Guests say
Oaklea is a well-located cottage in Ambleside, appreciated for its proximity to the town and local attractions. Guests have praised the property's layout, particularly the spacious kitchen and comfortable master bedroom. The cottage's charm and potential for a pleasant stay are noted, despite some feedback on the need for maintenance and decluttering.
Cleanliness is generally good, especially in bedrooms and bathrooms. However, some guests found the kitchen cleanliness below expectations, with items needing to be washed before use. Bins outside were also noted to be almost full on one occasion.
The location is highly praised for its convenience, being a short walk from the centre of Ambleside and nearby walks. The downside is the property being on a busy road, which some found noisy and problematic for parking.
The master bedroom is very comfortable, but other beds received mixed reviews. Some guests found the sofas uncomfortable and suggested that the property is more suitable for four people rather than six.
Facilities are well-regarded in terms of layout and space, but maintenance issues are a recurring theme. Guests have reported problems with bathroom seals, cracked tiles, and kitchen clutter. The garden and furniture also require attention.
There is no mention of gifts or special touches that would indicate thoughtfulness from the hosts. Therefore, this category cannot be scored.
About this property
A lovely Lakeland cottage, ideal for a young family or group. Built in the 18th century, Oaklea has been beautifully updated to provide luxury accommodation on the outskirts of lively Ambleside. Its vaulted ceilings, stone and oak floors, and exposed beams make it a property full of character. Superb bathrooms, generous bedrooms and a fabulous kitchen/diner make this a very welcome home from home. And the views are something else!
The entrance to Oaklea is at the heart of cottage and welcoming rooms, but before guiding you through the accommodation, it’s worth mentioning that there are many great places to store walking gear, with even a drying cupboard for soggy boots. The open plan kitchen/dining area is a real highlight of the property. Granite worktops and contemporary design make this a wonderful space to gather for breakfast, lunch or dinner and perfect for a catch up over a brew. Moving on from here is cosy living area with woodburning stove set in an impressive fireplace. The second reception room, known as the garden room, gives guests the chance to spread out and admire the garden through glass patio doors. Also on this level can be found a well-equipped utility room and a shower room with basin and wc.
Upstairs are three wonderful bedrooms. The master bedroom features a king size leather sleigh bed with en-suite bathroom. A monsoon shower is over the designer bath, with basin and wc. A second king size room with superb views, shares the marble house bathroom with a pretty twin room.
The garden outside is the perfect spot for relaxing on sunny days, with the sound of running water from nearby Stock Ghyll Waterfalls making it a soothing place in which to sit and meditate. What could be more perfect? There is private car parking for 2 cars. With the centre of Ambleside just a short stroll away, there is something for all ages and tastes. Cosy pubs, tea rooms, Zeffirelli’s cinema, pizzeria and jazz bar, the Glass House or Fellini’s for a film and vegetarian treat, the choice is yours.
Lying at the northern tip of Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, Ambleside makes a superb base for touring the central Lakes, with Grasmere and the Langdale Valley just a short drive away. There is plenty to do here - cruises, boat trips and watersports on Lake Windermere itself and numerous shops, restaurants and pubs in the village to suit all tastes. On the lakeside at Waterhead, the parkland offers lovely views down the lake and a short stretch of beach, whilst a walk in the other direction, following Stock Ghyll through woodland, will bring you to the entrancing waterfall of Stock Ghyll Force. Along with the Lake and the great walking on offer, Ambleside is also famous for its annual rushbearing ceremony and the diminutive 17th century “Bridge House” - one of the most photographed buildings in the Lake District and now the National Trust Information Centre.
Accommodation
Three bedrooms: 2 x doubles with king size beds, (one with en-suite featuring monsoon shower over designer bath, basin and wc), 1 x standard double.
House bathroom with power shower over bath.
Garden room.
Kitchen/dining area.
Sitting room.
Utility room.
Additional shower room with basin and WC
Gas central heating and hot water.
Electric range with gas hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, TV, DVD, WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Wood burning stove.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Designated parking for 2 cars.
Pub close by.
5 mintues from Ambleside and shops.
Sorry, no babies or infants, no pets and no smoking
Nearby points of interest
- Hayes Garden World Ambleside
- Beatrix Potter Gallery, Hawkshead
- Hawkshead Grammar School Museum
- The World of Beatrix Potter
- Lakes Aquarium
- Lakeland Motor Museum
- Lake District National Park
- Lake Windermere
- Esthwaite Water
- Lodore Falls
Reviews (11)
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Lorraine
Clean, well equipped and very comfortable. The location is excellent. We had a great time and would definitely recommend and book again.
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Barton
Ideal location for walks and town. Such a lovely place to active from, or rest inside. Lots of space - super large dining kitchen, utility kitchen. Adjoining snug lounge with high quality wood stove (clearview for those who know). Beautiful retiring lounge,(which we didn't even get to), opening on to an outdoor secluded patio. Lots of solid light oak around (beams, doors, skirting boards, staircase), clearly quality fittings, along with local slate detailing (alcoves & entrances). Upstairs we loved the bedrooms. It goes without saying the beds were all super comfortable, but also the thought put into the surroundings - local pictures, slate lamps, books - it was just lovely. I can't recommend Oak Lea highly enough, it was exactly what we wanted and then some. PS. being 3 minutes walk from the centre of Ambleside for drinks or meals was a real bonus, as was being able to do three walks from the house without touching the car. Thank you Oak Lea.
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Deborah
Family and friends have stayed with us. Lots of room to gather downstairs to socialise. Great location to town. Ambleside is a lovely quaint town, with lovely shops and good food establishments. However we struggled to eat out on the Saturday nights, we recommend to book or go out early. Our main advice for the property is to sort through the kitchen cupboards as too much clutter, there is a need for new pans as not many to cook with. Also the beds are too large in the bedrooms at the top of the stairs on the right. Therefore there was limited space to pass the beds, to get to the wardrobes. Finally, the sofas in the lounge (especially the two seater on the right) are extremely uncomfortable and need replacing. All in all we would definitely stay in Oaklea again, and have and will recommend it to friends and family.