Guests say
Dovecot Cottage in Ambleside is a charming and characterful property, praised for its scenic and peaceful location. Guests love the proximity to local walks and the town of Grasmere. The cottage's unique layout and cozy atmosphere, along with sightings of red squirrels, add to its appeal. While some guests mention quirks and challenges due to its size and structure, the overall sentiment is one of delight and a desire to return.
Guests that stayed at this property said
Most guests found Dovecot Cottage to be clean and well-maintained, though a few noted areas for improvement, such as dust on stairs and spider webs. The majority of reviews, however, do not raise significant concerns about cleanliness.
The location is highly praised for its tranquility, beautiful surroundings, and accessibility to local attractions and walks. Guests appreciate being close to nature and the convenience of nearby amenities.
The cottage is frequently described as cozy and comfortable, with a well-preserved layout and a garden that is enjoyed by pets. However, some guests mention the low ceilings and steep stairs as potential discomforts, especially for taller individuals or those with mobility issues.
Facilities are generally well-regarded, with a well-equipped kitchen and comfortable furnishings. However, there are comments about the steepness of the stairs, the noise from the heating system, and some maintenance issues like dripping taps and a leak, which slightly lower the score.
There is insufficient information in the reviews to assess the level of thoughtfulness in terms of gifts or special touches provided by the hosts. No reviews mention gifts, so this category cannot be scored.
About this property
Find a quirky hidden gem nestled in the charming village of Grasmere, famous for being shortlisted by Hollywood moguls as one of the properties for Bilbo Baggins' house in the popular Lord of the Rings franchise. This one-of-a-kind listed building is perfect for a unique romantic retreat among stunning countryside landscapes throughout the Lake District. Make your way through lush greenery comprising tall trees, spacious lawn and a lovely private seating area right outside the property, the perfect spot to indulge in the idyllic surroundings with your other half as you sip on a glass of wine, there’s also exterior stair access to the first-floor bedroom within the cottage. Feel automatically at home as you step foot into this eccentric abode, resembling the inside of a yacht through intimate oak beams, tile floors and interesting recess cubby holes. Settle in for the night, snuggling up in front of the toasty woodburning stove as you grab a blanket and hop on the plush sofa for a quiet film night. Resting behind is a gorgeous dining table where you can tuck into a tasty meal during a memorable candlelit evening date night, prepared from the well-equipped kitchen, offering all the amenities needed for your stay. The bedroom is the star of this property, featuring the original dovecote entrance into a wood-filled space, with sloped ceilings and modest bedroom space where you can cosy up with your other half on a frosty winter’s night. Treat yourself to a luxurious soak in the Victorian-style roll top bath, a perfect way to start a lazy Sunday morning before venturing out to the delightful surrounding areas of Grasmere and the Lake District. Grasmere is one of the few places in the UK where you can still find red squirrels and you can often spot these delightful creatures when staying at the cottage. The owners support the Grasmere Red Squirrel Group with a donation for every week the cottage is booked. The village centre is just a short stroll away, home to several handy shops and local pubs where you can take a break from the kitchen and dine out for some hearty pub grub. Adventurers will delight in the chance to challenge themselves to a climb up Fairfield Peak, reaching 873 metres of height, this stunt is not for the light-hearted, however there’s also an array of leisurely walking trails if preferred. Those looking for a chilled-out day of exploration can discover Alcock Tarn, an easier route with rewarding panoramic views of breath-taking landscapes. Spend a day rowing a boat on Grasmere Lake, take amazing pictures at Loughrigg Fell, or be wowed by the views from Silver How. Easedale Valley is a charming spot to relax on a Sunday afternoon, offering the chance to enjoy a picnic on a sunny day or enjoy a winter ramble in the frost around Rydal Water. Dovecot Cottage is a beautiful cottage filled with quirky features, ideal for a romantic escape to the lakes.
Situated in the heart of the Lake District National Park is the lovely village of Grasmere, probably best known as the home of William Wordsworth, a place he once described as "The most loveliest spot that man hath found". Any visit to Grasmere needs to include The Grasmere Gingerbread shop, where the Wilson family have been making gingerbread for over 60 years. Also in the village are a number of shops, pubs, a church which dates back to the 13th century and Grasmere Lake, plus Grasmere Sports takes place every August, where you can watch participants compete in a variety of sports, including Cumberland Wrestling. Just five miles away is the town of Ambleside and Lake Winderemere where you will find shops, pubs, restaurants and the 17th century Bridge House, which is one of the most photographed buildings in the Lake District. Cruises, boat trips and watersports can all be enjoyed on Lake Windermere and the towns of Windermere and Keswick are also within driving distance. Grasmere is a wonderful base for your Lake District retreat.
Accommodation
One double bedroom.
Bathroom with roll top bath, basin and WC.
Kitchen.
Living room/diner with woodburning stove (wood can be purchased from the village).
Gas central heating and woodburning stove.
Electric oven and gas hob, microwave, fridge, TV with Freeview and DVD, and WiFi (shared with Fir Tree Cottage).
Gas and electricity included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Off-road parking for one car.
Outdoor access to lawned areas, terrace and seating.
Shared laundry facilities in outbuilding.
One well-behaved pet allowed.
Sorry, no smoking.
Nearby points of interest
- Hayes Garden World Ambleside
- Lake Windermere
- Derwent Pencil Museum
- Lakeland Motor Museum
Reviews (37)
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Trina
We barely had to drive as the walks from the cottage were so good with mountains and lakes within easy reach. Grasmere itself is a really sweet little place, very friendly and some nice places to visit and eat, great stopping point on the way back from a long walk. Only improvement would be to add a gate so the dog could be let off in the garden. We would definitely love to return in the future.
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Katherine
It was perfect for our nervous dog as it is secluded. We enjoyed the uniqueness of Dovecot and will definitely book again in the future.
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Elke
Very easy to find, located on the edge of the woods at the base of the fell. Very well thought out, considering the size of the space. The photos and description are very accurate. Good quality accessories in the cottage, al you need for a break in the Lakes, felt like a little cabin. Very nice.