Guests say
Guests generally appreciate the cottage's cosy atmosphere, riverside balcony, and the quaint village of Staveley. The location is praised for its proximity to local amenities and scenic walks. However, parking is noted as challenging and the property's maintenance, particularly window frames and cleanliness, received mixed reviews. Comfort levels vary with some finding the beds comfortable and others not.
The property was often described as clean, but some guests mentioned issues with dust, cobwebs, and a mouldy bathroom, suggesting room for improvement in cleanliness standards.
The location is highly regarded for its peaceful riverside setting, proximity to local shops, and accessibility to public transport and scenic walks, making it an ideal base for exploring the Lake District.
While some guests found the beds comfortable and the cottage cosy, others reported discomfort with the mattresses. The mixed feedback suggests that comfort levels may be subjective and vary among guests.
Facilities are generally well-received, with a well-equipped kitchen and good shower facilities. However, maintenance issues such as window frame repairs and heating problems have been noted, indicating a need for attention to the property's upkeep.
There is insufficient information regarding any thoughtful gestures such as welcome packs or gifts, as they are not consistently mentioned across the reviews. Therefore, a score cannot be provided for thoughtfulness.
About this property
Set in the lively heart of Staveley, this contemporary riverside property is beautifully furnished and enjoys a charming balcony over the water. The village itself is a magnet for walkers and cyclists, with popular cafés and locally brewed beer from the famous Hawkshead Brewery. Windermere and the lakeside at Bowness are only a short drive away, with the market town of Kendal just down the road. Theatres, cinemas, quirky shops, fabulous walks and breath-taking scenery are all on the doorstep when you stay at ‘A River Runs By’.
Private parking for guests in the courtyard (Please note that parking is via a narrow lane and tight turns to a private space in a shared courtyard. It's tight but do-able for confident drivers of 4WD/larger cars.). Secure storage for bikes. The entrance hall with slate flooring, leads to a useful downstairs shower and cloakroom. The sitting room is comfortable and modern, with large patio doors leading on to the feature balcony. Natural light floods into this room, and with the added joy of comfortable leather furnishings, it is a wonderful space in which to relax. The contemporary kitchen has everything needed for the preparation of delicious family feasts to be enjoyed in the adjoining dining area.
A staircase runs from the sitting room to the upper floor and bedrooms. The double room has an impressive vaulted ceiling and fabulous views and shares the house bathroom with a pretty single.
The thriving Lakeland village of Staveley is situated on the eastern fringes of the Lake District National Park and offers superb access to the whole region. The beautiful Kentmere Valley is just a short walk away and with the River Kent tumbling its way through the valley to Staveley, it is very popular with mountain bikers and walkers alike. Staveley Mill Yard is a former wood turning mill at the heart of the village, which is now a thriving tourist attraction with cycle hire and outdoor shops, artisan bakery, brewery and the renowned Wilf's Cafe. This complements the excellent range of amenities in the village, which include a variety of shops, two village pubs, craft shops, a children's playground, a regular bus service and a railway station. Close by, the bustling towns of Kendal, Windermere, Bowness and Ambleside are popular with visitors, providing a range of amenities to suit all tastes. Lake Windermere offers boat trips, including a ferry to the Lakeside Aquarium and Grizedale Forest Park. The 'Windermere Steamboat Museum' displays a fascinating collection of boats whilst children will enjoy the 'World of Beatrix Potter' in Bowness, where technology brings her characters to life. Within easy reach of Coniston Water, Kendal, Keswick and the Lakeland Mountains, Staveley is ideally situated for exploring all that the region has to offer.
Accommodation
2 bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x single, house bathroom with shower over bath, downstairs shower room and cloakroom.
Sitting room.
Kitchen.
Gas central heating.
Double electric oven with halogen hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, TV, DVD, WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Secure bike storage.
Private parking Please note that parking is via a narrow lane and tight turns to a private space in a shared courtyard (parking space more suitable for small/medium car).
River balcony with furniture.
Shared courtyard with bench.
Pub and shops nearby.
Lots of local walks from the doorstep.
Sorry, no pets and no smoking.
Nearby points of interest
- Lake Windermere
Reviews (26)
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Carlynne
The downstairs bathroom is full of mold I discontinued using it as it set off a terrible sinus infection which turned into bronchitis. I had three incidences of monster spiders the likes of which I have never seen !! I do have a photo of one. The parking is as stated by others...impossible. That could be solved if the TWO vehicles that are stored there were moved. No one is using them. I feel bad for this vey old building which is full of character, but sadly neglected. The window frames are rotted and need repairs the balcony door is also needing serious repairs On to positive the location is perfect. An easy walk to anything that is needed. Thank goodness there's a Pharmacy close. The neighbors are delightful people. The River does add such a wonderful feeling to the Location.
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Carlynne
..that is about the only thing that was accurate. The downstairs bathroom is full of mold...I discontinued using it as it set off a terrible sinus infection which turned into bronchitis. I had three incidences of monster spiders the likes of which I have never seen !! I do have a photo of one. The parking is as stated by others...impossible. That could be solved if the TWO vehicles that are stored there were moved...NO ONE is using them. I feel bad for this vey old building which is full of character, but sadly neglected. The window frames are rotted and need repairs..the balcony door is also needing serious repairs On to positive...the location is perfect. An easy walk to anything that is needed. Thank goodness there's a Pharmacy close ! The neighbors are delightful people. The River does add such a wonderful feeling to the Location.
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Carlton
When we arrived the first thing we did was to put the kettle on but unfortunately the kettle was'nt playing game as it was broken. Tried changing the fuse with one we found in a tool box under the sink and also swopped the socket over but to no avail. We rang the help number but being Saturday no one answered but on the Monday it was changed after another call to the office. I found the duvet fine but my wife was'nt that keen,don't know why. Maybe clean pillows might be an idea to think of? It's in an ideal location for anyone who has'nt their own transport as the 555 bus runs through Stavely to Kendal and Keswick and from there you can reach other places. Two great pubs,a chippy,a pizza,mini market,a butcher and chemist are all on the doorstep We would most definitley book again and recommend this cottage.