Guests say
Thomas Grove House in PENRITH is a well-loved cottage with stunning views and a perfect location for walking and enjoying the Lake District. Guests have praised its rustic charm, comfortable beds, powerful showers, and cosy atmosphere, especially the fireplace. While most feedback is positive, there are mentions of the need for a deep clean and some maintenance issues.
Most guests found the cottage to be a comfortable home, but there were concerns about the level of cleanliness, including a need for a deep clean and issues with grime and dust. These appear to be isolated incidents rather than the norm.
The location is consistently praised for its stunning views and proximity to walking routes and the lakes. It is described as perfect and idyllic, contributing to the overall positive experience.
Guests have commented on the comfortable beds and cosy atmosphere, particularly enjoying the fireplace after long walks. However, there were a few mentions of an uncomfortable settee, suggesting room for improvement.
The facilities, including powerful showers and a well-equipped kitchen, are appreciated by guests. However, there are remarks about the need for maintenance, such as a chimney sweep and updates to the cooker and microwave.
While guests have expressed overall satisfaction with their stay, there are no specific mentions of gifts or special touches that would indicate thoughtfulness from the hosts. Therefore, this category cannot be scored.
About this property
Thomas Grove House is a 17th century character stone house in a beautiful location in the tiny hamlet of Hartsop with stunning fell views from the airy front windows. Once a working sheep farm, the property has been completely renovated by its architect and artist owners, offering 21st century comfort while also retaining its original charm and character, with features such as oak beams, ham hooks, old inglenook fireplaces, original lime plaster wall finishes, and reclaimed furnishings. Millstones from an even older period form the doorsteps.
A few paces from the front gate, past the neighbour's working sheep farm adjacent to the house, there is an abundance of walking that can be enjoyed from the doorstep including High Street, Fairfield and St Sunday Crag. There are also several easier walks to suit young children. Ullswater Lake is only a short drive away giving you access to sailing, kayaking, and lake cruises, and there are places to eat out and shop in nearby Patterdale and Glenridding. Ambleside and Windermere are only 15 and 20 minutes away respectively over the Kirkstone Pass.
Accommodation: A stone path leads to the rear of the farmhouse where you will enter into the kitchen. Just down the hall are lots of coat hooks and a shower room with basin, wc, washer/dryer and space to dry wet walking gear. There is a stunning 30ft lounge/dining room (TV with freeview, DVD and iPod dock, landline phone) with Morso wood burning stoves at each end, comfy seating area and large dining table, and views across the valley from the generous window seats. A beautiful old oak floor leads up a small step from the dining area to the reclaimed kitchen with historic slate floor and large electric range cooker in the converted ancient bread oven hearth.
The imposing oak staircase from the hallway leads to four bedrooms - one twin to the rear and to the front, with exceptional views across the valley to Brotherswater and the encircling hills beyond, one double, one king size and one single. Each of the bedrooms has been individually styled with reclaimed and antique furniture, beautifully glazed lime plaster walls, carefully chosen kelim rugs, and original wooden floors brought back to life. Family bathroom with bath with rain shower over, basin and wc.
The farmhouse oozes distinctive originality and charm, and is the perfect holiday home for couples or families looking for the real Lake District holiday in one of the most authentic areas in the Lakes.
Outside: The house has its own fully enclosed front garden and a raised terrace with outdoor seating - a perfect place to enjoy the breath-taking views on all sides across Brotherswater to Dove Crag and other fells. Parking for two cars. Nearest pub/shop at Brotherswater approx 1 mile, other shops in Patterdale approx 2 miles. Boat and kayak hire and sailing school 3 miles.
The bustling market town of Penrith, once the capital of Cumbria, enjoys a central position between the Lake District and North Pennines and is ideally placed for taking in all that the region has to offer. Renowned for its wealth of specialist shops, the sandstone buildings of Penrith hide intriguing yards, lanes and alleyways, with a myriad of attractive cottages, gardens and little shops. With a wide choice of excellent pubs, hotels, restaurants and entertainment, Penrith also offers a museum, and Millennium Trails round the historic city streets. Within easy reach of the town is Rheged – an innovative visitor centre with shops, restaurants, exhibitions and a giant cinema screen showing educational and informative films. Brougham Castle (The Windsor of the North), Long Meg and her daughters (the 3rd largest stone circle in England) and the historic city of Carlisle are all a short drive away, as is the stunning scenery of both the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales.
Accommodation
Four Bedrooms: 2 x double 1 x twin, 1 x Single, 1 x Bathroom with rain shower over bath, basin and WC.
Kitchen with electric range, fridge/freezer, dishwasher.
Shower room with basin and WC.
Washer/dryer.
Lounge with Freeview, DVD and Ipod Dock.
Wood burning stove.
Dining area.
1 dog allowed.
non-smoking.
Wi-Fi.
landline phone.
travel cot and high chair available.
cycle hire two miles.
boat and kayak hire and sailing school three miles.
all fuel included inc logs and kindling.
Thomas Grove House is available on a weekly basis from Fridays; outside of schools holidays and half terms, it is also available for short breaks starting on either Fridays or Mondays.
Please note that Thomas Grove House is an old property and so there are uneven surfaces and steps both inside and outside, so please take care.
Nearby points of interest
- Hayes Garden World Ambleside
- Lake Windermere
- Derwent Pencil Museum
- Brougham Castle
Reviews (14)
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Rashiqah
. the cottage was beautiful and very cosy. The location of the property was just stunning, I would highly recommend this place !! We also met the owners of the cottage who were lovely and very helpful. Thank you for a wonderful stay. We will most definitely be back:D
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Shonagh
Really liked the details, hand thrown ceramics, original etchings, lots of great books and even a set of scales which we used to bake scones. Weâll be back, thank you :)
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Ross
I felt like I was staying in a National Trust property. Truly authentic feel, including appropriate furniture - but with tastefully integrated modern facilities, and amazing heating. There are many fantastic walks ready right from the front door, both up into the peaks, and also along the valley. The owners were very helpful. Highly recommended. I will be back.