: 2 x king-size with en-suite bath, shower over, basin and WC, 1 x ground-floor king-size with en-suite bath, walk-in shower, basin and WC, 1 x ground-floor twin with en-suite walk-in shower, basin and WC, 1 x twin.Cloak/Shower room with walk-in shower, basin and WC.
Kitchen with breakfast bar.
Utility room.
Living/dining room with woodburner.
Lower ground floor: Kitchen/diner and sitting room.
Oil central heating with underfloor heating and lower ground floor woodburner.
Electric range cooker with double oven, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, TV with Free Sat, Wifi - please note speeds may vary due to the location of the property.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Travel cot and highchair provided.
Ample off-road parking.
Secure bike storage.
Enclosed garden and terrace with seating.
Sorry, no pets and no smoking.
Reviews (21)
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Lee
I stay in the lakes 2 or 3 times a year, always try and pick a different place to see as much as I can. The school easily in the top handful overall. House easily accommodated 10 people and didn't ever feel like people were under each other's feet. The local pub is excellent which is a bonus, not always a given (looking at you portinscale)... the fact that the local walk ends literally at your back door is the cherry on the cake and immensely satisfying. Have already recommended to friends and the (constructive criticism) lack of dog friendliness is the only reason it hasn't been booked up already by one of them. 5/5
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Katie
It is a wonderful old, converted schoolhouse , done up to a high standard with tasteful decor. It is very well equipped with crockery, games etc. The house is on three floors which makes it perfect for a group stay as there are lots of different areas for people to enjoy without being on top of one another. Indeed, the lower floor has its own kitchen and sitting room leading straight into a beautiful garden so can be used as its own confined accommodation. The most amazing thing about the house (to which the photos do not do justice) is that there is a wonderful terrace leading off the kitchen which backs directly onto a fell. We had a blissful barbecue on the terrace looking out over the fell. The sitting / dining room also has a double height ceiling with lovely views. The house is very quiet and in a great location in the Northern fells in striking distance of Keswick (lovely Victorian town), Castlerigg stone circle (ancient circle of stones), Ullswater lake which is beautiful and has excellent canoeing, walks up Carrock Fell and Bannerdale Crags, amazing country houses such as Dalemain and Hutton in the Forest etc. etc. Our constructive feedback is that the electric oven is temperamental and itâs hard to cook food reliably, the terrace overlooking the fell could be made more attractive eg with potted plants and there were a few items listed on the website which we couldnât find, namely the DVD players. These are minor things which did not ultimately detract from a wonderful stay at the house. We would highly recommend the School and would love to come back on another trip to the Lakes.
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Michael
Keswick only 15 mins away by car. A few minor points, one bedroom on main floor not en-suite and no toliet on that floor and very little by way of garden furniture. However, the place was very well stocked and all in all excellent for a family holiday.