Guests say
Simcas House is a spacious and well-positioned cottage in Stainton, offering a comfortable stay with a cosy lounge, good-sized bedrooms, and powerful showers. Guests have enjoyed the tranquil location, proximity to a friendly local pub, and the pleasant outdoor spaces. Some guests received a welcome pack, adding a thoughtful touch to their arrival.
Reviews on cleanliness are mixed, with some guests finding the property spotless and well-maintained, while others noted issues with dust, cobwebs, and exterior window cleanliness. The property seems to have addressed previous cleaning concerns.
The location is highly praised for its tranquillity and convenience, with easy access to the Northern Lake District and a local pub just a short walk away, contributing to a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
Guests have found the beds comfortable and the living areas cosy, especially with the log burner. However, some guests mentioned hard mattresses and thin pillows, suggesting room for improvement in sleeping comfort.
Facilities are generally well-received, with a well-equipped kitchen and good-sized rooms. However, some guests reported issues with kitchen equipment, bathroom fixtures, and Wi-Fi connectivity, indicating a need for better maintenance and upgrades.
The provision of a welcome pack with treats and essentials has been appreciated by guests, indicating thoughtfulness from the owners. However, it should be noted that such gestures may vary and are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
Simcas House is a modern, Lakeland home, with a real wow factor. It was built into the hillside as an upside-down house with the living space on the upper floor and the bedrooms on the lower floor ensuring spacious living accommodation and three equally sized bedrooms.
Stepping through the front door the hallway provides plenty of space for boots, outdoor gear. The spacious living room is bright and airy with big picture windows allowing the light to flood in. Patio doors open to a small patio area and at the other end glazed doors open to the large dining conservatory. Comfortable sofas and a feature fireplace with welcoming log burning stove and, a large screen Smart TV. The conservatory dining room takes an elevated position overlooking the garden and the patio - great room to relax in over a social family dinner. From here doors open onto a balcony where guests can sit and relax over drinks in an evening, right next to a babbling brook passing by below. The stylish kitchen features a breakfast bar and all you will need for your stay. Leading off the hallway is a cloakroom WC with washing machine and tumble drier and additional storage for outdoor gear in the adjacent storeroom. Stairs lead down to the 3 bedrooms on the lower level of the house. The master bedroom is presented with a comfortable king-size bed and en-suite shower room. Two further bedrooms, one king-size bed and one with a choice of super king or twin beds (please specify when booking). Both are complemented by the family bathroom with bath, shower cubicle, basin and WC. All three bedrooms feature their own Smart TV too. Head outside to a spacious patio with outdoor dining furniture and a sloping lawned garden. Parents should be aware that there is a small stream that runs behind the wall at the side of the patio.
Stainton is a small hamlet close to popular village of Pooley Bridge at the northernmost tip of Ullswater. The village has a selection of village pubs, cafes and shops for the visitors and is popular all year round. The area has a huge selection of footpaths and bridleways and there are walks for all and is a popular area for mountain biking. Travelling from the central Lakes over the stunning Kirkstone Pass you will drop down into the beautiful glacial carved landscapes surrounding the Lake itself, with many quaint villages along its shoreline. The areas around the lake provide the perfect place for a restful and relaxed self-catering holiday, with plenty of opportunity for walking, exploring and getting out on the Lake. At the southern end of the Lake you will find Glenridding, a popular little village and an excellent base to explore plentiful challenging peaks but especially Helvellyn and Striding Edge.
Stainton is a small village just one mile from the market town of Barnard Castle and 4 miles from the village of Copley located in the unspoilt countryside of Teesdale, in County Durham. Consisting of a small group of traditional cottages and boasting lovely views of the surrounding Dales countryside, Stainton is a great rural base for this part of the northern Dales. Barnard Castle stands on the site of an ancient Roman ford which crosses the river. The medieval ruins of the castle still tower over the river and are well worth a visit. Known affectionately as 'Barney' by residents and visitors alike, the town boasts cobbled streets, yards and back lanes which were first laid out in the 12th century. Beautiful walking country is right on the doorstep with The Pennine and Teesdale Ways, the River Tees and magnificent waterfalls at High Force are all within easy reach.
Accommodation
Bedroom accommodation to the lower floor.
Three bedrooms: 2 x king-size (one with en-suite shower room with basin and WC), 1 x super king-size (zip/link can be split into 2 x twins on request).
Bathroom with bath, separate shower, basin and WC.
Kitchen with breakfast bar seating for 2.
Sitting room.
Conservatory dining room.
Cloakroom with basin and WC.
Complimentary leisure club membership.
Gas Central heating with wood burning stove.
Electric oven and hob, fridge/freezer, additional freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, TV, TVs in all bedrooms, WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Cot and highchair available.
Patio with garden furniture.
Balcony with furniture.
Off road parking for 3 cars.
Two well-behaved dogs welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Pub 1 min walk.
Shop 1 mile.
Pooley Bridge and Ullswater 4.2 miles.
Note: Complimentary leisure club membership is provided
Reviews (11)
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Roger
Wooden utensils not good ( stainless street would be better) As the property is for six people there were not six of each (glasses) Duvets had stains found after removing covers. Not enough toilet rolls for six people for a weeks stay. Not batteries in one of TV remotes Other that these points it was a pleasant stay.
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Pauline
Could use some more crockery and replace the chipped plates. Lack of shelving con the bathroom and improved shower pressure would be good. Cleanliness was ok
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Rebekah
Beds were very comfortable and showers were powerful. I'd definitely return in the summer to make use of the outdoor space. The only problem we encounted was the WIFI did not work. I needed it to do some work. We spent most of our first night trying to sort this, we even rang two numbers out of the book and left a voicemail but nobody got back to us - very dissapointed by the lack of communication. Luckily there was a dog friendly pub down the road which I could walk to. The only improvements I would say, is two small gates on either side of the property would be useful to make it an enclosed garden for dogs.