Guests say
Hammerhole at the Graythwaite Estate offers a stunning lakeside setting with beautiful views and direct access to Lake Windermere, making it ideal for family gatherings and groups. Guests consistently praise the location, spacious layout, and amenities such as the hot tub and log burner. The property is generally comfortable and well-equipped, with helpful estate staff. Some guests noted issues with cleanliness, maintenance, and supplies, but these did not overshadow the overall positive experience. The cottage is especially appreciated for its tranquil atmosphere and suitability for both relaxation and outdoor activities.
Most guests found the property clean and well-presented, but several reviews mention issues such as mould in bathrooms, dirty barbecue, dog odours, and occasional lapses in deep cleaning. While these concerns were not universal, they were noted by multiple guests.
The location is widely regarded as exceptional, with direct lake access, beautiful views, and a peaceful, secluded setting. Guests repeatedly highlight the lakeside position as a major draw.
The cottage is described as warm, cosy, and comfortable, with spacious bedrooms and good beds. Some guests felt the living area could be cramped for larger groups, but overall comfort levels are high.
Facilities such as the hot tub, log burner, and access to the estate's swimming pool are appreciated. However, recurring issues with the dishwasher, showers, and some maintenance concerns (e.g., kitchen tap, lighting, hot tub cleanliness) were noted.
Some guests received welcome boxes and appreciated the supply of logs, but others found the welcome pack limited and supplies rationed. Please note that gifts or welcome packs are not guaranteed and may vary.
About this property
Hammerhole sits within the 5,000‑acre Graythwaite Estate, home to 38 fantastic holiday cottages You can explore our other properties here. Hawkshead 4.3 miles. A superb, detached cottage in a dream location, nestled on a secluded bay on the western shores of Lake Windermere, within the 5000-acre Graythwaite Estate, just four miles from Hawkshead. Boasting its own private jetty and boat mooring, this Lake District cottage is something special and is perfect for a group of extended family or friends looking for a magical Lakeland break in an exclusive setting. The accommodation in your Lake Windermere cottage is wonderfully spacious, finished to an exceptional standard with equal bedrooms and bathrooms so you and your guests are assured of a comfortable stay. The attractive sitting room has incredible lake views, so in the cooler months you can enjoy the warmth of the house and still appreciate the tranquil waters. In summer, throw open the patio doors and invigorate the senses with this fabulous lakeside setting and wood fired hot tub.
. From your Lake District cottage, its only a 10 minute drive to Graythwaite Estates central courtyard, where you can enjoy shared use of some fantastic leisure facilities including an indoor swimming pool, table tennis room and childrens play area. Beautiful walks can also be enjoyed in the estates extensive forests and woodland and, in the summer months, youre invited to explore the beautiful gardens. Enjoy the many facilities on the estate, or take advantage of a number of exclusive discounts, including those at nearby Grizedale Forest where you can hire mountain bikes to tour its superb tracks or take to the treetops on a Go Ape adventure. With welcome packs, everyday essentials and even home-cooked meals available to be delivered, you can enjoy a getaway of utter luxury. Alternatively speak to the friendly on-site staff and book a canoeing or climbing adventure or explore the towns and villages of this fabulous region, including Bowness-on-Windermere, Ambleside, Hawkshead and Grasmere, to name just a few, or take to the fells and enjoy some excellent walking amidst sublime scenery. A perfect Lake District cottage for a truly memorable holiday.
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
Five bedrooms: Ground Floor - 1 x Super-king-size bedroom with en-suite with shower over bath, basin and WC.
First Floor - 1 x king-size bedroom with en-suite double shower, basin and WC.
2 x twin bedrooms with Jack and Jill en-suite with shower over bath, basin and WC.
1 x Super-king-size bedroom with en-suite bath, basin and WC.
Ground floor shower room with shower, basin and WC.
Kitchen with dining area.
External utility.
Sitting room with woodburner and patio doors leading to Lake Windermere.
Oil central heating with gas fire.
Two electric ovens, gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer and washer/dryer in external utility, dishwasher, Smart TV, WiFi.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Travel cot and highchair.
Ample off road parking.
EV charging available: Esthwaite How Courtyard (LA22 0LB) and Home Farm Courtyard (LA12 8BQ) Patio garden with furniture.
Wood fired hot tub (the hot tub is cleaned and ready to fill on arrival, as it’s wood-fired, it takes up to 2 hours to fill and heat, and cannot be prepared in advance.
Please note that logs, kindling, firelighters, and matches are not included in your stay but can be ordered using the Goodeats link in your key collection information.
Shared use of estate grounds and facilities 10 mins drive away included indoor heated swimming pool (Please bring swim towels, as the towels provided are only for use in the property), table tennis room (please bring your own racquets and balls).
Two well-behaved dogs welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shops 4.3 miles, pubs 3.8 miles.
Water from private supply, fed from freshwater lake.
To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking Graythwaite Adventure in advance.
Mobile phone signal may be limited due to the location of the property.
Please Note: This property has a £500 Good Housekeeping Bond.
Please note that we can’t accept check in on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Years Day
Reviews (31)
-
Ailsa
Ideal for family gatherings. Small issues e.g. mould on shower grout and stained protective mattress cover but nothing major.
-
Margaret
The house being situated so beautifully on the edge of Lake Windermere was idyllic. The house itself did have a few issues, which had been mentioned in previous reviews, and itâs a great pity these have not been addressed, the most frustrating of which was the kitchen tap! The house had been recently decorated, which was lovely. Unfortunately all the silicone in the bathrooms needs replacing because of unsightly black mould, a tap cover needs replacing, and there were springs poking through the bottom of an armchair. I could go on listing a few more issues, including a dog, presumably local, using the garden as its toilet morning and evening, but really all that aside we had a special, wonderful stay and hope that this house is given a bit more loving care, because it certainly deserves it! Would we revisit? Try and stop us!!
-
Andrea
I wanted to contact you though as the house is in no way worth the £5750 we paid for a week over Christmas. Iâll list some of the issues: Chipped mugs, mucky sofa and chair, clogged up hot tub - I have photos, really mean welcome pack (4 firelighters, 7 dishwasher tablets, 1 loo roll in each loo- some processed orange juice, nice biscuits and coffee. Bit mean for 10 of us at that cost), bathroom extractors not working as full of fluff, food left in a cupboard, fridge freezer in need of defrosting and extra freezer outside was muddy inside! Kitchen tap loose. Nowhere near enough hooks for coats, outside lighting not suitable for hot tub. The hot tub is obviously not cleaned out between visits. It was not warming the water anywhere near enough and the water was not flowing round the system. Eventually we flushed the filters with the hose and a large amount of stinking dead skin and hair came out! It did work after that but not really what one would expect from what is purported to be a luxury holiday venue. This was a big treat holiday for us and we made the most of it because we were all together after the death of our Mum but the facilities and cleanliness for that astonishing amount of money is dreadful. You really need to review the cottages you recommend more closely. I imagine that the estate and you donât really care if you donât get repeat bookings and there will always be someone new drawn in by what appears to be a perfect place. Iâll be interested in your response.