The Blithe Hare, Troutbeck Bridge

I left this cottage on May 18th, during which time renovation works were taking place daily in the property adjacent to Blithe Cottage. Every weekday began with loud drilling and banging at exactly 8am, continuing throughout the day. The work was being carried out on the walls adjoining both the bedroom and living room and was extremely disruptive. I was told it was not the property owners responsibility to inform renters about work taking place in neighbouring properties. I found their response dismissive and reflective of a complete lack of concern for their customers enjoyment of their stay in properties they manage. Prior to booking this cottage over the coming months, I would strongly advise contacting them directly and obtaining written confirmation that the work has been completed if you intend to spend any time in the cottage during the day or expect to sleep past 8am. I have rented holiday accommodation all over the world for many years and always try to maintain realistic expectations based on price and location, while focusing on the positives wherever possible. I have never previously left such a poor rating, not only because of the noise disruption itself but more because of the attitude and handling of the situation by Sykes staff. I genuinely feel sorry for guests with upcoming bookings, as well as for the property owners, who it appears may not even have been informed by Sykes. I would not want anyone else to experience such intrusive disruption during what should otherwise be a peaceful holiday setting. My review of the cottage itself is as follows The kitchen had all the essentials, and the bedrooms were well laid out with comfortable beds and plenty of hanging space in the main room. The single room had less storage, but still offered enough space, although I did not use it much. The bathroom had a strong hot shower, and both bedrooms had direct access to it. The only potential issue was that the bathroom doors did not have locks, which could be inconvenient if both rooms were occupied. The traditional fireplace in the living room added character, and the central heating was easy to use. The WiFi worked well throughout both upstairs and downstairs areas. Although there was no direct parking at the cottage, I was able to drive up the lane to unload and pack the car, and there was plenty of free street parking just a few minutes walk away. There was also a small garden area with a bistro set for sitting outside. The cottage is situated behind several other cottages, many of which also appear to be holiday lets, overlooking the main road. Traffic noise was minimal and, aside from one specific issue mentioned separately, the area was generally quiet. There is a pub serving food just a twominute walk away, although I did not visit it. Windermere is only a few minutes drive or around a 20minute walk away, with small supermarkets, pubs, restaurants, and plenty of shops. Overall, the location was ideal for exploring different parts of the Lake District, including popular tourist spots as well as quieter local walks.

A lovely little cottage ideal for the southern lakes. Bedrooms very comfortable, bathroom and shower great. Living room could do with a bit of TLC, kitchen compact with all the facilities you could need. A few teething issues which an update to the cottage notes would alleviate. All in all a lovely stay.

The cottage was clean and comfortable. The upstairs rooms in particular are well designed. As others have noted, more and better organised crockery and renewing furniture in the lounge would make a big difference

Whilst the location was excellent, the rooms comfortable, and the shower really good, the kitchen had a lot of issues 1. The cupboards were over filled leaving no space for our food 2. The oven was not clean, and without any cleaning solution and only one Jay cloth it was impossible to clean. 3. The table was so big it was tricky getting to the oven anyway 4 We couldn't find an instruction book for the washing machine so decided not to risk using it. Please put that in the cottage 5. We couldn't find the outside bin! I hope it was the one behind the cottage that we noticed on leaving, as we put our rubbish in that 6. A roll of kitchen roll would have been useful, as would maybe a small bar of soap in the bathroom. Fortunately the Spar opposite was well stocked

We loved the Lake District ! The cottage was central for visiting everywhere. It would be helpful to leave leaflets of things to doattractions in the area. Also a basic welcome pack is generally standard Ive never visited anywhere that has nothing. The bedrooms were lovely and a nice firm bed we slept well. This is a quirky little cottage we liked it but its possibly not to everyones taste. The pass for the pool and spa were a nice extra.

Our fourth visit to Cumbria and one of the best. I think we have found our ideal place to explore this corner of England further. Cottage is located as if between everything.Every need within reach.The shop is wellequipped, incredibly tasty, warm sandwiches for breakfast, lots of paths for walks, our little dog was very happy, swimming pool, sauna, steam room, wow my son loved spending time there. The most important place ZIP World Windermere 20 minutes walk.We managed to sail a motorboat, play golf and get 5, 10 and 15 meters in Zip World. Incredibly friendly neighbors around. I, my husband, son and our little dog did not want to go back to reality. Cottage itself is charming, magical, we fell in love with it immediately.We found everything we needed in it. As if we had come from home to home. We highly recommend everyone to visit and spend time there at least once.That is why we are already going back there for longer in the Summer Holidays to discover the area even more.

While the cottage was absolutely lovely it is far smaller than the photos lead me to believe while perfect for my mother and I, I can definitely see why other people were disappointed in their stays, particularly with the kitchen. The kitchen was cramped due to the large, unnecessary table right Infront of the cooker and cupboards filled to the brim with unseeded items meaning there was nowhere to store food. More concerning was the fact it definitely needed a deep clean. Tired furniture is one thing, but huge cobwebs and black marks in the window frames that may have been black mold are another thing entirely. The space between the two seats of the sofa desperately needs a hoover and the rug wasn't the cleanest when we entered either. Overall it was a charming cottage with great potential, in a wonderful part of the world. It could really be something special but felt unloved and uncared for. A real shame.

We had a great time in the Blithe Hare. Its a nice little cottage with a good bed. The water in the kitchen didnt warm up enough for doing the dishes and we didnt use the washing machine because of a loose door. Karin

Overall we had a good stay. There was a few small things. I was informed there would be a starter pack for the fire, there wasnt. After all the many reviews about no bowls in the kitchen, I did think the owner might have rectified the issue, no, still no bowls. Made eating breakfast interesting !! Cupboards are overflowing with unnecessary items, so many pots and pans. Overall the cottage could do with a deep clean and the sofa is very tired. The bed was extremely comfortable and wifi good. No information book provided either. Usually theres a few suggestions of what to do in the area.

We enjoyed our stay at the Blithe Hare and found it a great base to explore that part of the Lakes. The bedroom and bathroom are very well furnished and comfortable. The downstairs is less so the settee in the living room is saggy and past its best, the kitchen table is too big for the room, and the bottom oven of the cooker was filthy when we arrived. The gothic Victorian decor is also an interesting choice. However the cottage is warm and cosy, and we would certainly consider staying again if returning to the area.

Lovely little cottage though struggled to find it as there isn't a road that leads directly to it or designated parking. Having said that we didn't struggle parking on the road outside the leisure centre It said free entry to the leisure facility but we couldn't work out how so didn't end up using it and it wasn't clear which bin was ours so used a neighbour's. The house is set up lovely. Nice beds great use of the space and perfect for us and our daughter. All in all a lovely stay and would recommend x

Lovely cottage but garden very small and not suitable for a large dog. Door closers very strong indeed so could. It really join the flow of lounge or kitchen as always shut. Nice area and surroundings and bedrooms perfect and immaculate.

The cottage was nice, but very very small, which we didnt expect from the pictures. We took our 40kg dog expecting at least some garden for him to be in but there was very little where he could free roam. The property is very nice in some ways but the kitchen in particular hasnt been thought through in terms of layout and feels very cramped.

Overpriced. Having stayed at the Bylth Hare from the 29th March 2024, the property should really be for two adults. Their was no third seat in the lounge as pictured, only a stand chair. Ended up bringing a bedroom chair down to sit on. The kitchen is cramed with an oversize table, and like other comments nowhere to put food. Other than the work surface. The single bedroom has no wardrobe space, so clothes where kept in the suitcase, although their is a landing cupboard, which could easily be made into a wardrobe at a very small cost, by fitting a rail.. As a professional cleaner we're I clean many ABAB in my area, their was cobwebs on pictures around the ceilings. A mop bucket and handle. No mop head!! And the not so good, the bathroom was entered by both bedrooms, so no privacy, only a peg to stop the master bedroom from entering. Not vice versa. All in all disappointed, the downstairs needs a total renovation. Overpriced at what we paid, speaking to other property owners and holiday makers. I wouldn't go back

Great stay. Lovely warm clean cottage

There was an unplaesant smell in the kitchen apparant due to rellen problems. The cottage had a very small garden, parking was further away and A591 a bit too close. Cottage was nicely decorated and had new bathroom and kitchen. A manual of the washingdryer machine lacked.

After losing my husband at Christmas to Dementia it felt so comfortable being in the Lake District with all our lovely memories we shared. My son came with me and my new little rescue dog Peggy. I found the cottage beautiful and I enjoyed sitting outside talking to the other holiday people. Came home yesterday really missing the cottage and the peace. My son said if he could turn the clock back to go back again and start our week he would.

Property very cosy, photos on website did not match size of rooms etc. very creative photography!!, having said that , the property filled with unusual antiques with quality furnishings to a very high spec.

Lovely cottage, very comfortable and cosy. Good location to visit the surrounding area. The parking is on the main road which is about 0.2k from the cottage so can be a bit tricky if you have lots of luggage, dog, shopping but it wouldnt put me off staying again.

All in all a good holiday. First time visiting the Lake District and will definitely return

Great location and lovely cottage. Seating for 3 adults in lounge was a little lacking as sofa only for 2, but overall very comfortable, clean with quirky decor. Recommend for a holiday in the Lake District.

Overall the cottage was comfortable and well equipped. However, there is a significant issue with the drain smell from the kitchen sink which needs immediate attention. Having looked through the visitors' book it's clear that you are already aware of this, but effective action has not yet been taken. If we had stayed for a full week this smell would have had a seriously detrimental impact on the enjoyment of our holiday.

We arrived for our holiday and found no outside table and chairs to sit at and no space in the kitchen to put any food shopping. I read the feedback book on peoples comments and they had complained about the table, so clearly ignored. Then I went to bed and found the sheets had stains on so had to sleep on the top of the bed with a throw over me. The next day we decided we are hear so we will make the most out of it but as it was raining decided to watch TV but the signal kept going glitchy and out so it was impossible to watch then on the Sunday evening I went to make some toast there was a bang and the electricity went off, so I looked for lakelovers number and read that the office was only open from Monday morning so I did not think I could ring it. We decided enough was enough packed and went so an awful stay. I rang the next day to say what happened and was fobbed off and told I would not get compensated at all.

Nice Cottage and fabulous weather all week.

A cosy home from home. Thank you.

We've loved our stay in this little cottage. Great wifi and smart TV and the bed extremely comfortable. Tastefully renovated to a high modern standard whilst being in keeping with the cottage. It was lovely to spend our honeymoon here.

Wonderfully warm and cosy stay in this charming Blithe Hare. Even when snow storms struck. It has everything you need for a night or a year