Seldom Seen

The views over Ullswater are beautiful, and although the driveway is long, cars can get along it fine. Snow might make it a different challenge. The cottage itself is lovely, but cleanliness let the stay down badly. There were clumps of dog hair, cobwebs everywhere, and the floor clearly hadn’t been swept. The sheets and quilts had stains, and downstairs could use some paint. There was no way to light the log burner, even though the cleaning instructions required it. These would have been easy fixes, and could have made the stay perfect. If cleaning is being charged for, someone needs to check the work, because it definitely wasn’t cleaned when we arrived. I emailed the contact details provided and got one reply offering to clean, then heard nothing more. We left a day early.

We were home before Friday, having left early after booking Sunday to Friday. I’d asked whether the cottage suited four adults, and it really felt set up for two adults and two children instead. The leaning stairs are difficult if you’re not sure-footed, and the shower was temperamental. The neighbours on either side clearly weren’t happy about strangers walking through their yards. The description needs updating, and I’d say you need at least a 4x4. We reached the bottom of the trail and found it impassable by car, with ruts and drops of up to 1ft along the way. We had to carry our belongings half a mile each way every day. That might not sound far, but it limits what you can bring and when you have to leave, especially when it’s pitch black by 6.30. I called the company the day we arrived and was told to take only what we needed while they contacted the owners. I’m still waiting to hear back, even though we’re now home. The place wasn’t as described.

My grandfather was born here, and this is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. The track needs upgrading. Surely the Natonal Trust could do something, since they own at least one of the properties. If a cottage becomes available, I’d be very interested in buying or renting it.

Really cosy and clean, with fabulous mountain views. The lake is only a 20-minute walk away, and there are loads of places to hike or cycle, on the road or by mountain bike. I’ll definitely be back and would highly recommend it.