Guests say
Hullet Hall is a beautiful cottage in a stunning private location on the shore of Windermere, complete with its own jetty. Guests have enjoyed the upgraded facilities and the cosy log fire. While some have rebooked, noting the charm and sailing opportunities, others suggest improvements in kitchen equipment and cleanliness. The access road and maintenance issues were concerns, but the unique setting and upgrades since previous visits have left many guests looking forward to returning.
Several reviews mention cleanliness issues, including cobwebs, spiders, and a general lack of thorough cleaning. These concerns suggest room for improvement in this area.
The location is highly praised for its superb setting next to Lake Windermere, with its own jetty and the opportunity for sailing. Despite some comments about the access road, the location remains a highlight for guests.
The property is described as reasonably comfortable, with a cosy log fire and comfortable furnishings. However, some guests mentioned low doorways and issues with beds that could affect the overall comfort.
Guests have noted a lack of kitchen utensils and cooking implements, as well as maintenance issues with the property and its amenities. While some improvements have been made since previous visits, there is still room for enhancement in facilities and maintenance.
There is no mention of gifts or welcome baskets in the reviews, so it is not possible to assess the thoughtfulness of the host in this regard. Therefore, this score is set to null.
About this property
Hawkshead 5.3 miles. This wonderful detached cottage on the idyllic Graythwaite Estate occupies an exceptional setting right on the shores of Lake Windermere and the location is simply unrivalled. The estate itself covers 5000 acres of grounds, including 12 acres of garden open from April to September. There are also wonderful facilities in the central courtyard, around 20 minutes' walk away, which include an indoor swimming pool, children's play area and table tennis room. But the real magic comes from its setting perched right on the shores of Lake Windermere itself, with a private jetty leading out over the waters. Summer afternoons can be spent at the picnic table with a refreshing jug of Pimms and views of the glistening lake. Use cooler days for exploring the woodland and spotting wildlife. If you choose to head out for the day, then why not book a canoeing, climbing or bushcraft adventure through the estate? The on-site team would even be delighted to offer tips on local walks in the area and discounts can be indulged at the Lakeland Hotel, the Go Ape! centre and at Grizedale Forest. Within easy reach is the village of Hawkhead, with pubs, tea rooms and gift shops, whilst all the delights of Windermere, Grasmere and Ambleside await! Discover The World of Beatrix Potter, climb Scaffel Pike and enjoy a boat cruise on the blue waters from Bowness Bay. The area is packed with memories just waiting to be made, and to top it off, at the end of each day you can return to this very special lakeside setting.
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. Cars are banned from the village, leaving visitors free to wander the wealth of tiny alleyways, thoroughfares, archways and courtyards between the whitewashed 17th Century houses. With stunning scenery and numerous attractions within easy touring distance, Hawkshead is in an ideal location at any time of the year.
Accommodation
Three bedrooms: 1 x king-size double with en-suite bath, basin and WC, 2 x twin.
Shower room with shower, basin and WC.
Kitchen with dining area.
Sitting room with woodburner.
Wood fired hot tub.
Heated by woodchip boiler (underfloor in sitting room) with woodburner.
Electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, TV with Freeview, DVD, WiFi available at Home Farm courtyard (approximately 5 minute drive from property).
Fuel, power and a starter pack of logs for woodburner included in rent.
Logs can be purchased at the farm shop.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Travel cot and highchair.
Off-road parking for 2 cars.
Lakeside patio with jetty and furniture.
Shared use of estate grounds and facilities 40 mins walk, included indoor heated swimming pool, table tennis room (please bring your own racquets and balls), children's play area, 2.5-acre trout fishing lake.
Two well-behaved dogs welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shops 5.3 miles, pubs 2 miles.
Water from private supply, fed from freshwater lake.
To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking Graythwaite Adventure in advance.
Graythwaite fishery is free for all guests and equipment can be hired locally, a small fee is applicable to keep your catch, rod fishing license required.
Mobile reception at this cottage is generally good.
Please Note: This property is accessed via a half mile woodland track, not suitable for low-profile cars.
Please Note: This property has a £500 Good Housekeeping Bond.
The swimming pool can be booked for 45 minute private sessions, All guests can pre-book up to a maximum of 3 swimming slots ( or 2 slots for short stays 2 and 3 nights ) 7 days prior to arrival by contacting estate@graythwaite.com.
Please note the swimming pool will be unavailable until the 31st March 2025
Nearby points of interest
- Lakes Aquarium
- Lakeland Motor Museum
- The World of Beatrix Potter
- Hawkshead Grammar School Museum
- Beatrix Potter Gallery, Hawkshead
- Hayes Garden World Ambleside
- Esthwaite Water
- Lake District National Park
- Lake Windermere
Reviews (12)
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Brian
The high price is just about justified but there could be some improvements - specifically the kitchen equipment, which is a bit outdated. Old and unmatched glasses, peelers broken, the oven tray had been left to 'soak' in the sink. Small details but justifying a £500/night cost .... Maybe the TV could do with upgrading also. All in all a lovely stay, I'd echo the comments about the access road, but fortunately we had a 4x4. Have rebooked for next new year.
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Paul
Fantastic location & cottage, we just thought the cottage lacked a few cooking items that we generally take as a given ie cooking & serving dishes,
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Pete
However, there were many niggles which for the sum paid to rent, took the shine off our holiday: 1. The road down to it is in a very poor state with large and deep potholes (if you have any back issues, which we did, dont do it); 2. Brambles grew in from the sides of the road, some of which you couldnt avoid (if you value your car paintwork again dont do it); 3. The jetty had a few maintenance issues (other properties had been renovated, this one hadnt), and there was even some broken glass not cleared from the foreshore; 4. the property was not very well cleaned with cobwebs and spiders in the kitchen and the entrance lobby hadnt been cleaned for sometime; 5. The best north lakeside walk (to Grubbins Point) was out-of-bounds due to a private function, the south walk outside the house, was covered in water so difficult to navigate and the garden that we were told was open, wasn't; 6. Maintenance issues are covered by the estate and they dont man the phones at weekends, so any issues on arrival, wont be dealt with until Monday (we had a few with the shower head broken, batteries flat in TV control, and not enough drinking glasses (there were other missings in the kitchen utilities as well); 7. Doorways are quite low, so myself and my eldest daughter (who are only 5' 10/11") hit our heads regularly; 8. The blind to the en-suite doesnt fully cover the sides of the windown glass and there is a footpath at the end of the garden; 9. The drawers to the bedroom furniture need easing so they open - and they should be checked by the cleaner as we found someone else's sock left behind. Sorry to moan but these were all genuine issues faced, which to be honest for the level of property we were renting and paying for, we dont think we should have encountered.