Guests say
Ecclerigg Old Farm is a well-loved cottage praised for its spaciousness, ideal location, and cosy atmosphere. Guests appreciate the well-equipped kitchen, utility room, and the property's suitability for families and pets. The garden and proximity to local attractions add to its charm. While some guests mention the need for updates and minor maintenance, the overall experience is positive, with many looking forward to returning.
The property generally maintains good cleanliness, though some guests noted issues such as a leftover mask, dirty splashbacks, and a fridge that could have been cleaner. The majority did not raise cleanliness as a concern, suggesting satisfactory standards for most.
The location is highly praised for its proximity to Ambleside, Brockhole, and local services, making it an ideal base for exploring the Lake District. The convenience and scenic surroundings contribute to a positive experience.
Guests find the property cosy and spacious, but some have mentioned that the beds and seating could be more comfortable. The presence of single beds and an old sofa were noted drawbacks, though the overall sentiment remains positive.
Facilities are generally well-received, with a fully equipped kitchen and utility room. However, there are comments about the need for updates and maintenance, such as issues with the shower, washing machine, and cooker hob. Despite this, the presence of games, DVDs, and an open fireplace are appreciated.
While guests have expressed satisfaction with the amenities and the property's suitability for families and pets, there is no mention of gifts or special touches that would indicate thoughtfulness from the hosts. Therefore, this score cannot be provided.
About this property
Ecclerigg Old Farm is a charming 18th-century farmhouse resting near Ambleside, in the Lake District National Park.
Perfect for families and friends, this offers spacious interiors open fire, allows pets and has easy access to Lake Windermere and the fells. Tucked away from the road and nestled among a small cluster of former farm buildings, Ecclerigg Old Farm reveals itself slowly as you approach—its late 18th-century stonework softened by time and framed by the gentle rise of Lakeland hills. The setting, midway between Ambleside and Troutbeck Bridge, is both peaceful and practical, offering a perfect base for exploring the heart of the Lake District. Step through the rear door into a generous entrance hall, where there’s ample space to shed walking boots and hang damp coats after a day on the fells. A downstairs cloakroom is conveniently placed nearby. From here, the home opens out into a series of welcoming spaces, each with its own character. The sitting room is a warm embrace of exposed beams and a striking stone feature wall. An open fire crackles in the hearth, inviting you to sink into a soft armchair with a book or gather for a film night. A dining table here offers a relaxed setting for evening meals by the fire, while a door leads out to the garden, where morning coffee or evening drinks can be enjoyed in the fresh Lakeland air. Across the hall, the dining room offers more than just a place to eat. Ideal for larger, more formal meals, it also features additional comfortable seating and a second television, making it a quiet retreat for reading, conversation, or simply watching the light shift across the garden. The kitchen is a joy to cook in—bright, well-equipped, and thoughtfully laid out. Whether you're preparing a hearty breakfast before a hike or a leisurely supper with local produce, the space invites you to linger. A dining table here is ideal for relaxed breakfasts or casual meals, and a separate utility room keeps the practicalities neatly tucked away. Upstairs, four bedrooms await. The master double, with its own en-suite bathroom, offers a restful sanctuary where you can take a long soak and let the day’s adventures melt away. A spacious family room with three single beds is perfect for children or friends sharing. A twin room provides further flexibility, while a single bedroom offers a quiet corner for one. A further bathroom with a shower ensures there’s no waiting in line when everyone’s getting ready for the day ahead. Every window frames a different view—some look out over neighbouring gardens and open fields, others towards the old farmyard, each one a reminder of the home’s heritage and setting. The interiors are comfortably furnished and full of character. Outside, the enclosed rear garden is a tranquil spot with a lawn and mature shrubs. A garden table and chairs invite al fresco dining or simply sitting with a cup of tea, listening to birdsong. There’s parking for two cars, one of which can be tucked into the garage. Just a short stroll away lies the National Park Visitor Centre at Brockhole, where you can wander down to the shores of Lake Windermere or embark on a scenic lake cruise. The grounds are open year-round, with footpaths, a seasonal teashop, and a lively programme of exhibitions and events. For dining out, several nearby hotels offer excellent cuisine without the need to drive. And with regular buses stopping at the end of the drive, Ambleside and Windermere—with their independent shops, cafés, and galleries—are easily reached, making Ecclerigg Old Farm not just a place to stay, but a gateway to the very best of Lakeland life. Discover the Lake District from Ecclerigg Old Farm—your perfect base for adventure, relaxation, and timeless scenery. Let the journey begin.
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
Four bedrooms: 1 x double with en-suite bath with hand held shower, basin and WC, 1 x family room with three singles, 1 x twin, 1 x single.
Bathroom with walk-in shower, basin and WC.
Cloakroom with basin and WC.
Kitchen/diner.
Utility.
Dining room with TV.
Living/ dining room with open fire
Electric oven, induction hob, fridge, freezer, microwave, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, toaster, kettle.
TV, DVD and CD player, WiFi.
Fuel, and power, included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Travel cot and highchair available on request.
Private parking for 2 cars (one in garage).
EV charging point.
Enclosed rear garden with lawn and furniture.
One well-behaved pet welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 1 mile, pub 1.1 miles
Reviews (24)
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Carl
Absolutely ideal for us. Clean & warm. I would definitely book this again
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Nicola
It is so close to Windermere and Ambleside so amazing walks so close no need to spend ages in a car getting to places. 6 mins from Booths supermarket in Windermere which was very handy The garden was lovely - I imagine in the summer that would be such a treat. Great parking, easy to find, plenty of room. Real fire Overall I loved it and would definitely stay again. Itâs not âfancyâ but for the Lakes and dogs it is just perfect and with modern bathroom and kitchens honestly I canât recommend this place enough
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Michael
The bedrooms are large with plenty of hanging space. Beds are all a little on hard side but otherwise all ok. Family bathroom is fine with big shower and lots of hot water and the bedroom with en-suite is also generous and comfortable. The Large lounge has good and comfortable seating enough for everyone and the satellite TV is great (but for size of room a bigger screen would be nice!). We also liked the big kitchen with its large farmhouse table, the boot room by the front door for shoes and coats and the utilty room with its big butler sink. The garden is smallish but well maintained grass and borders and we found our two spaniels were not tempted to go through the fence but would have liked a mesh between ground and first or second rail just for piece of mind and truly secure. Couple of nigglesâ¦the door handle catches on four or five of internal doors up and down need attention so they donât âclackâ when opening door (and waking rest of house at night), the family bathroom shower tray drains very slowly so the tray fills (flow was just enough to stop tray overflowing onto floor though), some of bedroom curtains have lost plastic hooks attaching curtain to rings (so closing them to prevent sunlight in morning quite tricky). The nice new frying pan wonât work on the induction hob (wrong type) but the older frying pan Teflon is coming off and consequently shouldnât be used. Lounge and dinning room carpets are a bit stained in places and detract from what are nice rooms. One thing the website didnât mention was the Lake District National Park visitor centre called Brockhole on Windermere which is only 100 yards from entrance to Ecclerigg Farm and marvellous attraction with activities for youngsters, trips on Windamere, restaurant and cafe at the old house, garden walks (perfect for dogs on leads) and wildlifeâ¦really lovely setting and entertaining.