Guests say
Highbank is a well-received holiday cottage in Bowness-On-Windermere, praised for its cleanliness, prime location, and comfortable amenities. Guests appreciate the property's proximity to local attractions and the privacy offered by multiple bathrooms. While some minor maintenance issues and additional kitchen items are suggested, the overall sentiment is positive with many guests looking forward to returning.
The property is generally regarded as very clean, with several reviews highlighting its tidiness. However, a few guests mentioned areas where cleaning could be improved, such as under sofas and behind cushions.
The location is highly praised for being convenient and within walking distance to Bowness centre, local shops, and the lake, making it an ideal base for exploring the area.
Most guests find the house comfortable, with spacious rooms and privacy across different levels. Some guests noted issues with bed firmness and light penetration in bedrooms, suggesting room for improvement.
The property is well-equipped, but several guests noted the need for maintenance, such as fixing toilet cisterns, securing loose window locks, and upgrading kitchen utensils. The presence of a garage is a plus, though parking can be challenging.
While some guests missed having a welcome pack with basic provisions, there is not enough consistent information across reviews to accurately assess the level of thoughtfulness in terms of gifts or special touches provided by the hosts.
About this property
Highbank is a well presented, traditional slate Victorian Lakeland terrace house just a few minutes' walk from lively Bowness and Lake Windermere.
The front door opens to the hallway with coat hook and boot racks. To the front there is a beautiful lounge, with comfy sofas around the feature Victorian fireplace, with open fire. A large bay window allows the light to flood in. Large screen TV completes the room. To the rear, there is a spacious dining room with a large family dining table and a cosy log burning stove, ideal for a social dinner together. The extended kitchen is well equipped with everything you need and an informal breakfast bar - ideal for the kids in the mornings! The stylish bedrooms are arranged over the first and the second floor. On the first floor the welcoming master bedroom has a king-size bed and small ens-uite shower room. The second bedroom is a bright and airy double room and across the landing is the smart family bathroom with bath with shower over, basin and WC. On the first floor, the third bedroom is a twin room with a high-level window looking out toward the Lakeland fells and a south-facing Velux for extra light. This bedroom benefits from a small en-suite shower room with shower, basin and WC. The rear south facing courtyard is furnished with bistro-style table and chair and is a lovely spot to relax with a morning coffee or a glass of wine.
On the eastern shores of Lake Windermere, Bowness is a sophisticated Lakeland village with so much to explore and enjoy. Within minutes from Highbank, you can be enjoying walks with magnificent views such as to Biskey Howe, Brant Fell and School Knott. Stroll to the lakeshore to hire a rowboat or powerboat or take an elegant cruise on one of the Lake Windermere steamers. Windermere Lake Cruises depart regularly to Ambleside and Lakeside; a wonderful way to explore without even using your car. There are many excellent restaurants in Bowness and Windermere, all within walking distance, including champagne bars, contemporary wine bars and traditional pubs offering a range of great British and international cuisine. There is something for everyone, both in the village centre and the surrounding countryside. Windermere Golf Club is just outside Bowness village, on the way to the Lyth Valley. This area is also renowned for gentle but very scenic walking, with a wealth of acclaimed Lake District country pubs to choose from. Another great idea is to take the car-ferry crossing over Lake Windermere from Bowness, to visit the former home of Beatrix Potter in Near Sawrey, and the nearby picturesque village of Hawkshead. Or go as a pedestrian and just explore Claife Heights and the lakeshore paths.
The vibrant twin towns of Bowness and Windermere hold enduring appeal for visitors to the Lake District National Park, with each providing a range of nearby attractions, amenities, shops and restaurants to suit all tastes. A variety of boat trips and boat hire are available from Windermere Lake Cruises in Bowness to Brockhole, Ambleside and Lakeside (at the southern end of the lake where the Lakeside Aquarium and the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway are situated). The World of Beatrix Potter attraction and the Old Laundry theatre are 1.5 miles away. Orrest Head, where Alfred Wainwright was inspired to write his series of iconic guidebooks, is a 30-minute walk to enjoy the spectacular panorama of far-reaching views over the lake and surrounding fells. Brockhole, which offers high wire tree top experiences, is less than two miles away, and the historic villages of Grasmere, Ambleside and Troutbeck are a short drive away. There are also a variety of watersports on offer for the more energetic at marine centres along the lake. The area is ideally situated for exploring all that this region has to offer, whether by foot, bike, car, railway or bus; and is within easy reach of attractions such as the spectacular Langdales, Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top House at Far Sawrey, Coniston, Grizedale Forest Park, with its delightful walks and famous outdoor sculptures, mountain biking and “Go-Ape” adventure park, Ullswater, Kendal, Keswick, stone circles, Roman forts and England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike.
Accommodation
Three bedrooms: 1 x king-size with en-suite shower room with basin and WC, 1 x double, 1 x twin with en-suite shower room with basin and WC.
Bathroom with shower over bath, basin and WC.
Kitchen.
Dining room with woodburning stove.
Sitting room with open fire.
Gas central heating with open fire and woodburning stove.
Double electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, Smart Tv, DVD player, WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Cot and highchair available in property.
Enclosed courtyard patio with furniture.
One well behaved dog welcome.
Unrestricted on-street parking.
Pub 8 min walk.
Shop 7 min walk.
Bowness Pier and Lake Windermere 13 min walk.
Nearby points of interest
- Lake Windermere
- Hayes Garden World Ambleside
- Lakeland Motor Museum
- Laurel and Hardy Museum
Reviews (36)
-
Lynn
Parts of the house need attention, especially the flooring in the dining room. My mother tripped on the tape used as a quick repair . Also my mum had left her hearing aids at the property, so I tried to contact sykes to let them know through, telephone calls, email and text message, with no success. This is very poor customer service. It is extremely difficult to get in touch with anyone when you have a problem.
-
Lynn
Beds comfy. Showers adequate. Few little jobs need to be looked at especially drainage on the en-suite showers⦠maybe need an extra clean to unblock them, the toilet seats are loose and need changing or tightening (tried to do this but they soon loosened off again). The fridge/freezer appeared to have a little leak, easily sorted with the mop. We are the guests who enquired about the picture! Sorry that you donât want to part with it :-( mum is sad about that.
-
Lynn
Parts of the house need attention, especially the flooring in the dining room. My mother tripped on the tape used as a quick repair . Also my mum had left her hearing aids at the property, so I tried to contact sykes to let them know through, telephone calls, email and text message, with no success. This is very poor customer service. It is extremely difficult to get in touch with anyone when you have a problem.