Tower House in Ambleside is a charming, characterful cottage in a superb location, ideal for exploring the Lake District on foot. Guests consistently praise its spacious layout, historic features, and proximity to local amenities. The property is well-equipped and improvements such as WiFi and upgraded kitchen items have been noted. While some maintenance issues and cleaning inconsistencies have been mentioned, most guests found it comfortable and enjoyable, especially for families. The property is particularly appreciated for its unique setting and convenient parking, making it a popular choice for repeat visitors.
Most guests found the property clean and tidy, though a few mentioned dust, the need for a deep clean, or missed cleans on arrival. Overall, cleanliness is generally good but with occasional lapses.
The location is highly praised, with guests loving the proximity to Ambleside centre, walks from the door, and easy access to public transport. The setting in a historic part of town is a standout feature.
Guests found the cottage spacious, warm, and comfortable, with good beds and living areas. Some noted issues with steep stairs, squeaky floors, and heavy doors, which may not suit those with mobility concerns.
Facilities are generally good, with a well-equipped kitchen and recent additions like WiFi. However, recurring issues with bathroom plumbing, showers, and occasional missing items (e.g., hand soap, kitchen utensils) were noted.
Some guests mentioned a lack of welcome items such as tea, coffee, milk, or toiletries, and noted that these are not provided as standard. While the property is well-equipped, extra touches are not guaranteed.
Part of one of Ambleside’s iconic buildings, St Anne’s Church, at the base of ’The Struggle’ and part of the village’s oldest and prettiest areas..
Ground Floor:
Living/dining room: 32" Freeview TV, DVD Player
Kitchen: Electric Oven, Electric Hob, Microwave, Fridge/Freezer, Washer Dryer
First Floor:
Bedroom 1: Double (4ft 6in) Bed
Bedroom 2: Single (3ft) Bed
Bathroom: Bath With Shower Over, Toilet
Second Floor:
Bedroom 3: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds
Shower Room: Cubicle Shower, Toilet.
Gas central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. . Shared lawned gardens surrounding property. Private parking for 1 car. No smoking.. Tower House is so named, as the cottage is the front part of the Grade II listed church with the church tower. Located in part of the conservation area known as Chapel Hill and How Head, there has been a church on the site since 1550, but the current structure dates from 1812 when it took on a more Gothic style. Surrounded by the village’s oldest houses, Tower House benefits from being in a quiet location surrounded by shared gardens, while only a short walk away from the many shops and restaurants Ambleside has to offer.
The cottage is comfortably furnished, carefully mixing modern luxuries while retaining original features, from the solid studded door to the arched church windows. Set over three floors, the property is spacious and quirky. The twin room on the top floor will capture children’s imagination as they look out of their bedroom window over the castellated roof to the fells.
Ambleside sits on the northerly end of England’s longest lake, Windermere, so why not enjoy a cruise, or if you are feeling a bit more energetic, why not hire a row boat. Just down the road is the Armitt Museum and Library, which houses a large number of exquisite botanical watercolours donated by the artist herself, Beatrix Potter. Across the road from here is the Bridge House, a tiny two-room, two-storey house dating from the 17th century, and once home to eight people! Beach 20 miles. Shop 250 yards, pub and restaurant 150 yards.
Free WiFi
The garden is shared.
No Wifi
Suitable for up to 1 pet
Confirmed Guest
Tower house is in a Good location but be prepared for the steep hill. Bonus is the parking but it’s tight to enter. Upon entering we opened the kitchen door which we realised very quickly that it springs back shut. Whilst I appreciated this maybe for fire reasons the smell of bacon from the previous guests entering the kitchen was very strong and not pleasant. Be aware that to open the kitchen window you have to climb on the sideboard which isn’t ideal. The house itself could do with a deep clean and the walls given a lick of paint as it looked very tired. The tap water in the bathrooms gets very hot so beware as you could have a nasty burn. Also the sink tap chain was broken on arrival so we couldn’t use the sink properly. The bedding was nice and comfy but if you’re tall your feet will poke out the metal frame as it’s a small double. This wasn’t ideal and meant my husband had to sleep in the single bedroom. Sadly we wouldn’t stay again
Nick Errington
Great location for Ambleside. Now improved with the addition of WiFi and a functioning shower in the upstairs en-suite. Not the smartest house inside but definitely good value for money. The fancy version next door on a separate vendor listing is about 50% more.
Louisa Hastings
We had a really positive stay at the Tower House. It’s a wonderful building and perfect location for getting everywhere without taking the car.A few points for feedback:When we arrived the house had not been clean after the last occupants. After a 7 hr journey to arrive and have to wait was really disappointing. I understand these things happen but surely there is a system in place where by the cleaner confirms once cleaned to ensure accommodation is ready. We did get reimbursed for a cafe trip and it didn’t spoil the holiday.The house is great and kids loved it but it could do with some maintenance and updating; the plug in the upstairs bath took ages to drain away, squeaky tap in first floor bathroom. Towel rails falling apart, handles on some of the wardrobes coming apart. I understand these things happen importance of the fire doors but they are extremely heavy and slam shut every time opened if not held (not great for kids). A big casserole dish is needed in the kitchen as we were unable to cook bolognaise, casserole, big dishes for family of 5 as no dish/pan big enough.All of the things above did not spoil our holiday and we would definitely stay again but just little things that would improve it.Thank you ☺️
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