Guests say
Old Droomer is a well-loved cottage in Windermere, praised for its beautiful views, spacious and characterful accommodation, and well-equipped kitchen. Guests have enjoyed the comfortable beds, modern bathrooms, and the property's proximity to nature and local towns. The garden and surrounding walks are highlights, contributing to a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
Most guests found Old Droomer to be clean, with specific praise for the modern bathrooms and well-equipped kitchen. However, a few guests mentioned issues such as cobwebs, dog hairs, and dirty crockery, suggesting room for improvement in the cleaning routine.
The location is highly regarded for its quiet setting, stunning views, and easy access to local walks and towns. The single-track access road, while mentioned as narrow and challenging by some, is typical for the countryside and does not detract significantly from the overall positive feedback on location.
Guests have consistently praised the comfort of the beds and the cosy atmosphere of the cottage. The underfloor heating and well-equipped kitchen add to the comfort. Some guests, however, found the seating in certain areas too soft and the lack of handrails on stairs a concern for less mobile visitors.
The property boasts comprehensive kitchen facilities, modern bathrooms with good water pressure, and a well-maintained garden. Criticisms include the need for maintenance in areas like the bathroom fixtures and TV systems, and a desire for a log burner. The robot lawnmower was a novel feature but also a minor inconvenience for some.
While guests have expressed appreciation for the amenities and the setting, there is no mention of gifts or special touches that would indicate thoughtfulness from the hosts. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a score in this category.
About this property
This 17th century chocolate box cottage is situated in a peaceful location on the edge of Windermere village, with lovely views over the surrounding fells and only a short walk into Windermere village. An ideal base for a family, this retreat offers a comfortable base for eight, whether you plan on simply relaxing or embarking on plenty of Lake District adventures. The interior of the Old Droomer is filled with a wealth of character features, beamed ceilings, wooden doors and spice cupboards that give it a very traditional feel. Enter through an outside porch into a hallway with a stone floor, leading off to a cosy snug room where you can curl up beside the fire after a day of rambling the fells. Carry the conversation into the stunning open-plan living area with oak beams and floor-to-ceiling windows at one end and patio doors to the side. Move through to the kitchen, its cream painted units and integrated appliances offering all you could need for a self-catered stay, even boasting a dishwasher and washer/dryer for your convenience. An elegant dining table stands in the living area and is the perfect place to host family meals while watching over the garden for deer who often visit. Upstairs in the main house there are three bedrooms, one with a king-size bed, one with a double bed with en-suite facilities and a twin, which is ideal for children. End your day submerged in true relaxation within the beautiful bathroom, hosting both a large oval double-ended bath and a separate walk-in shower so you can choose how best to unwind in the evening. The fourth bedroom can be found in ‘The Stables’ accessed up a steep staircase and consists of a king-size bed and en-suite shower room, perfect for those who want a private place to sleep. Outside there is a private parking area for up to three cars, as well as a large, enclosed garden with patio area where you can sit out with a morning coffee and enjoy your scenic, peaceful setting. From the door there is a network of footpaths awaiting exploration, including the Cumbrian Way and School Knott around the lower Lakeland fells. Windermere is home to plenty of shops where you can pick up local delicacies and produce or book a table at one of the fine restaurants in the area. Further afield, the delights of Ambleside, Kendal and Penrith are worth visiting too, with even more opportunities for walking alongside cycling, fishing, golf, horse riding sand so much more! There is so much to explore around the Old Droomer.
The twin towns of Bowness and Windermere are both vibrant, fun-filled places set within the splendid scenery of the Lake District. Both towns provide a range of amenities, shops and restaurants to suit all tastes whilst Ambleside offers the additional attraction of a boat ride to Bowness, the Lakeside Aquarium and Beatrix Potter's 'Hill Top House' at Sawrey. Grizedale Forest Park is within easy driving distance and is home to a range of activities including many good walks, mountain biking and the 'Go Ape' adventure park. The region also boasts many National Trust properties as well as a variety of water sports for those who prefer a more adrenaline-fuelled trip. Children will enjoy a trip to the 'World of Beatrix Potter' in Bowness whilst the villages of Grasmere, Coniston Water, Kendal, Keswick and the Lakeland Mountains are all within easy reach.
Accommodation
Four bedrooms: 1 x king-size with en-suite walk-in shower, basin and WC, 1 x king-size, 1 x double with en-suite bath, shower over, basin and WC, 1 x twin.
Bathroom with double-ended bath, separate walk-in shower, basin and WC.
Ground-floor shower room with walk-in shower, basin and WC.
Kitchen.
Living/dining area.
Snug with woodburning stove
Oil central heating with woodburning stove.
Range cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer, dishwasher, TV with DVD player, WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Off-road parking for three cars.
Enclosed garden patio with furniture.
One well-behaved dog welcome at £20 per week.
Sorry, no smoking.
Note: There are no handrails and steep steps which may not be suitable for guests with lower mobility.
Note: Property access via a narrow single-track road with some potholes, please drive carefully.
Note: The loft is access via a ladder staircase
Nearby points of interest
- Lake Windermere
- Lake District National Park
- Esthwaite Water
- The World of Beatrix Potter
- Hawkshead Grammar School Museum
- Beatrix Potter Gallery, Hawkshead
- Hayes Garden World Ambleside
- Lakes Aquarium
- Lakeland Motor Museum
Reviews (29)
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Billie
Lock on downstairs missing peg.House needing a good clean,lots of cobwebs and carpet in Bedroom carpet needs a good clean Great house but needs some attention.
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Matthew
Great amenities, just such a fantastic place! Thank you so much for our stay, we loved it - homely, games, great kitchen, lots of space, a mix between woods, glass and high and low ceilings - and we loved the automatic robot lawn mower!!
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Joanne
Garden is amazing although the pond is empty. Watching the robot lawnmower is novel especially in the dark when it has its headlights on! Now for the negatives... It could do with a series deep clean!! We had the stable bedroom at the far end of the house and in the corners on the floor and the ceiling there were big cobwebs with spiders. The dust in the small living room was unreal. There is a vase of plastic flowers in the window, and when the sun shines in it was covered with cobwebs and the vase had never been polished. There were cobwebs everywhere through the house. Along the front edge of the sofa in the large living room you could see a line of crumbs and also balls of fluff that had accumulated. Also cobwebs on every wooden window sill in there. The drawers in the kitchen need cleaning out, there is crumbs and general dirt in them all. I know the cleaning team probably don't get alot of time to do what they need to do but this is just basic stuff. Also the lights in the onsuite bathroom in the main side of the house has 4 spotlights and only 1 was working so it made it very dark. With regards to the access lane, it's not too bad, a little tight in places, but the more you drive it, you do get used to it. Great location and easy access to Bowness and Windermere, which are both walking distance. All in all we had a fantastic week as a family of 7. Would recommend for a peaceful stay