Rayrigg Villa Windermere

The carpet was wet when I took my shoes off after entering the room. Not slightly damp, but properly wet, as if someone had mopped without warning. Absolutely disgusting. There was a strange mix of cleaning-product smells in the bathroom, which had about as much space as an airplane toilet. No exaggeration. The sink was no bigger than my palm, no kidding. (See photo.)

The staff were lovely, and the guesthouse is right by Windermere town, with Bowness just over a mile away. Breakfast has cooked options you choose on a form the day before, plus cereal, fruit and yogurts. Our double and single beds were really comfortable, and the room was clean and roomy. The rooms feel a bit tired and the bathroom was very small, but that didn't put us off. I'd definitely recommend it.

The location was brilliant, and the building looks beautiful from outside. Staff were kind at check-in, and when we asked for more milk and toilet paper they brought them over without a fuss. Breakfast was lovely and cooked just right. The bed was comfortable and clean, though the bedding was old and tatty, with a little hole in the quilt cover. Our room was tiny and needed updating. On the first day the sink had no hot water, although the shower did. There wasn't much space to get ready for a night out: just a little mirror behind the door and an extension lead by a table across the room. I ended up buying another lead and putting the mirror on the floor to do my hair and makeup, which wasn't great at 61. I'd stay again, but would ask for another room and be more prepared to rough it.

Breakfast was included and the hosts cooked it fresh. The place is very self-sufficient, with convenient self check-in and breakfast order forms. Our room was clean and had plenty of space for three, though the single bed wasn't very comfortable. Great location and good value. I'd consider coming back if I'm in the area.