Guests say
Little Stone Howe is a well-liked cottage in Ambleside, praised for its excellent location, cleanliness, and well-equipped kitchen. Guests appreciate the property's proximity to local attractions and the convenience of off-street parking. While the cottage is cosy and often described as a great base for exploring, some guests have noted issues with the shower, bed comfort, and kitchen appliances that could be improved.
The property generally receives positive remarks for cleanliness, but there are some concerns about specific areas such as kitchen cupboards and under the microwave. The mattress protector and duvet were also noted to need washing, suggesting room for improvement.
The location is highly praised for its proximity to the town centre and local walks, with the added benefit of off-street parking. However, the steep hill may be inconvenient for those with mobility issues.
Guests find the cottage cosy and warm, but several have mentioned that the mattresses and pillows are uncomfortable. The living room seating and bathroom size have also been critiqued, indicating that comfort could be enhanced.
The property is well-equipped, but there are recurring issues with the shower, kitchen appliances, and a lack of certain utensils. Maintenance concerns, such as the kitchen tap and light bulbs, have been raised, suggesting a need for attention to facilities.
There is insufficient information regarding any thoughtful touches or gifts provided by the hosts, as no reviews mention these aspects. Therefore, a score cannot be given in this category.
About this property
"A classy, romantic cottage, Little Stone Howe is only a few minutes' stroll from the centre of Ambleside village and the elegant shores of Lake Windermere. All on one level, you enter the contemporary open plan living space, with well-equipped kitchen/dining area, cosy lounge with huge vaulted windows, beams and electric fire for ease. The double bedroom is chic and comfortable with en-suite bathroom with shower over bath. Outside you are treated to a lovely outlook, enhanced by an elevated setting, where you can sip a drink on your patio. Walks begin in every direction, as Ambleside is a popular base for walking in the Lake District. The village is packed with tasty eateries and a wide range of contemporary shops - from useful supermarkets to quirky gift stores and expert outdoor clothing stores. By night, there’s plenty to do – cosy traditional pubs, special award-winning restaurants, a jazz club and 2 independent cinemas. A nice 20 minute stroll from the village centre is Waterhead Pier, on the northern shores of Lake Windermere where you can hire a rowing boat, enjoy a drink or a meal overlooking the lake at the Water’s Edge Inn, or take an elegant lake cruise to Bowness or Lakeside - a great way to explore car-free. Windermere Lake Cruises depart regularly, and also offer evening cruises. Ambleside is full of history. The tiny 'Bridge House' is one of the most photographed buildings in the area; sat on a bridge in the middle of the village. There are also the remains of a Roman fort, Galava. One of William Wordsworth's former family homes can be visited nearby at Rydal Mount & Gardens as can his Grasmere home, Dove Cottage. A spectacular drive over the Kirkstone Pass and you arrive in beautiful Ullswater. "
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
Accommodation all on one level.
One bedroom: 1 x double with en-suite bathroom with shower over bath, basin and WC.
Open plan living space with kitchen, dining area and sitting area.
Gas central heating with electric fire.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, under counter fridge with freezer compartment, dishwasher, TV, WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Cot and highchair available.
Private patio with furniture.
Off road parking for 1 car.
Sorry, no pets and no smoking.
Pub 6 min walk.
Shop 8 min walk.
Reviews (27)
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Marion
We have booked this cottage for the last 2 years, itâs like home from home, everything you need is there, itâs a lovely little cottage, itâs within walking distance of bars, shops, restaurants and some lovely walks, whoever stays in this cottage will have a lovely holiday
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Sue
Unfortunately, the shower needs some attention. This has received a lot of comments over the years (in the visitor book, several people mention it over about 5 years!) There is a ridiculous grab rail which is really in the way for anyone taking a shower. Also, the shower water goes everywhere. The cold tap in the kitchen is very stiff and hard to turn off. Otherwise very positive experience.
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Valerie
The large windows in the main living area don't open, so there's no ventilation or air flow, making it stuffy and unpleasant in hot weather. It's also dangerous as if there was a fire in the kitchen, there's no way to escape without going through it. The shower overshoots the tiny shower screen, so water sprays over the side and soaks the bathmat and floor. The oversized grab rail also means you can only get under the shower sideways. Water pressure is good, which means lots of water on the floor. Temperature control is variable, so it's just as well it's hard to get under it. The bath wasn't draining, which added to the unpleasantness. The biggest issue that we had, however, was that the kitchen was dirty. Surfaces, dishes, and utensils needed a thorough clean when we arrived and this unfortunately led us to question the cleanliness of the entire place. It was also poorly appointed in the kitchen, making it virtually impossible to actually self cater. There was only one tiny pan that couldn't even poach two eggs at the same time. Overall it was such an unpleasant experience that we abandoned our holiday and left after two days.