Guests say
Highbeck is a well-received holiday rental with stunning views and spacious, comfortable rooms. Guests appreciate the fully equipped property, including en-suite bathrooms and a kitchenette. The gardens are a hit with both children and pets, and the location is praised for its access to local attractions and pubs. Some minor maintenance issues are noted, but overall, guests report a very enjoyable stay.
Most guests found Highbeck to be clean and tidy, with spotless bathrooms and quality linens. However, a few guests mentioned minor cleanliness issues such as windows needing a clean, an oven left dirty, and some leftover items from previous guests. These appear to be exceptions rather than the rule.
The location is highly praised for its stunning views and excellent access to the lakes and local villages. Guests enjoyed the peaceful setting and proximity to pubs and attractions. Some noted the roads can be busy and narrow, but this did not significantly detract from the overall positive feedback on location.
Guests consistently report that Highbeck is extremely comfortable, with large beds and spacious rooms. The presence of en-suite bathrooms in every bedroom and additional living spaces like a terrace and balcony add to the comfort. A few guests mentioned issues with heating control and creaky floorboards.
The property is well-equipped with almost everything needed for a smooth stay, including a full range of kitchen equipment and a terrace for relaxation. However, guests have reported some maintenance issues such as loose fixtures, a broken blind, and the need for clearer instructions for appliances.
While guests have expressed high satisfaction with the property and its amenities, there is no mention of gifts or special thoughtful touches provided by the hosts in the reviews. Therefore, it is not possible to assess the thoughtfulness category based on the available information.
About this property
This sophisticated Lakeland residence stands in a secluded 3 acres of grounds, alongside Highbeck Cottage a short stroll from the village of Crosthwaite.
A sweeping gravel driveway leads to the property with steps leading to the entrance and large sun terrace. Enter via a quarry tiled porch and elegant entrance hall, with room for coats and boots, leading to the stunning lounge with a wall of glass providing the views. The room is beautifully furnished with comfy leather sofas, and to one end is a solid oak dining table, great for sociable meals. The chic country kitchen is spacious and has a large range cooker, and a smaller dining area. Outside, the beautiful south facing sun terrace and a choice of garden seating areas to the side and rear spoil you for choice to enjoy the views. So many options to relax with a glass of something and soak up the peace and tranquillity of this lovely spot. Downstairs you have 2 large bedrooms: one king size and the other bedroom be super king size or twins. (please specify when booking). Two separate shower rooms and additional WC. Head upstairs to the Master Suite with a contemporary glass fronted balcony to enjoy those views or stay in bed and enjoy the view from there! The en-suite here is a large bathroom with a claw foot bath and separate shower. Also on this level is a twin room again with a good size en-suite with a claw foot bath and separate shower.
The Lyth Valley lies to the east of Lake Windermere, and is renowned for its high-class country pub restaurants, one of which stands only a stroll away from Highbeck. The Punchbowl Inn has long been regarded as one of the finest Lake District gastropubs, well worth a visit and nestling alongside a pretty old church. The Lyth Valley is also famous for its damson orchards and fruit trees. We also recommend the Brown Horse at Winster, the Wheatsheaf at Brigsteer, The Black Labrador, Underbarrow, the Hare & Hounds at Levens & Bowland Bridge, and the Masons Arms, Strawberry Bank. This beautiful valley is full of quiet lanes and cycle routes, and a peaceful landscape but still only a 20-minute drive from bustling Bowness & Windermere villages. You're also close to the National Trust Fell Foot park with fantastic access to boat hire, swimming, lake cruises and the Windermere Yacht Club. The old market town of Kendal is also easily accessible from Crosthwaite, with a wide range of shops, pubs and restaurants as well as entertainment for all ages at the Brewery Arts Centre
Underbarrow is a quiet, pretty Lakeland village close to the historic market town of Kendal and within reach of the wonderful Lake Windermere. The village has a pub and is ideally placed for exploring southern Lakeland and the Lake District National Park. Sizergh Castle and Levens Hall, both with fine gardens, are nearby, and Kendal has much to offer in terms of shopping and is quite lively culturally, thanks to the Brewery Arts Centre and the Abbot Hall Art Gallery and Museum, which is widely recognised as one of the best in the region. Also worth a visit is the ruin of Kendal Castle, which was formerly the home of Katherine Parr, and there’s plenty to see and do with Grange-over-Sands, Cartmel, Ulverton, Bowness, Ambleside and even the Yorkshire Dales National Park within driving distance. Underbarrow is a lovely base for exploring the area.
Accommodation
Four bedrooms: 2 x king-size (one zip/link can be 2 x twin on request), 1 x super king-size with en-suite with shower over bath, basin and WC and balcony, 1 x twin with en-suite with bath, separate shower, basin and WC.
2 x shower rooms with basin and WC.
Kitchen with dining area for 4.
Open plan sitting room with dining area for 8
Gas central heating.
Three oven range cooker with gas hob, microwave, fridge and freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, 58" Smart TV, WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Cot and highchair available.
3 acres of grounds and gardens with sun terrace and furniture.
Two well behaved dogs welcome.
Off-road parking for 4 cars.
Sorry, no smoking.
Pub 8 min walk.
Shop 5 miles.
Bowness and Lake Windermere 5.8 miles
Nearby points of interest
- Lake Windermere
- Lakeland Motor Museum
- Laurel and Hardy Museum
- Hayes Garden World Ambleside
Reviews (44)
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Lisa
Highbeck had absolutely everything you could ever need. We had no shortage issues what so ever and plenty of room for everything. Our dogs loved the enclosed garden and it felt very safe for them running around. We stayed in the master bedroom with the amazing balcony, the fantastic bathroom and extremely comfortable bed. This room is incredible. Sitting on the balcony at night with a glass of wine, just talking and celebrating our anniversary and my birthday made it special for both of us. We appreciate having the opportunity to experience that. All the house was perfect. It was cosy and warm with a glowing fire, on the cooler nightsâ¦this was lovely. My husband, I and the dogs are definitely wanting to come back but this time on our own in the cottage. Beautiful house thank you. Lisa, Nigel, Lola & Ted x
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Elena
Amazing house with fantastic views. Very well maintained house and garden. Wouldnât hesitate to book Highbeck again, loved it.
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Hannah
Great views from the living room, balcony and garden. There is a cottage attached to the house which is rented separately that we hadn't fully appreciated but this wasn't an issue. When we arrived the house was mostly clean but there were a few socks left from previous guests and we had to clean the cutlery drawer as it was full of crumbs. The welcome pack is a bit of a mess and not very useful - it felt very generic to 'lakelovers' rather than for this house. There's lots of space outside although it is very hilly! You have to keep an eye on children in the garden as there is a hill that leads to a drop onto tiles. It would have been good to have a gate next to the seating area out the front to stop dogs/children from getting to the dangerous steps. Other than the paddock at the back all of the gardens open round the front of the house. We weren't able to shut the gate to the driveway as it is shared by the cottage next door - so we had a keep a closer eye on children and the dog. The upstairs bathrooms occasionally smelt like drains (once very badly!). Something that was disappointing is that recycling is not collected from the house - we saw recycling being put out on other houses nearby so unsure why it isn't collected at Highbeck? We tried to take our recycling to supermarkets but had no luck so ended up putting in the main bin as per the instructions. Overall we enjoyed our stay.