Guests say
Kentmere Hall Bank Barn is highly praised for its stunning, peaceful location and stylish, comfortable accommodation. Guests appreciate the well-equipped facilities, including underfloor heating and a log burner, and the property's cleanliness. The remote setting is ideal for walks directly from the doorstep, though some noted the thin sliding doors between rooms and the lack of basic provisions on arrival.
Reviews consistently mention the property being very clean, with no negative comments on cleanliness, indicating high standards are maintained.
The location is frequently described as stunning, peaceful, and ideal for walkers, with direct access to trails. The remote aspect is appreciated, though it may not suit everyone.
The property is noted for its comfortable furnishings and vibrant interior. Some guests mentioned the lack of soundproofing due to thin sliding doors, which could affect comfort for some.
Facilities are generally well-regarded, including good Wi-Fi and a log burner. However, there are comments about the need for more coat hangers, a vegetable steamer, and an aux cable for the stereo, suggesting room for improvement.
Guests appreciated the extra touches like reading materials and gifts on arrival, though it's noted that such gifts are a kind gesture and may not be provided every time.
About this property
Standing at the head of the Kentmere Valley, surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the Lake District, Kentmere Hall is built around a defensive pele tower dating back to the early 14th century. Here you’ll find a superb 21st century RIBA shortlisted barn conversion of the adjacent Bank Barn.
With all the living space across the ground floor, and beautiful open plan living, kitchen and dining space, your group will have lots of space to socialise, be together and make happy memories. You’ll arrive in Kentmere along the narrow lane that winds its way up to the head of the valley and the village of Kentmere with its historic church and whitewashed cottages scattered across the hillside. The final approach is down a narrow drive which leads to the house, where you can pull up right outside the front door. The front door opens to the welcoming open plan kitchen, dining/living room with beams and slate floors. Comfortable sofas and armchairs are arranged around the cosy log burner and TV. (No live TV available due to reception. However, viewing through the internet is fine, iPlayer, ITV player, Channel 4 etc or your own Netflix and Amazon TV). The family dining table sits at the heart of the room making it the ideal place for relaxing mealtimes, or the place to gather in the morning over breakfast to plan your day. The contemporary fitted kitchen, with beautiful granite worktops, is well equipped with everything you need. Three pretty bedrooms lead off the living accommodation, all with sliding doors to maximise the use of space and light and all with views to the surrounding countryside. A double room with en-suite bathroom; a double or 2’6” twin bedroom (please specify your choice when you make your booking) or a 3’ twin bedded room. A spacious shower room with a walk-in shower, basin and WC. The utility/boot room has plenty of space for your outdoor gear, and drying wet clothes, and is also home to the washing machine and tumble dryer. From here the back door from here opens to the great outdoors and a gravelled area with outdoor dining furniture where you can relax.
Kentmere Hall Bank Barn adjoins Kentmere Hall. Kentmere Hall won a RIBA North West Award 2021 and a RIBA National Award 2021, see below:
https://www.architecture.com/awards-and-competitions-landing-page/awards/riba-regional-awards/riba-north-west-award-winners/2021/pele-tower-house
The Kentmere Valley is a narrow valley surrounded by a horseshoe of high fells, to the east of Lake Windermere. The scenery is breath-taking, the atmosphere blissfully tranquil and the location within surprisingly easy reach of Lake Windermere and other highlights of the Lake District. But when popular Lakes holiday destinations are teeming at bank holidays and school holidays, the Kentmere Valley remains relatively untouched. The Kentmere Valley is approached via a small country lane from the village of Staveley. Staveley is a pretty little village between Kendal and Windermere; a popular hub for walkers and cyclists – head to Staveley Mill Yard for lots of great cafes, bakeries, and a brewery and beer hall. Staveley's Eagle & Child pub is also a superb traditional Lakeland pub. The Kentmere Valley is a popular location for a Lake District walking holiday, and you'll find many varied routes to enjoy from your doorstep. Mountain bikers and rock climbers find their high points too!
The Kentmere Valley is a narrow valley surrounded by a horseshoe of high fells, located to the east of Lake Windermere. The scenery is breath-taking, the atmosphere, blissfully tranquil and the location within surprisingly easy reach of Lake Windermere and other highlights of the Lake District. Kentmere is reached from the village of Staveley along a lane that winds its way up to the head of the valley and to the village of Kentmere with its historic church and whitewashed cottages scattered across the hillside. Staveley is another pretty little village between Kendal and Windermere; a popular hub for walkers and cyclists.
Accommodation
All accommodation on one level.
Three bedrooms: 1 x double with en-suite bathroom with shower over bath, basin and WC, 1 x double (zip/link can be 2 x 2'6" twins on request), 1 x twin.
Shower room with basin and WC.
Open plan living space with kitchen, dining area and sitting area with woodburning stove.
Utility
Renewable central heating with gas back up and woodburning stove.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, washing machine and tumble dryer, dishwasher, Smart TV, CD player, DVD player, WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Cot and highchair available.
Outdoor courtyard area with furniture.
One small dog allowed.
Sorry no smoking.
Off road parking for 3 cars.
Pub 2.9 miles.
Shop 4.9 miles
Nearby points of interest
- Lake Windermere
Reviews (29)
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Geoff
It's part of the original historical building featured on Grand Designs. It sleeps six but probably more suited to a family rather than three couples. If you like ticking off some Wainwrights then its ideal, but there is nothing else to do if the weather is bad but drive out, or read lots of books! The quirky accommodation has been colourfully furnished; the heating is underfloor and quite adequate.
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Theresa
The peace and tranquility is something that's very rare these days and I hope that the internal work that's obviously ongoing in the adjoining buildings doesn't spoil this. Our only negative points were the outside furniture (a rusty old thing that looked like a workbench with a wood top covered in green algae, and some flimsy fold up chairs), the lack of some basic kitchen utensils, the towel rail in the shower room that we couldn't get to heat up and the saggy sofa that was very uncomfortable. None of this would prevent us going back and it was a lovely place to return to after a day's walking in the rain!
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Maggie
The Barn was lovely, we had everything we needed and canât wait to return - just an amazing holiday, thank you so much.