Guests say
Hilltoft Barn is a charming cottage in a peaceful village setting, ideal for exploring the Lake District and enjoying scenic walks. Guests consistently praise its tranquil location, comfortable beds, and well-equipped kitchen. The property offers a cosy atmosphere and is close to a welcoming local pub. While some maintenance issues and cleaning standards have been noted, most guests still enjoyed their stay and would consider returning, highlighting the cottage’s excellent value and beautiful surroundings.
Several guests found the cottage clean and tidy, but others mentioned issues such as cobwebs, dust, and the need for deeper cleaning in some areas. Some noted chipped crockery and occasional odours, suggesting cleaning standards can be inconsistent.
The location is highly praised, with guests loving the peaceful village, proximity to walks, Ullswater, and a friendly local pub. The setting is described as tranquil and ideal for exploring the Lake District.
Most guests found the cottage comfortable, with cosy beds and lounge areas. The property is described as inviting and well-furnished, though a few mentioned minor discomforts due to maintenance issues.
While the cottage is generally well-equipped, recurring issues such as a broken freezer, wobbly kitchen tap, and occasional problems with the shower and utensils were noted. Guests felt that with a little more maintenance, the facilities could be excellent.
Some guests appreciated thoughtful touches like dog towels and puppy pads, but these are not guaranteed for every stay. Communication from hosts was generally good, though a few guests felt more could be done to address feedback.
About this property
In a tranquil location, this beautifully finished barn conversion is an ideal spot for a couple or two to enjoy a Lake District break..
Ground Floor:
Living room: (6 Steps), 32" Freeview TV, DVD Player, Patio Doors Leading To Patio
Kitchen/dining room: Electric Oven, Electric Hob, Microwave, Fridge/Freezer, Dishwasher, Washer Dryer
Bedroom 1: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds
Wet Room: Shower, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet
First Floor:
Bedroom 2: Galleried, Double (4ft 6in) Bed.
Oil central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Travel cot and highchair. . Courtyard with garden furniture. Bike store. Private parking for 2 cars. No smoking. Please note: There are 6 steps in the courtyard.. Hilltoft Barn is a large, detached barn conversion in the peaceful Cumbrian village of Dockray, just a few miles from Ullswater. This beautiful property has a mezzanine level master bedroom and provides high quality accommodation for up to four people looking to explore the Lake District around Ullswater. Entering at ground level, you take in the glorious oak beams within the property. There is a twin bedroom also on this level, as well as dining area and a well-equipped kitchen, which boasts a stone-hidden oven hood and further oak finishes consistent with the charm of the property. The spacious living room has large patio doors welcoming in the sunshine, and from here a wooden staircase leads up to a delightful mezzanine level double bedroom, furnished in oak.
Outside, there is plenty of space to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the area. You can take in the stunning views from the private furnished patio, and there is ample gravelled space to take in the vistas from all angles.
Dockray is a tiny village, but still has its own pub to wander down to for some local fayre, and the gorgeous Aira Force Waterfall is a short walk away. Further on are the ample attractions of the Lake District around Ullswater.
Energetic pursuits abound, with cycling a particularly good option, or maybe try the National Trust’s walk around Aira Force and the Gowbarrow Trail. Shop 4 miles, pub and restaurant 110 yards.
Free WiFi
There are steps within the property.
Suitable for up to 2 pets
Nearby points of interest
- Derwent Pencil Museum
- Brougham Castle
- Hayes Garden World Ambleside
- Lake Windermere
Reviews (34)
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Confirmed Guest
The location was good, but we felt that the property would benefit from some maintenance, eg a kitchen cupboard door was hang off its hinges, an undercupboard light needed a new bulb. There were only two wine glasses for four people mugs were chipped and limited crockery and cutlery. The TV remote didnt work and there were limited instructions for using the tv and heating. Sadly the comments have been made by many who have stayed there before us with no action apparent
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Cheryl
The barn is in a fantastic location, however, the cutlery and dishes needed washing upon arrival. The shower was also mouldy and the kitchen tap dripped non-stop which was a shame as this was noted in a previous review and all it needed was a washer. This damaged the wooden counter, which is a shame. Everything was comfortable, the sofas and the beds, but there was no privacy outside with the barn next door only separated by a couple of planters. You end up facing their large patio door. It was difficult to gauge from the pictures that there wasn’t a fence between the two as the angle of the photos did not accurately portray this. For that reason, I would not recommend taking dogs. Our retired racing rescue greyhound was approached by a fluffy dog, not on a lead, as we were leaving when teenagers approached to clean the house. Not a great experience. Transparency needed with better photos.
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Confirmed Guest
Unfortunately a few small things spoiled our stay. There were lots of places with cobwebs, including the kitchen over the hob. We had to move the unit behind the front door to get in and out which meant we unearthed all kinds of rubbish, dust etc. The shortcuts on decor were a shame, eg scruffy painted panels in bathroom and mis matched paint covering areas of kitchen wall. For accommodation for 4, there were very little matching sets of crockery and glassware, including only 2 wine glasses of different sizes and styles. Early morning I was sharing the shower with 2 friendly slugs. Outside things were looking scruffy, unweeded and not a place you could sit and relax without wanting to leap up and pull out weeds and moss from between the paving.