Guests say
The Old Carriage House in Clappersgate offers a quaint and quirky stay with modern twists. Its proximity to Ambleside and a private garden across the road are highlights. While some guests found the property spotless, others noted issues with cleanliness and maintenance. The road noise was a common concern, but many were pleased with the property's charm and location.
Reviews on cleanliness are mixed, with several guests finding the cottage spotless, while others reported it not being particularly clean, with cobwebs and dust in places. Some kitchen items required washing before use.
The location is generally praised for its proximity to Ambleside and the private garden, despite being next to a busy road which some found noisy. The convenience for exploring Cumbria is a plus.
Comfort received mixed feedback. Guests appreciated the cosy atmosphere but frequently mentioned an uncomfortable and noisy double bed. The road noise also impacted comfort for some.
Facilities are adequate with modern fixtures, but several guests reported maintenance issues such as a dripping tap, ineffective dishwasher, and unreliable TV. The lack of clear instructions for appliances was also noted.
There is no mention of gifts or special touches that would indicate thoughtfulness from the hosts. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a score in this category.
About this property
Stable Cottage is a charming former carriage house resting in the peaceful hamlet of Clappersgate, just outside Ambleside in Cumbria. This well-presented, two-bedroom cottage is ideal for couples, families or friends looking for a characterful base with riverside access and easy reach of Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells. Inside, guests are welcomed into a warm and inviting lounge, complete with leather sofas arranged around a feature fireplace with homely gas fire, a dining table for relaxed meals, and a Smart TV for evening entertainment. The shaker-style kitchen sits just off the living area and is well equipped with a gas hob, electric oven, fridge with freezer box, dishwasher and washer dryer. A stable door opens to let the light flood in, adding to the cottage’s welcoming feel.
The property offers two bathrooms: a family bathroom with bath, basin and WC located adjacent to the twin bedroom, and a compact shower room with basin and WC accessed via the kitchen. Sleeping arrangements include a pretty twin bedroom on the ground floor and a dual-aspect master bedroom upstairs, which features a king-size bed and a quaint balcony overlooking the courtyard. Outside, guests can enjoy a private seating area with bistro furniture to the side of the cottage. Across the road, a shared riverside garden with a barbecue area and access to the River Brathay provides a tranquil spot to unwind. Please note, the river can flow swiftly depending on the weather, and children should be supervised at all times.
The nearby village of Ambleside is a popular Lake District destination, offering a wide range of independent shops, traditional pubs, and excellent restaurants. Enjoy a scenic cruise from Waterhead Pier, explore the dramatic Lakeland fells on foot, or visit nearby towns such as Grasmere, Windermere and Bowness. Cultural highlights include Dove Cottage and The Wordsworth Museum, while outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of walking routes, cycling trails and watersports opportunities. Stable Cottage is a delightful base for discovering the very best of the Lake District.
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
Two bedrooms: 1 double, 1 x twin.
Shower room with walk-in shower, basin and WC.
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC.
Kitchen.
Living/ dining room with gas fire
Electric oven, gas hob, fridge, microwave, washer/dryer, dishwasher, kettle, toaster.
Smart TV, WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Highchair and cot available on request.
Parking for 1 car.
Private patio with furniture.
Shared riverside garden with furniture and barbecue.One well-behaved pet allowed.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop and pub 1 mile, river 0.1 miles, lake 0.5 miles.
Note: The river can flow swiftly depending on the weather; children must be supervised at all times
Nearby points of interest
- Hayes Garden World Ambleside
- Lake Windermere
- Lakeland Motor Museum
- Derwent Pencil Museum
Reviews (29)
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Andrew
Great little private garden across the road with lovely views up the river. Downside was the main TV in the front room didnât work very well and needs replacing with a more updated version, the remote control was a nightmare to use, intermittent. Also recommend cleaning to porch going into the property, spiders, cobwebs etc and the windows could do with a good clean.
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Marie
Dirty microwave, toaster. Used tissue in drawer and drawers falling apart. Advertised with a garden in picture no garden. No welcome instructions. Fire didnât work the water run cold . Generally bad state of repair
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Christina
Road outside busy and no garden as such, so had to take care with our dog. Also manhole loose outside on road and banged every time a car drove over it. Lovely stay and didn't spoil our break.