Guests say
Bank Cottage in Alston offers a charming stay with stunning views, a cosy atmosphere, and a convenient location close to local amenities. Guests appreciate the well-equipped kitchen, comfortable furnishings, and the property's cleanliness, though some noted areas for improvement. The cottage's character and the thoughtful touches, such as a welcoming bottle of fizz, have left many visitors eager to return.
Guests that stayed at this property said
Reviews on cleanliness are mixed, with several guests finding the cottage spotless and cosy, while others noted issues with kitchen cleanliness and general maintenance. The property seems to be well-kept for the most part, but inconsistencies have been reported.
The location is highly praised for its convenience, proximity to local pubs, shops, and stunning walks. The views from the property are frequently mentioned as a highlight, contributing to a positive experience.
Most guests find the cottage comfortable, with special mentions of the quality of the beds and linen. The snug and the warmth of the property add to the comfort, although some guests mentioned low doorways as a concern.
Facilities are generally well-regarded, especially the well-equipped kitchen and the cosy wood burner. However, some guests reported maintenance issues such as problems with the oven, shower, and balcony door, suggesting room for improvement.
Guests have noted thoughtful touches like the provision of tea, coffee, and milk upon arrival, and some were greeted with a bottle of fizz, which was highly appreciated. However, such gifts are not guaranteed and may vary with each stay.
About this property
This delightful mid-terrace cottage is situated in the market town of Alston in Cumbria. This cottage is situated in an excellent area for exploring a beautiful part of the country. Lovingly refurbished Bank Cottage provides a sumptuous, luxury retreat for that well-earned countryside break. From the front door you step into a well-equipped kitchen with dining area then on to a bright and airy sitting room, a cosy snug and a sleek shower room. A French door from the sitting area leads to a balcony with table and chairs and lovely views of the surrounding area. Upstairs are two bedrooms, a twin and a king-size double. There is also a highchair and stairgate available for those travelling with little ones. Alston is a traditional country town with an array of pubs and shops. With lots to see and do within an hour's drive, including Hadrian's Wall, Beamish open air living museum, Durham Cathedral and the Lake District, this is a the perfect location for a countryside break at any time of the year.
Alston is set in the North Pennines in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, surrounded by a unique landscape of moorland, hills, rivers and waterfalls, and is England's highest market town. This intriguing town, with its cobbled streets and fascinating nooks and crannies, was the location for ITV's productions of Jane Eyre and Oliver Twist. Alston and the North Pennines have long inspired artists and writers; the poet and writer W H Auden loved the area and today Alston is an inspiration to the craftspeople who live and work there.
Accommodation
Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size double, 1 x twin.
Ground floor shower room with walk-in shower, basin and WC.
Kitchen with dining area.
Sitting room with wood burning stove and balcony.
Separate snug.
Gas central heating with wood burning stove.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, Now TV with Sky Movies, WiFi, selection of books and games.
Fuel, power and Starter Pack for Woodburner included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Highchair, travel cot and stairgate - fixed at the bottom of the stairs.
Balcony with furniture.
Roadside parking.
One well-behaved dog welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop and pub 2 mins walk
Reviews (58)
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Sarah
) of a Co-Op, and great for walks from the front door. Proximity to the Lake District, Hadrian's Wall etc is great, and Isaac's Tea Trail was a lovely find with walks up the river through meadows and woodland. The cottage is sweet, nicely furnished with some lovely thoughtful touches - spare charge cables, dog bits and pieces too including towels, poo bags, bowls etc - and the place has a lovely feel to it. However, and being very picky, a few small things could be improved at the cottage to make the experience even better. It would be very helpful to explicitly mention in the listing details that there is no garden. Although the playing fields are only a minute's walk, the photos on the site make it too easy to assume there is access to a garden, particularly for those bringing dogs. As it was, it wasn't too much bother to whizz out first thing with the dog down to the fields, and access to the river here was lovely too for kids and dog alike, but for those of us that don't read things carefully enough, a heads up would be helpful! More cutlery would also be helpful - a family of four uses up most of the cutlery in the drawer in one/two meals - and the double room mattress is fairly uncomfortable with a definite slope into the middle! But as I said, this is being very picky, we all definitely loved our stay and would recommend to others.
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Sarah
The view from the veranda over a field where you can walk your dogs is stunning with the hills in the background. It is a really good size downstairs, the snug was my favourite room. Such a warmth to the whole house. Everything was thought of by the owners, things I didnât even realise Iâd forgotten. Everyone in Alston is so friendly and interested in where you have come from. I will def be back. If you have a fully electric car like I have, make sure you know where you can charge as the two chargers very near to the cottage donât work, but take your money and you have to claim it back.
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Emma
Otherwise itâs a lovely cottage, well situated and well maintained.