Guests say
Wykefield is a well-loved holiday rental with guests praising its peacefulness, stunning views, and well-equipped kitchen. The property's location is ideal for exploring the Lake District, and its comfort and style are frequently highlighted. While there is a mention of cleanliness issues in one review, the majority of guests have had a relaxing and enjoyable stay, with some returning multiple times.
Most guests found Wykefield to be clean and well-maintained, though there was a single mention of dust, cobwebs, and children's handprints. This seems to be an isolated incident, as other reviews do not reflect this experience.
The location is consistently praised for its stunning views, tranquillity, and proximity to local attractions and walks. It is considered an ideal base for exploring the Lake District.
Guests have commented on the comfortable furnishings and the cosy atmosphere of the property, making it suitable for family gatherings and celebrations.
The property is described as extremely well-equipped, particularly the kitchen. However, there are suggestions for minor improvements such as pasta bowls and a coffee pod machine, and a note on the unusable table tennis table.
The owners' thoughtfulness is appreciated, with mentions of Christmas decorations and welcome gifts. However, it is politely noted that such personal touches, while delightful, are not guaranteed with every stay.
About this property
Class and character in a dreamy countryside setting! Victorian elegance and contemporary luxury combine here to make a first-class holiday home for a large family or group of friends. And you are so much in the heart of Beatrix Potter country that her former home is literally just down the road! Tucked away on the quieter bank of Lake Windermere, Wykefield is a really special rural retreat for your party.
The outstanding views from your holiday home are a breath of fresh air for any jaded soul, and extend across serene Esthwaite Water. You have direct access to the Lake, too! Walls of glass in the elegant lounge makes the most of this stunning outlook, and the beautiful slate-floored conservatory dining-area, simply another level of decadence, also lets you soak in the scenery, and opens on to the superb Lakeland stone terraced patio, fronting on to the gently sloped lawn. Out here, you can spend a chilled afternoon sprawled on the grass or enjoy a BBQ together on the excellent garden furniture set. The owners of the property respectfully advise that extra care may be needed if there are small children in your party as there are significant drops within the grounds and the terrace is unfenced.
Near Sawrey is one of Lakeland's most celebrated and prettiest hamlets, and it's most famous resident was the well-loved author of the 'Peter Rabbit' stories, Beatrix Potter. Miss Potter took holidays at the very residence of which Wykefield forms a part, and even completed a rather famous tale, 'Peter Rabbit', while she stayed here! Hilltop, her subsequent home, is sited here, too. Also close by, the Tower Bank Arms is a quaint and comfortable local offering fine real ales. And the walking around you is of the very highest calibre. Stroll on to Claife Heights from your doorstep, take a dip in Moss Eccles Tarn, or saunter by the shores of Lake Windermere.
When you return to your delightful country abode, there is nothing better than to put some logs on the open fire and toast your toes together in the inviting lounge. And you also have the aptly-named 'snug' available if you need a little 'me' time or your party are looking for different ways to unwind. Charming and tasteful décor throughout verify that this outstanding property is tailor-made for total relaxation.
The picturesque village of Hawkshead still retains the charm and character that so endeared it to its most famous residents - William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Visitors can wander the wealth of tiny alleyways, thoroughfares, archways and courtyards between the whitewashed 17th century houses. There are many pleasant inns, teashops, guest houses and gift shops in the village, as well as the Beatrix Potter Gallery, which houses an annually changing exhibition of the famous author’s illustrations and stories. The other famous Hawkshead enthusiast, William Wordsworth, attended the Old Grammar School in 1779-87, which still stands today, and you can visit the building where the Lakeland poet developed his love of the form, and even see the desk into which he scratched his name as a small boy! Newby Bridge is ten miles away and offers attractions such as the Aquarium of the Lakes and Windermere Lake Cruises, sailing daily between Ambleside, Bowness and Lakeside. With stunning scenery and numerous attractions within easy touring distance, Hawkshead is in an ideal location at any time of the year.
Accommodation
Over 2 floors.
4 x bedrooms; 2 x king size with en suites, 1 x super king size or twin (specify when booking), 1 x twin.
Family bathroom.
Large lounge, kitchen / diner.
Fitted kitchen with island unit, Electric range cooker, 5 hob and double oven, Microwave, Dishwasher, Fridge/freezer.
Nespresso coffee pod machine (guests need to bring own pods).
Snug.
Boot room / utility.
4th downstairs WC.
Extensive gardens with furnished patio and private parking.
Cots and highchairs available
Beautiful lake & pastoral views.
Less than a mile to popular country pub Tower Bank Arms.
Open fire.
Large screen internet TV.
Snug/TV room with log burning stove.
Bifold doors overlooking garden and patio.
Large family dining table.
Fitted kitchen with island unit, Electric range cooker, 5 hob and double oven, Microwave, Dishwasher, Fridge/freezer.
Boot Room.
Washing machine, Tumble drier.
Additional WC (downstairs).
Oil Central Heating, Underfloor heating (kitchen).
2nd fridge freezer in the garage.
Wi-Fi.
Large garden, Patio with outdoor furniture and BBQ.
Parking for 4 cars.
Bed linen and towels provided.
Please note this property is semi-detached.
Shop 2.2 miles, pub 0.2 miles.
EV charger available, payable via the app
Nearby points of interest
- Esthwaite Water
- Lake District National Park
- Lake Windermere
- Hawkshead Grammar School Museum
- Beatrix Potter Gallery, Hawkshead
- The World of Beatrix Potter
- Hayes Garden World Ambleside
- Lakes Aquarium
- Lakeland Motor Museum
Reviews (35)
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Paul
The duvet in our bedroom was too thick and lumpy but that was our only criticism.
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Mitchell
We think it's important to highlight that some pictures of the outside of the property on the website are misleading. You see the whole house structure, but half of the building is the "Esk Wyke Country House Hotel". The windows facing out the downstairs 'nook', the upstairs bedrooms and bathroom all overlook the hotel car park. People are coming and going from there at all hours. You should be aware of that prior to booking. The main attraction of the house is the extension with the elongated dining room and kitchen which is lovely. The extra fridge-freezer in the garage is not mentioned in the description and would have been really useful to have known about when planning food to take. The tennis table in the garage is not very nice and bendy, so wasn't useable. The beds were comfortable. Despite the water being non-mains supplied, the pressure was great and reliable. The appliances all worked well and we liked the utilities. There's lots of board games, DVDs, maps, interesting books and a well-equipped kitchen. As pleasant, well equipped and thought out as the house is, we feel it's expensive for what you get. There's no proper games room or other facilities that for £2,500/week you should be getting at this range. This is a nice house, and a really great stay, but not at this cost. Especially with the hotel at peak season next door, with their suite windows overlooking the garden you're relaxing in. It's a well-placed location with several walks, towns and facilities nearby. It's of note that Beatrix Potter stayed in this house (prior to it being half hotel) and decided she wanted to live in the Lakes because of it! Esthwaite Water, which the garden overlooks, is privately owned and inaccessible so it's for view only. Overall, this is a good stay but pricey for what you get.
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Lucy
Such a beautiful house and location. It had everything we needed for a really great stay - BBQ, great kitchen facilities, lots of living space for a big group