Guests say
Hart Head Barn in Ambleside is highly praised for its stunning location, cosy comfort, and excellent facilities, including a hot tub. Guests appreciate the property's cleanliness, the thoughtful touches, and the convenience of having great walks right from the doorstep. The views and the ability to relax in a homely setting come up frequently in positive comments.
Most guests found the property clean and well-maintained, though a few mentioned minor cleanliness issues. Overall, the standard of cleanliness is high.
The location is consistently lauded for its stunning views and proximity to local walks and towns. The steep access may challenge some, but it contributes to the property's appeal and views.
Guests frequently mention the comfortable furnishings, cosy bedrooms, and warm atmosphere. The property is described as a 'home away from home,' indicating a high level of comfort.
The facilities, especially the hot tub, are appreciated by guests. Some minor maintenance issues were noted, but overall, the facilities are well-regarded.
While many reviews praise the property's amenities and comfort, there is no specific mention of gifts or extra thoughtful touches that would warrant a score in this category.
About this property
This truly magical converted Lakeland barn is set in a sublime setting above the hamlet of Rydal with stunning views in every direction towards Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells. Relax with family and friends in this semi-detached traditional slate barn mixed with 21st century luxury. This is a place to rejuvenate and spend quality time together in the Lake District.
Enter through the rear of the property on the first floor where you will find the living accommodation including a modern well-equipped kitchen with seating area and Juliette balcony offering beautiful views while you dine. From here there is access to the patio area and hot tub through the French doors. Unwind in the spacious living room with open fire and large bay windows. Downstairs you will find 3 generously sized bedrooms, one king-size double with en-suite shower room, and a separate family bathroom with shower over bath. The garden is really something special here. The patio boasts a 6-seater hot tub, heater, furniture and BBQ – perfect for enjoying the outdoors any time of year.
Within a 5-minute drive, or wonderful walk, you can explore the villages of Ambleside or Grasmere. Grasmere itself has plenty of eateries and tea rooms including the famous Sarah Nelson’s Grasmere Gingerbread shop. There are plenty of walks from the door too – take a circular stroll around Rydal water, explore Rydal cave and if you’re after a more strenuous walk take a hike up nearby Loughrigg Fell.
Perfectly located for discovering the central Lake District, Hart Head Barn a luxury base for a break at any time of the year.
Lying to the north of Ambleside and Windermere, Rydal is a charming unspoilt village full of history and which has changed little in the last two hundred years. Rydal Water with its shoreline walks adds an extra tranquillity to the location, which is one of the central most points of the Lake District. Home to William Wordsworth for some years there are many walks spreading out from Rydal with spectacular views. Wander along hillside paths to Grasmere, or up the impressive Rydal Fell and Nab Scar with fantastic scenery spanning as far as the hills on the west coast on a clear day. Or stroll through Rydal Park with its ancient and magnificent trees, past the thunderous waterfalls, revered by Wordsworth, and on to Ambleside with its numerous shops, restaurants and pubs to suit all tastes. Only a short drive away is Windermere with its water sports and boat cruises on Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake.
Accommodation
Highly Commended 4 Star property.
Living accommodation to the first floor, bedrooms located on the ground floor.
Three bedrooms: 1 x super king-size double (zip/link can be split into 2 x twin request on booking), 1 x king-size double with en-suite shower room, basin and WC, 1 x twin.
First floor shower room with basin and WC.
Ground floor bathroom with shower over bath, basin, WC and heated towel rail.
Kitchen with dining area, Juliette balcony and French doors leading to the patio area.
Sitting room with open fire (free coal supplied).
Luxury Outdoor Hot Tub to seat 6 people - professionally maintained and constantly heated at 38.5 degrees.
Gas Central Heating.
Electric double oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher.
Nespresso Vertuo coffee machine.
Sky TV with free Netflix.
DVD player.
Wi-Fi ( super fast broadband ).
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Cot and highchair available.
Off road parking for 4 cars.
Secure bike storage for 6 bikes.
Patio garden with furniture, heater, gas barbecue, charcoal barbecue and outside stove.
Boot room with heater.
Sorry, no pets or smoking.
Pub 3 mins walk.
Shop 2 miles.
Please note that Hart Head Barn is in an elevated position (hence the beautiful views) so access to the property is via two short but steep drives.
The steep drive (and configuration of the property) may mean it is not ideally suited to guests with mobility issues.
Please note this property is not suitable for EV charging and the nearest EV charging points are in public carparks.
Nearby points of interest
- Hayes Garden World Ambleside
- Beatrix Potter Gallery, Hawkshead
- Hawkshead Grammar School Museum
- The World of Beatrix Potter
- Lake District National Park
- Lake Windermere
- Esthwaite Water
- Lodore Falls
- Wastwater Lake
- Church of St Olaf
Reviews (32)
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Jeremy
The photos are very accurate to the excellent condition of the cottage. After each day of walking we truly enjoyed a soak in the hot tub. The location is a perfect blend of rural quiet and (very small) village convenience. In the mornings we enjoyed walking to the nearby cafe at Rydal Hall overlooking a cascading stream, and in the evenings the food and drink at The Badger Bar pub just steps away, There are great hikes right from the cottage (try the loop around to see Rydal Cave, Rydal Water, and Grasmere, returning via the Coffin Road). Ambleside is just 5 minutes drive away. This is a superb base for a family or group in the central lakes.
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Matt
Fell in love with it from the moment we arrived. Itâs a stunning property with every amenity you could ask for. The beds are very comfy and we both had great nights sleep. The property is very spacious and cosy at the same time! The lounge, one word WOW! Beautifully decorated, comfy sofas, great open fire and that view!!! We had the best week and didnât want to leave. The location is perfect, we walked everywhere and didnât use the car once. Special mention to the owner Jenny, nothing was too much trouble and answered the few queries we had. Weâve stayed at many properties in The Lakes and this is the best one yet! A very special place and the perfect place to relax & unwind!
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Sarah
There is a gorgeous sitting room with views across to Lake Windermere. You can walk out from the house towards Grasmere and Ambleside. All the facilities are well maintained and the beds are very comfortable. The hot tub was just the icing on the cake! We had a wonderful holiday here.