Guests say
Balloo is a well-regarded cottage praised for its cleanliness, picturesque location, and comfort. Guests appreciate its suitability as a base for exploring and its well-equipped nature. While some minor maintenance issues are noted, the overall experience is positive, with particular mention of the property's cleanliness and beautiful surroundings.
Guests consistently note the cottage's spotless condition, indicating a high level of cleanliness that contributes positively to their stay.
The picturesque location is appreciated by guests, making it a great base for exploring the local area, although no specific details are provided to fully assess the location's convenience.
The cottage is described as comfortable and well-equipped, with a big kitchen and stable facilities. Some furniture choices and a small bath are critiqued, but overall comfort is rated highly.
While the property is nicely refurbished with good facilities, there are several maintenance issues such as leaking taps and a noisy boiler that affect the score in this category.
There is no mention of gifts or special touches that would indicate thoughtfulness from the hosts, so it is not possible to provide a score in this category.
About this property
Balloo is a charming holiday cottage nestled within 200 acres of grounds, in the quaint village of Dolphinholme near Galgate, Lancashire. With en-suite facilities and close proximity to the Forest of Bowland AONB, this delightful property offers a tranquil retreat for guests. The enchanting Balloo cottage beckons you to explore its three beautifully appointed bedrooms, including a welcoming ground-floor double and two additional doubles on higher floors. The serene bathroom offers a relaxing freestanding bath, walk-in shower, basin, and WC for your convenience. For added comfort, a convenient cloakroom boasting a basin, heated towel rail, and WC is available for guests. The open-plan living area is a hub of relaxation, incorporating a fully-equipped kitchen, inviting dining area, and cozy sitting area where you can unwind after a day of exploring the stunning surroundings. Step outside onto the 200 acres of grounds, where you can wander amidst picturesque ponds and a meandering river, or simply relax on the patio with furniture, soaking in the peaceful ambiance of the countryside setting. Explore the charming village of Dolphinholme near Galgate with its picturesque surroundings and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for leisurely walks and peaceful moments in nature. Nearby, you can visit the historic town of Carnforth, known for its iconic railway station featured in the film Brief Encounter. Just a short drive away is the vibrant city of Lancaster, where you can explore the historic castle, stroll along the canal, and discover the bustling market town. For a taste of the Lake District, head to Kendal, the gateway to the stunning national park, where you can enjoy outdoor adventures, visit quaint shops, and indulge in local delicacies. With so much to see and do in the surrounding area, a stay at Balloo cottage promises a memorable countryside retreat in the heart of Lancashire. Note: This property can be booked with refs. 1154045, 1154049, 1154051, and 1154052, sleeping up to 24 guests.
The historic city of Lancaster sits on edge of Morecambe Bay, the sea is barely 3 miles away. Equally, Lancaster is perfect if you’re looking to explore the Lake District, Windermere is just 30 miles away.
The tidal River Lune flows through the city and St George’s Quay, with its elegant Georgian warehouses standing eave to eave on the riverfront, is considered to be the finest example of an original 18th Century port anywhere in the country.
Indeed, Lancaster retains many examples of handsome Georgian architecture and the area around the castle, particularly Castle Hill, Castle Park and Nip Hill are considered its most alluring quarter.
Lancaster’s skyline is dominated by the Ashton Memorial, made of white Portland stone and dedicated to the second wife of millionaire industrialist, Lord Ashton, it’s built in Neo-Baroque style and affords spectacular views of Morecambe bay from its hilltop location in Williamson Park, open-air concerts are held throughout the summer in the park.
Foremost among Lancaster’s clutch of museums, the Maritime Museum is the place to get to grips with Lancaster’s role in the unsavoury slave trade, behind only London, Bristol and Liverpool, Lancaster was the fourth largest city engaged in the 18th Century trade of African slaves across the Atlantic.
In addition to the Lake District, some of northern England’s greatest scenery is right on your doorstep: the Forest of Bowland, the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Arnside & Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, all easily accessible, offer the perfect opportunity to discover nature in the raw. And don’t forget, Lancaster’s location on the West Coast Mainline, means there are direct trains to all parts of the country.
Accommodation
Three bedrooms.
1 x ground-floor double, 2 x double.
Bathroom with a freestanding bath, walk-in shower, basin, and WC.
Cloakroom with basin, heated towel rail, and WC.
Open-plan living area with kitchen, dining area, and sitting area
Oil central heating.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, TV with Freeview, WiFi, selection of books and games.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Highchair and cot available on request.
Ample off-road parking.
200 acres of grounds with ponds and river, patio with furniture.
One well-behaved dog is welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 1.7 miles, pub 0.7 miles.
Note: Children and pets to be supervised due to pond and river on grounds.
Note: Stables for two horses are available on request please contact the owner for further information.
Note: Electrical cars can not be charged at the property
Reviews (5)
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Lorraine
The setting is beautiful, we were ideally located for days out, we had a delicious meal at The Fleece Inn.
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Richard
The property is nicely refurbished with a big kitchen but the furniture is all a bit odd and small details let the property down. The bathroom basin tap is leaking constantly and the shower also leaked one night and kept us awake. The toilet seat is thin plastic and the small bath is uncomfortable. The hot water is scorching. There is no freezer or freezer box for ice. The boiler is in a utility area off the kitchen with no separating door and noisy. The security light on the side of the hall shines at the property all night and it faces bins and a metal storage container and a building site at the back or the hall which is not great. If there was an event at the hall it would be very intrusive to a stay, particularly in this cottage. We did enjoy our stay but might choose one of the other cottages next time.
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Ruth
2nd stay there. Was only let down from the poor service and booking problems with Sykes themselves as they are impossible to contact with queries