Guests say
The Hollies in Cumbria receives high praise for its welcoming atmosphere, luxurious comfort, and excellent facilities, including a hot tub and sauna. Guests appreciate the thoughtful touches provided by the hosts, such as a welcome pack and dog treats. The property's cleanliness and convenient location make it an ideal base for exploring Carlisle and the Lake District.
Guests consistently mention the property's cleanliness, with one reviewer specifically highlighting it as a standout feature compared to other cottages they've stayed in.
The property's location is praised for being peaceful and convenient, suitable for visiting Carlisle, the Lake District, and Scotland, with easy access to local sites and shops.
Reviewers are delighted with the comfortable beds, cosy lounge, and overall welcoming feel of the property, contributing to a luxurious and restful stay.
The facilities, including a hot tub, sauna, and well-equipped bathrooms, are frequently mentioned as highlights. However, one guest suggested a need for more kitchen equipment, slightly impacting the score.
The hosts' thoughtfulness is evident through the provision of welcome packs and amenities for both guests and pets. While these gifts are highly appreciated, it's important to note that such offerings may vary and are not guaranteed.
About this property
Carlisle 6.8 miles. A Grade II listed house situated in the village of Thurstonfield near Carlisle. Wonderfully presented with plenty of character throughout, The Hollies offers a heart-warming retreat for groups of six. After a day of exploring, kick off walking gear and head to the lounge, boasting the original cast iron feature fireplace and exposed beams, this is a lovely spot to settle down for the evening. Move through to the kitchen, equipped with all the essentials for a week away, whilst the dining room is perfect for hosting mealtimes with your loved ones. On the ground floor there is a double and accompanying bathroom, ideal for those with limited mobility, whilst upstairs plays host to a double with en-suite shower room and a handy zip/link super-king-size with a extra trundle for a more flexible sleeping arrangement. Start the morning freshening up in the bathroom before preparing a coffee and relaxing in the garden. After an adventurous day out, be sure to unwind in the hot tub, followed by a few minutes in the sauna before settling down. When you are ready to do some exploring, hop in the car and head into the historic city of Carlisle, where you can see many attractions home to the 15th-century Carlisle Cathedral and the historic Carlisle Castle; the outskirts of the city play host to Carlisle Racecourse and Cumberland Bird of Prey Centre, where even more fun can be had! You are also in easy reach of the beautiful Solway Coast AONB, where the dramatic sand dunes play host to some of the most important habitats in Europe, with a number of viewpoints where oystercatchers, curlew, golden and grey plover, lapwing and knot can be spotted. Further afield, the delights of the Lake District National Park await, including Keswick, Derwentwater and the Bowness-on-Windermere. Plenty of adventure to be had at The Hollies.
Carlisle, often known as the Border City, is located in the county of Cumbria and is only 10 miles south of the Scottish Borders. The town was founded during Roman times to support the forts along Hadrian's Wall, which extends east from the city across the nation to Wallsend on the east coast and is now considered a World Heritage Site. Due to its closeness to the Kingdom of Scotland during the Middle Ages, Carlisle developed into a significant military stronghold. William Rufus constructed the still-relatively-intact Carlisle Castle in 1092 after it had previously been used as a jail for Mary, Queen of Scots. The Border Regiment Museum and the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment are currently housed at the castle. When Carlisle became a diocese in 1122, Henry I permitted the establishment of a priory there in the early 12th century. As a result, the priory became Carlisle Cathedral. The popular Yorkshire town of Carlisle is reached by the Settle to Carlisle train, which travels through some of the most breathtaking landscapes. Carlisle Racecourse has a full schedule of events, including Ladies' Day and nighttime fixtures. The Victorian seaside hamlet of Silloth is accessible by car, while Gretna Green, home to the Gretna Gateway Shopping Center and the renowned wedding venue Anvil Hall, is located just across the border.
Accommodation
Three bedrooms: 1 x super-king-size (zip/link can be a twin on request, with trundle bed on request,1 x double with en-suite walk-in shower, basin and WC, 1 x ground-floor double.
Bathroom with roll-top bath, hand-held shower, basin and WC.
Ground-floor wet room with walk-in shower, basin, WC.
Kitchen.
Dining room.
Sitting room with electric flame-effect stove.
Sauna
Oil central heating.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, slimline dishwasher.
TV, WiFi.
Hair dryer and USB charging facilities in each bedroom.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Cot and highchair available.
Ample off-road parking at the rear of the property.
Front lawned garden with table and chairs.
Rear patio with hot tub and seating.
Three well-behaved dogs welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 4.7 miles, pub 1.1 miles.
Note: The woodburning stoves are for aesthetics only and not to be used.
Note: There are two steps down into the en-suite shower room on the first floor
Nearby points of interest
- Carlisle Cathedral
- Annandale Distillery
- Solway Aviation Museum
Reviews (16)
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Avril Lorinda
We had a very comfortable stay, the house is well equipped yet keeps a cottagey feel. The hot tub is an added bonus as is the extended garden. Could not fault a thing. Friendly hosts. We felt very welcome.
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Anne
Property has all the info you need, including copies of instructions for all appliances. Rachel emailed before arrival with links to supermarkets etc as Thurstonfield itself has no shops. Lovely quiet area only 15 min drive from Carlisle, but you would need a car to visit as no local bus. Home was fantastic, hot tub and sauna were easy to use and very relaxing. Comfy beds and couches, wi Fi worked well and there was a booster in bedroom. We did get phone reception in front room! Lots to do in area and a good base for travel to the lakes and Cumbria.
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Sarah Jane
The house is beautiful. Thank you so much to our host for the level of comfort and cleanliness and the little touches such as the welcome basket (including doggy treats for our pup), cot set up for our baby, stroller left for us which saved us space in the car and was ideal for ventures out. The bed in master room was unbelievably comfortable and cosy. I donât doubt that we will return for another break in the future. My 6 year old absolutely adored the hot tub. Emailed Rachael with a query during our stay and very quick & friendly reply. 10/10. Thank you.