Guests say
Gillside is a well-equipped property with stunning views and a peaceful location. It offers a modern design, spacious living areas, and comfortable beds. The garden and outdoor spaces are appreciated, and a welcome pack is a delightful surprise. While some concerns about seating comfort and cleanliness have been raised, these are minor compared to the numerous positive aspects.
Cleanliness has received mixed feedback. While some guests found the property to be clean and well-presented, others noted issues with dust, cobwebs, and dirty kitchenware. The inconsistency in cleanliness standards has led to a slightly above average score.
The location of the property is highly praised for its stunning views and proximity to Keswick and local walks. It is considered a highlight and a unique selling point of the property, contributing to a high score.
Comfort has been positively noted in terms of the beds and underfloor heating, but there are recurring comments about the need for more comfortable seating and the poor condition of sofas. The balance of positive and negative feedback results in a score above average.
Facilities are generally well-regarded, with a well-stocked kitchen and good quality baths and showers. However, there are mentions of maintenance issues such as heating problems and water ingress, which slightly lower the score.
There is insufficient information to accurately score thoughtfulness. While a welcome pack is mentioned, it is not consistently referenced across reviews, and there is no clear indication of regular provision or the level of consideration for guests' needs.
About this property
Looking for a place to stay that is opulent, sophisticated and exclusive? A place to stay that has panoramic views of a shimmering lake surrounded by dramatic hills and mountains?
Gillside offers all of this and more. This early 20th century, detached house has been architecturally redesigned, with its interior incorporating top of the range furniture, to provide a bespoke holiday home that sleeps eight people. The house is situated in the village of Milbeck which nestles at the foot of the south facing slope of Skiddaw, two miles from the traditional Lakeland town of Keswick.
Leave the car in your private space then take the steps to the front door and leave your outdoor clothing in the utility room, with drying area. From here, either walk up six steps to find two double bedrooms, both with king size beds and en-suite bathrooms, and a twin bedroom with its own dedicated bathroom downstairs. Or walk down seven steps to find a double bedroom with king size bed and en-suite and a bathroom with a beautiful claw foot roll top bath. Step into your magnificent, open plan lounge with kitchen and dining area and you are bound to be drawn to the sensational wall sized picture window, so why not slide the door open, step onto the balcony and breathe in fresh Lakeland air as you gaze over unrivalled views. Further down, the garden filled with shrubs and patio has been beautifully landscaped to different levels where you can enjoy relaxing on from each level. If you can do it, drag yourself back inside to explore your exquisite sitting room area and admire its chic and vibrant ambience. Walk over to the kitchen and dining area, which really is the heart of the property and find a new solid wood kitchen, finished in muted colours and boasting state of the art appliances. There's the latest boiling water tap rather than a kettle, the nice touch of a wine cooler fridge, gas hob, fridge freezer and dishwasher. Imagine memorable evenings together, sharing the home chef’s gourmet cooking at your beautiful circular Knoll designer marble table. A stylish and cosy log burner adds a comforting finish to the room.
Upstairs, you will find wooden flooring throughout and all the bedrooms have comfortable top of the range Vi-Spring beds and linen. The tasteful bedroom décor incorporates soft Farrow and Ball hues and divine Ercol furniture. Both the twin and the master bedroom have glorious mountain views. Downstairs has polished concrete floors with the added luxury of underfloor heating.
Drive to Keswick to browse its specialist shops and to have a bite to eat at one of its excellent restaurants, cafes and pubs, then walk through the town to beautiful Derwentwater and unwind as you look out to the shimmering lake. Enjoy a lake cruise to experience breath-taking views of the surrounding fells. For a more challenging adventure, get kitted out and walk up imposing Skiddaw.
The popular town of Keswick is the holiday centre of the North of the Lake District and has plenty to offer the visitor at any time of year. The town boasts numerous shops and restaurants to suit all tastes, as well as offering miniature golf, excellent parks, the famous Theatre by the Lake, a charming cinema, the Pencil Museum, a climbing wall, fishing and great mountain biking opportunities, whilst the beautiful lake of Derwentwater at the head of the stunning Borrowdale Valley is only a few minutes walk from the town centre. Nearby, between Braithwaite and Buttermere is the beautiful Newlands Valley, while picturesque Bassenthwaite Lake is well worth a visit. From a gentle countryside ramble to a challenging hike up Skiddaw or the famous Catbells, there really is something for everyone. Visit Castlerigg Stone Circle, the Jennings Brewery and Mirehouse, a grand house and gardens on the shores of the Bassenthwaite Lake, or take a fabulous boat trip around Derwentwater. With plenty of attractions for the kids, lovely parks and the nearby Lake District Wildlife Park this is a great Lakeland destination whatever the time of year.
Accommodation
Four bedrooms: 3 Ensuite bathrooms and one family bathroom.
1 x upper ground-floor twin beds, 2 x upper ground-floor king-size with en-suite shower, basin and WC, 1 x lower ground-floor king-size with en suite bathroom with roll top bath, shower over, basin and WC.
Open-plan living space with kitchen, dining table and sitting area with woodburning stove.
Oil central heating with underfloor heating and woodburning stove.
Electric double oven and gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, wine cooler fridge, boiling water tap, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, Smart TV, Fibre optic WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Travel cot and highchair available.
Parking for three cars & Electric car charging point.
Secure bike storage.
Decked balcony with seating and landscaped gardens.
Garden furniture including seating for 8, wooden benches and multiple patio levels.
Sorry, strictly no pets and no smoking.
Note: Fuel for the woodburner can be purchased locally.
Please note: Due to the quite peaceful location of this property, situated closely to neighbours, the owner would prefer family groups and no hen or stag groups.
Nearby points of interest
- Derwent Pencil Museum
- Catbells Lakeland Walk
- Wastwater Alpaca Trekking
- Lodore Falls
- Buttermere Lake
- Scale Force waterfall
- Wastwater Lake
- Church of St Olaf
Reviews (29)
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Andrew
We have stayed here before being re-designed and it's a big improvement. We would return but for the price more care needs to be taken with the maintenance of the property. The dishwasher stopped emptying on day three so we had to clear out the filter which contained broken glass. The hot tap in the kitchen only ran cold. The extractor fan in one of the en-suites did not work so it stayed damp. There were no batteries in the DVD remote control.
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Gill
Our family thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Gillside with its clean, modern design, spacious living areas and attention to comfort. We found the house was well presented, clean and welcoming. The view is amazing! Beautiful and ever changing as weather and light conditions changed. We would love to stay here again!
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Matthew
All the amenities and facilities worked perfectly, kitchen was very well stocked which we really appreciated. Ample parking, comfy rooms, excellent bathrooms. The interior design was really tasteful and just a very nice place to stay. I'll definitely consider rebooking for next year.