Guests say
Orchard House in Ambleside is a spacious and well-equipped property with stunning views, ideal for large groups and families. Guests appreciate the peaceful location, quality fixtures, and the traditional Lakeland feel. The property's hilltop position offers beautiful vistas but may challenge those with mobility issues. Some minor maintenance issues were noted, but overall, guests had enjoyable stays and would return.
Guests consistently described the property as clean, with one mentioning hotel-standard laundered bedlinen and towels. Only one review mentioned it was not as spotless as usual, indicating a generally high standard of cleanliness.
The property's location is highly praised for its views and proximity to Ambleside and local walks. However, the steep climb to the property is noted as a potential issue for some guests.
The majority of guests found the property comfortable, with spacious rooms and quality furnishings. A few guests mentioned squeaky floors and bed ends being problematic for taller individuals, but overall comfort was rated highly.
Facilities are generally well-regarded, with a well-equipped kitchen and comfortable living spaces. Some guests reported minor maintenance issues like beeping smoke alarms, intermittent TV connection, and a desire for better balcony furniture.
While guests were satisfied with the property's amenities, there were no specific mentions of gifts or extra thoughtful touches provided by the hosts. Therefore, it is not possible to assess the thoughtfulness category accurately.
About this property
Orchard House enjoys a particularly fine location right on the edge of the village at the end of a quiet lane and provides a light, spacious and high-quality retreat in any season. The detached property is one of two built in the divided grounds of a former Lakeland residence—there is no passing traffic and yet you are handy for all the village facilities. Set in almost three acres of grounds on various levels with woodland and a stream, the setting attracts a wide variety of birds and wildlife. Tucked into a peaceful hillside just half a mile above Ambleside, this thoughtfully designed home makes the most of its elevated position, with fine views and a layout that invites both relaxation and togetherness.
A few steps lead to the covered entrance porch, where you step into a welcoming hallway that sets the tone for the rest of the house—bright, spacious, and finished with warm oak floors and soft rugs underfoot. The ground floor is home to three restful bedrooms: a master double with a king-size bed and en-suite bathroom complete with bath and handheld shower, and two generous twin rooms ideal for family or friends. A separate family bathroom offers both a bath and a walk-in shower, while a dedicated laundry room keeps practicalities neatly tucked away. Upstairs, a fourth bedroom with a king-size bed offers a quiet retreat, served by an additional shower room just along the landing.
The heart of the home lies on the first floor, where a large, light-filled kitchen and dining area invites you to gather, cook, and linger over meals. Two windows frame leafy views, and double doors lead through to the main sitting room, where a log-burning stove adds a warm glow on cooler evenings. A flat-screen TV with Sky Freeview, DVD and video player offer entertainment, while a second sitting room provides a peaceful space to unwind, complete with its own balcony and a mini hi-fi system. Paths lead to a higher-level private meadow from where you can enjoy exceptional views over Ambleside to Lake Windermere and the fells beyond.
Step outside and you’ll find plenty of space for sitting out, with garden furniture provided and ample parking for two to three cars. Secure bike storage is available in the garage by request. There are numerous walks from the door including over Wansfell to Troutbeck, Loughrigg Fell, Rydal Mount and the Coffin Route to Grasmere, and the lovely paths to Low and High Sweden Bridges and beyond onto Low Pike and the Fairfield Horseshoe or Red Screes. Ambleside centre is within walking distance for all your local shopping plus a host of eating places to suit every taste and pocket. After a day of exploring all the Lake District National Park has to offer take a soak in the freestanding bath at Orchard House.
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 ground-floor king-size with en-suite walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC, 1 x king-size, 2 x ground-floor twin.
Bathroom with bath, walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC.
Bathroom with freestanding bath, walk-in shower, basin and WC.
First-floor kitchen/ diner.
Utility.
First-floor sitting room with open fire.
Sitting room with balcony
Gas central heating.
Electric oven, hobs, microwave, fridge, washing machine, tumble dryer.
TV, DVD Player, Wi-Fi.
Fuel, power, and starter pack for woodburning stove included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Highchair and travel cot available on request.
Off-road parking for 2 cars.
Garden.
Sorry, no smoking and no pets allowed.
Shop 0.4 miles, pub 0.3 miles
Reviews (18)
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Emrys
The location of the house is excellent. One can walk to the town centre in a few minutes, and also walk out of the house onto paths into the surrounding hills. The kitchen is well equipped and large enough for 8 people to eat in. The main living room is a pleasant communal space. It took us some time to work out how to turn the fire on in the living room. And although we thought we'd worked out how to control the central heating, it seemed to revert to 'Auto' which meant that it was cold in the morning downstairs. This could have been our incompetence. Even so, 7:45 a.m. seems late for the central heating to come. I'd suggest 6 a.m. to make sure the house is comfortable when people get up. Our one criticism is that the house was not well supplied with basic items. Even though we were just staying for one week we had to buy toilet paper, paper towel, dish washing liquid, dishwasher capsules, as well as herbs, spices, sugar, etc. There weren't even enough garbage bags for the week. I don't expect to be provided with a week's supply of coffee for 8 people. But given how much we were paying (over $2,500 for one week), I think it's fair to expect these things to be fully provided. Regarding the kitchen, it would be good if there was a well-stocked herb and spice rack, along with things like baking powder, sugar, etc.. It's annoying to have to buy items that on will use very little of, and given the rental fee it seems a bit stingy for these not to be provided. Since we were all coming here from abroad, we couldn't bring such items from home. Other rental places also provide a few teabags and biscuits as a kind of welcome so that you can have a cup of on arrival, which would have been nice.. These points are intended as a suggestions to the owners. To say it again, we had a lovely week here; the house is clean, spacious, well-equipped, comfortable, and in a fabulous location.
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Emrys
The location of the house is excellent. One can walk to the town centre in a few minutes, and also walk out of the house onto paths into the surrounding hills. The kitchen is well equipped and large enough for 8 people to eat in. The main living room is a pleasant communal space. It took us some time to work out how to turn the fire on in the living room. And although we thought we'd worked out how to control the central heating, it seemed to revert to 'Auto' which meant that it was cold in the morning downstairs. This could have been our incompetence. Even so, 7:45 a.m. seems late for the central heating to come. I'd suggest 6 a.m. to make sure the house is comfortable when people get up. Our one criticism is that the house was not well supplied with basic items. Even though we were just staying for one week we had to buy toilet paper, paper towel, dish washing liquid, dishwasher capsules, as well as herbs, spices, sugar, etc. There weren't even enough garbage bags for the week. I don't expect to be provided with a week's supply of coffee for 8 people. But given how much we were paying (over $2,500 for one week), I think it's fair to expect these things to be fully provided. Regarding the kitchen, it would be good if there was a well-stocked herb and spice rack, along with things like baking powder, sugar, etc.. It's annoying to have to buy items that on will use very little of, and given the rental fee it seems a bit stingy for these not to be provided. Since we were all coming here from abroad, we couldn't bring such items from home. Other rental places also provide a few teabags and biscuits as a kind of welcome so that you can have a cup of on arrival, which would have been nice.. These points are intended as a suggestions to the owners. To say it again, we had a lovely week here; the house is clean, spacious, well-equipped, comfortable, and in a fabulous location.
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Hazel
We have stayed at Orchard House many times over the years so it's a bit like coming home. It is a beautiful, well equipped house for the three generations of my family. Situated at the top of quite a steep walk up the hill from Ambleside, but with walks from the door and parking for up to three cars. We set up a trail camera this year and recorded foxes, badgers and many different types of bird. There is a (restricted) view across Ambleside to Lake Windermere from this wonderful, peaceful location.