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Scales Cottage

(Ref. 972335)

Lorton near Cockermouth, Cumbria & The Lake District Show on map

4.4

Sykes rating

  • 6 Guests

  • 3 Bedrooms

  • 1 Bathroom

  • Pets Yes

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Ground floor accommodation
  • Ground floor bedroom
  • Open fire
  • Garden / Patio
  • Cot available
  • Highchair available
  • Pub/shop < 1 mile
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • cottage (32)
  • location (23)
  • lovely (18)
  • our (17)
  • stay (17)
  • lake (17)

49 Customer Reviews

  • "Great time and thanks for having us"

    Reviewed by Nigel4.7May 2024

  • "Very disappointed."

    Family get together for Christmas with one baby. Property not decorated for Christmas which was disappointing. No cot or highchair as mentioned. There was a cupboard which we had trouble getting in when we eventually did 2 days later Christmas tree etc were in there. It would have been nice if the owners had left a note. We had travelled up from Kent, italy and whitehaven and there was no welcome pack either. We did try to ring owners on both phone numbers. There was dirty trays in the oven, fridge was dirty inside and rubbish in bin upstairs in lounge. At the price we paid we feel very let down. We stay in lakes alot as we visit our daughter. There was lack of information for local walks, fire, cd player (which couldn't get to work to play Xmas cd) radio worked.

    Reviewed by Sandra June1.9Dec 2023

  • "It is a nice property very near to stunning natural beauty."

    The house has all the basic comfort we need. The beds are very comfortable. The shower is good. It is nicely warmed. The kitchen got all the equipments to make meals. I am glad to spent some time with family here. They are small improvements can be made. Providing towels for showers and hand towel; small amount of oil, salt, pepper, tea, coffee for arrival would make a very big difference in first impression.

    Reviewed by Katherine3.1Dec 2023

  • "A lovely property , everything you need and warm , our second stay here ."

    Always enjoyable .

    Reviewed by Derek5.0Nov 2023

  • "Good location for exploring the western and north lakes."

    Comfortable cottage with good views from the sitting room and upstairs windows. Good heating system and wood burner worked well. Sadly, the weather was poor for exploring some of the days but we would recommend this property to our friends and anyone who wanted to explore this neck of the lakes.

    Reviewed by Jacqueline5.0Sep 2023

  • "This cottage is in one of the best locations for seeing the Lake District."

    Cottage District s perfect for either a small or large family with a perfect fenced off area for dogs and a lovely fishing spot with plenty walks in a lovely area. Easy driving distance for Cockermouth and Keswick and all surrounding areas. The cottage its self is very clean and has everything you could wish for. We definitely will be back.

    Reviewed by Duncan5.0Aug 2023

  • "The cottage was in the most beautiful location with walks right on your doorstep and only a short drive from nearby lakes."

    It is also a beautiful looking cottage but is in need of some TLC. A deep clean is really needed. The 4 poster bed was lovely but when you lay down and look up at a ceiling full of cobwebs it doesn't exactly send you sound to sleep. Also the downstairs bedroom and kitchen smell damp. The cutlery draw and some of the cupboards smelt really fusty and so did everything in them. The cupboards could have done with a wipe out as well. Also black mould on the shower ceiling. The family were lovely and the property is a really good size and just needs a good bit of care.

    Reviewed by Kayleigh3.1Aug 2023

  • "No faults with the location but there were some areas that need addressing."

    The cottage is quite dated but nonetheless, we set up camp. Driving 400 miles and to not have a small milk, tea bags or even a small tin of biscuits would have been a lovely touch. One bin liner provided, no clear instructions of where to leave rubbish, no dishwasher tablets too. Bemused as to why we need to provide our own towels, but the bare essentials for cleaning were not provided. Only found the very vague holiday book late Friday night. Would have been much better placed in the kitchen rather than in the lounge on a shelf. The cottage is dusty, lots of cob webs especially on the the ceilings, and so many flies in the house that our dog was going crazy trying to catch them. Couldn’t go and sit in the grassed area as the grass was at a high level and there were 4 dog droppings found on Saturday when we arrived which I promptly cleaned up. Dust in the blinds - and this was on every single set of blinds in the cottage. Please clean. Also - 1 tea towel. Surely a family of 6-8 would not have been provided with 1 towel for the week? I love the house is quirky with the lounge upstairs. Would prefer a net or something equivalent in the downstairs bedroom as curtains were closed all the time. On the whole, the cottage was ok. We booked this based on the positive feedback, which is slightly concerning considering it wasn’t as clean as it should’ve been. Location was great. Recommend crummock water and lake buttermere for walks. Climbed up Freewith pike with some spectacular views across the valley and even 2 botheys which we’ve never seen before. Whinlatter forest is lovely too! Very picturesque. Would we stay again? I’m not sure. The small touches would go along way especially when 2 people have paid £872 for a weeks stay not to mention being supplied with adequate and sufficient cleaning supplies. Especially as it was made clearly known that the cottage was to be left as it was found.

    Reviewed by Arron3.1Jul 2023

  • "A fabulous property, spacious, comfortable, warm."

    Great location with walks in all directions from the door. Easy to get to Buttermere, Crummock, Loweswater and Ennerdale to name but a few. Whinlatter just up the road too. Hosts were warm and welcoming, and very accommodating. We had a fantastic time and would certainly come back again - very highly recommended.

    Reviewed by Cheryl5.0Apr 2023

  • "An absolutely beautiful place to stay couldn't fault it in anyway shape or form and will be returning for sure"

    Reviewed by Graham5.0Feb 2023

  • "Great stay."

    Would come again

    Reviewed by Marc4.7Nov 2022

  • "We loved our stay and will be back"

    Reviewed by Louise4.1Nov 2022

  • "We had a lovely stay at Scales cottage, a beautiful part of the Lake District, owners were very helpful."

    We would definitely use this cottage again in future. Warm Regards Derek and Hazel.

    Reviewed by Derek5.0Nov 2022

  • "A very comfortable warm cottage with mainly good facilities but we could have done with a couple more cereal/soup bowls."

    We had to work out how to achieve a warm enough shower by keeping the cold tap running to reduce the cold water pressure but this method worked fine. Great situation with good walking from the cottage and close proximity to Cockermouth. The local shop is great.

    Reviewed by Jean4.7Sep 2022

  • "Very nice cottage comfortable nice and quiet, nice break to recharge highly recommended without hesitation"

    Reviewed by John5.0Jul 2022

  • "Excellent stay in the Lakes."

    We had a fantastic time with lots of local walks and within good driving distance to local areas! There are so many hidden gems in the Lake District for walks. The view from the living room was fantastic and the property had all of the facilities we needed for the week stay.

    Reviewed by Chris4.7Jun 2022

  • "We loved our stay at Scales cottage."

    It's in a fantastic location with plenty of walks close by. Spacousios cottage. Comfy beds. A large lounge with beautiful views over the falls. An enclosed garden that gets loads of sun. A good place to stay with the our dogs

    Reviewed by Alison4.7Jun 2022

  • "Cottage was very clean and perfect location for us."

    Had everything you need for a perfect holiday. Key pick up was so easy and owners really easy to contact. Would highly recommend.

    Reviewed by Gail5.0May 2022

  • "The cottage needs a deep clean and attention paying to paint work and mildew in bath/shower area, money spending on new mattress, duvet and pillows as these were past there best and uncomfortable."

    The bathroom could have done with a shelf near the sink for toiletries and hooks for towels/dressing gowns. I realise it's self-catering but the provision of salt and pepper in the kitchen and washing powder in the laundry room wouldn't break the bank! Also don't appreciate finding dog muck on the lawn.

    Reviewed by Deborah1.6Apr 2022

  • "Lovely cottage but no instructions for TVs or any of appliances."

    Very basic , could do with a little attention to decor. No welcome pack Despite this the location and views were beautiful and we enjoyed our stay.

    Reviewed by Susan3.1Nov 2021

  • "Scales Cottage is a true Lake District experience on a lovely working farm with breathtaking views ."

    The cottage itself is comfortable and warm with excellent facilities for our dogs. The fishing lakes are wonderful and available to use all year round and the family who own the cottage are extremely friendly, welcoming and helpful. A great local shop and pub provide excellent food. For us, this was the perfect holiday experience.

    Reviewed by Susan5.0Oct 2021

  • "Beautiful cottage, in a beautiful location."

    Thanks for having us!

    Reviewed by Joseph5.0Sep 2021

  • "Stayed in Scales cottage with another couple and 3 dogs,the cottage worked well for us as the kitchen / dining area had a slate floor perfect with dogs and a boot room."

    The lounge is upstairs with plenty of seating. Beds were very comfortable. The cottage is on a working farm so some early morning noise. The garden is small but completely enclosed so safe to let our dogs out. There are beautiful walks from the door onto the fells behind .

    Reviewed by Marion4.1Sep 2021

  • "This was a really nice holiday cottage."

    Superb location. Cottage was clean and well presented. Key pick up was very easy. Very little to complain about other then 1 bathroom for 5 people is a bit of a squeeze and the twin room is very small! Areas for improvement would have to some more attention to details: no hand soap, no salt/pepper and the house didn't provide any towels (we knew this prior but couldn't understand why bedding was provided but not towels as well?) This didn't impact on the stay as a whole and we really enjoyed staying there and would recommend it!

    Reviewed by Peter4.4Sep 2021

  • "Lovely cottage, very clean and well arranged."

    Comfortable beds and spacious with TVs in all the bedrooms and very good WIFI. The only downside is only one bathroom with WC, an extra WC would be more convenient. I would definitely go back as this area of the Lake district is so much prettier and less touristy than the more known towns, and is a short walk to a lovely local village shop with delicious pastries.

    Reviewed by Teresa4.7Jul 2021

  • "Fantastic cottage in a superb location, set between Keswick and Cockermouth with Lidl, Aldi, Sainsbury's and many local shops available."

    Easy travelling to the Lakes Buttermere, Crummock and Loweswater being approximately 6 miles away. Village shop in Lorton is a must. Owners are friendly and helpful. We had a fantastic 2 weeks and would definitely return.

    Reviewed by Paula5.0Jun 2021

  • "Excellent location whilst still having rural life."

    Owners were very friendly and the house was absolutely outstanding with many a walk around and lovely pub within a mile. I would highly recommend this property and the dogs loved it

    Reviewed by Norman5.0May 2021

  • "The location is fantastic for us Wainwright baggers out but there are also many lovely walks for all abilities."

    It's a short drive to Loweswater, Crummock water and Buttermere with fabulous views. The living room of the cottage is upstairs giving fabulous views of the fells especially at sunset. Ideal for those who want to be away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist areas

    Reviewed by Geraldine5.0Apr 2021

  • "We had a lovely stay at Scales cottage, the house is really nice, well located for lots of scenery, walks and location attractions."

    Also a very friendly dog on site who would happily spent the whole week playing catch with our 6 year old given the chance. I was a bit worried by a previous review comment about needing a stair gate as we had our 1 year old son with us, but there are plenty of doors that can be shut to block access to the stairs so wasn’t a problem for us. Only minor criticisms, and to be fair we didn’t bother to raise these with the owners at the time, but they could do with doing a sweep of the household electrical products from time to time as there were several dead light bulbs around the house, and a few instances of flat or missing batteries in TV remote controls and the thermostat which we had to change to get things working. Also there is a barn directly opposite the house which wasn’t obvious in the photos and blocks the view from downstairs, but not really a problem as the living room is upstairs so didn’t spoil our enjoyment in any way. Overall we had a lovely stay and would happily return.

    Reviewed by Peter4.4Oct 2020

  • "The cottage was nice but we were a little disappointed with the cleanliness of the cutlery and crockery, especially given the Covid situation."

    They also have a fly issue around the windows which meant there were always flies in the cottage which was unpleasant. We also found out the village shop was closed during our stay which was also disappointing and we feel should have been communicated to us given the remoteness of the location.

    Reviewed by Michelle3.4Sep 2020

  • "Lovely cottage full of character, had originally booked for May but changed to 29 Aug."

    Rooms are really spacious and well furnished. Could really do with a stair gate as the sitting room is upstairs and we very nearly had a disaster with our little toddler (I now have a few more grey hairs). As it’s such a big cottage which would sleep 7 it would have made our stay a little easier if it had another shower room or even just a toilet - there is room to do this but it didn’t affect our stay too much. Lovely area with the lake on site and would be great if you enjoyed fishing. Ben the dog is so friendly and got on well with our 3 dogs but be prepared to be there all day throwing his ball

    Reviewed by Ruth4.1Aug 2020

  • "Lovely house with helpful owners, we loved it especially the enclosed garden ..."

    Lovely house with helpful owners, we loved it especially the enclosed garden with the gravel yard & a picnic bench & the small lawn

    Reviewed by Trina4.4Aug 2020

  • "The cottage is conveniently placed to explore the western part of the Lake District with very good dog walking near by and we enjoyed our stay."

    We had a problem locating recycling facilities, according to the guest information they were located in Sainsbury's car park in Cockermouth but we could find no trace there or anywhere else! Also, as we had three dogs with us a proper broom would have been useful rather than having to lug out the heavy vacuum cleaner to sweep up downstairs.

    Reviewed by Annie4.1Oct 2019

  • "Guests would benefit with an extra toilet."

    Reviewed by Bill4.4Oct 2019

  • "Everything was great, the location, the facilities, peace and quiet, the owners were close by, very helpful and very friendly, the one thing that let it down was the cleanliness, it needs a really good clean throughout, upon arrival we were met with a really strong smell of urine by the door as soon as we walked in, the last people to stay there, their dog must of been urinating by the door, we had to spend approx."

    £20 on cleaning products, air fresheners, once we had cleaned up it was a lot better and we had a lovely holiday, just needs some cleaning TLC.

    Reviewed by Caroline3.4Jun 2019

  • "Beautiful location which was situated within an easy driving distance to everything the Lake District has to offer."

    Having the lake near to the cottage was perfect for our dogs to have their first morning walk and the last one of the day. The enclosed garden was secure for the dogs also. Views from the cottage and the lake were stunning. The cottage had all the amenities we needed and was very cosy. Would highly recommend.

    Reviewed by Rachael5.0Jun 2019

  • "The cottage was lovely, bigger than we expected, very spacious and clean will all mod cons, v private and peaceful but close to local attractions - Whinlatter forest, Keswick, and many hill walks."

    We had a great week!

    Reviewed by Rachel5.0Apr 2019

  • "Absolutely fantastic cottage, beautiful location great for getting out and about in the lakes."

    Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great place to stay 5

    Reviewed by Leanne5.0Apr 2019

  • "The location of the property is excellent."

    Reviewed by Andy5.0Dec 2018

  • "We have used Sykes many times and will continue to do so."

    This cottage was in a lovely location, and was well laid out etc. However it could have done with a really good clean. I did leave a note to the owners, so hopefully this has been addressed. In summary : The extractor fan was revolting and needs replacing / cleaning. The lights outside where you park didn't work, and a torch was required to get up the steps to the property. There were no cleaning cloths, or bin bags left, which are useful for the first night. The central heating thermostat needed new batteries and the heating didn't work readily - I am sure these will have been replaced! There was also a revoltingly dirty George Foreman grill which was in one of the kitchen cupboards. The smell it was emitting was putrid, and once it was moved out the kitchen and the cupboard was cleaned it did improve. The master bedroom needed a brighter bulb and some of the knobs on the furniture kept falling off. That said, the bed was super comfortable, linen good quality and clean, the sofa's and lounge was lovely and all the expected facilities in the kitchen were good (except the extractor fan). Hopefully a bit more attention to cleaning will make this property top notch again. Many thanks, Claire Warsop

    Reviewed by Paul3.1Dec 2018

  • "This beautiful cottage has been lovingly restored to create a warm and welcoming retreat."

    It is at the entrance the farm and the views from the cosy top floor living room are spectacular. Our three dogs really enjoyed the run of the safe and fully enclosed garden and we were able to enjoy some wonderful trout fishing at the farms own fishing lake. The owners were so friendly and made us very welcome indeed , so much so that we can't wait for our next visit to this wonderful property.

    Reviewed by Susan5.0Sep 2018

  • "A wonderful cottage in a beautiful location."

    Central for visiting Keswick, Cockermouth, Whinlatter forest just to name a few places, and also some walks starting from the cottage. Plenty of room for the 4 of us that visited, comfy lounge, warming log burner in the kitchen, although low beam needs to be avoided!! Also, good to have reliable Wi-Fi. Would book this cottage again.

    Reviewed by Carole5.0Sep 2018

  • "The whole week holiday was fab."

    House was nice and clean and felt a home from home

    Reviewed by Matthew5.0Aug 2018

  • "The location and accommodation was perfect for me, the family and our two border terriers."

    Instant access to the local lake's and Whinlatter forest. It was also a bonus having a fenced garden around house. I will hopefully be going back again next year, finances permitting..

    Reviewed by Andrew5.0Jul 2018

  • "We were really impressed with the way Sykes handled all the details (ie things like the app with directions etc)."

    The only reason the comfort is slightly marked down is that we found the four posted bed to be quite soft but understand this is a personal preference for a firmer mattress due to back problems. Otherwise Scales cottage is fantastic - really good facilities in the cottage, great that the garden is enclosed as we have dogs, in a wonderful position between Cockermouth and Keswick, ideally situated for walking. We really enjoyed our week there and I can say that we will definitely base ourselves at Scales cottage again in the future.

    Reviewed by Janet4.7Jun 2018

  • "What a great little cottage this is."

    Just back from a week spent here, Mum, Dad, kids 6 & 8 and Nan and Grandpa. It's a great location for anyone wanting to explore the North Western Lake District with walks a plenty straight out from the cottage. There's a great Kitchen Diner with space for 6 adults to sit around the table comfortably. The view from the ground floor is of the barn directly in front of the cottage but the views from the first floor lounge and master bedroom are beautiful. The lounge is very spacious and comfortable and there's a big TV and strong WiFi if the weather dictates staying inside. We had glorious weather so didn't really need it but in case of rain, there's a good sized boot and drying room with washer and drier. The owners are very friendly and the girls loved playing with Ben the farm dog. Cockermouth and Keswick are both short car rides away and Whinlatter Forest visitor centre is only a mile or two up the road. There are decent pubs serving good food in Braithwaite (Coledale Inn), Loweswater (Kirkstile Inn) and The Wheatsheaf Inn in Lorton (About a 20 minute walk from the cottage). Really impressed to get a call From Sykes on the day after we arrived to check everything was okay. Nice touch.

    Reviewed by Jonathan4.7Jun 2018

  • "Peaceful location great facilities"

    Reviewed by Keith5.0May 2018

  • "It was better than we expected."

    The cottage was lovely inside and out and in a nice, peaceful environment with gorgeous views. The owner was really pleasant.

    Reviewed by Mike5.0May 2018

  • "Cottage was so much nicer and spacious than we were expecting from price and photos!"

    Farm very friendly and lots of fab walks nearby. Easy to get to Keswick, walked Blencarthra, Skiddaw with kids aged 9-16 and a more gentle day at Go Ape nearby. Cottage cosy clean and lovely kitchen with open fire. Beds clean and comfy. No fire in lounge though!So we kept cosy in the kitchen! Highly recommended!

    Reviewed by Katherine4.4Mar 2016

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This property is part of the Lakelovers collection.
We have properties to suit every occasion throughout the southern and central Lake District including; Ambleside Cottages, Bowness Cottages, Coniston Cottages, Grasmere Cottages, Hawkshead Cottages, Lakeside Cottages, Langdale Cottages, Troutbeck Cottages, Ulswater Cottages, Windermere Cottages and smaller hamlets between, which although seldom heard of are none the less equally wonderful. With hundreds of properties available, Lakelovers are sure to have a property to meet your needs.

Summary

  • Three bedrooms: 1 x king-size, 1 x king-size double, 1 x double (suitable for children due to sloping ceiling.)
  • Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC
  • Sitting room
  • Kitchen with dining area and wood-burning stove
  • Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher
  • Oil central heating and woodburning stove. TV and DVD. Wi-Fi
  • Fuel, power and starter pack for stove inc. in rent
  • Bed linen inc. in rent
  • Towels are not provided
  • Cot on request
  • Off road parking for 3 cars
  • Raised terrace area with furniture and small lawned area
  • Three well behaved pets welcome
  • Sorry, no smoking
  • Shop and pub 1.2 miles
  • Note: The double bedroom has a sloping ceiling and is only suitable for children
  • Note: Guests may fish free of charge on the pond located 200 yards from the cottage and stocked with rainbow trout
  • Note: Pond on site, children to be supervised

The property

This charming 17th century cottage is situated on a working dairy farm, in the beautiful Vale of Lorton with wonderful views over the valley towards the Loweswater fells and the hills around Whinlatter Pass.

This delightful cottage has been lovingly restored but still retains many of its original features including the slate floors and inglenook fireplace.

Ideally situated for groups of walkers and families to explore the area, or who may wish to use the rainbow trout fishing facilities which the owners provide free of charge.

The cottage has a well-equipped kitchen with dining area and woodburning stove making it a sociable space to get together whilst the chef in the party is preparing a delicious meal.

Afterwards retire to the sitting room with its vaulted beamed ceiling and comfortable sofas where you can watch a film together on the TV.

There are three bedrooms to choose from, a king-size, a double and one double with sloping ceilings making it a cosy retreat for the children in the party.

The village of Lorton has a traditional shop and pub.

Nearby in the village of Loweswater the award winning Kirkstile Inn can be found with log fires, traditional ales and excellent meals.

The cottage is situated in a much less frequented area of the National Park yet only a short drive from the bustling market town of Keswick.

Crummock Water, Loweswater, Buttermere and Ennerdale which can be easily reached.

The Whinlatter Forest Park with its new Go Ape Forest Adventure and mountain bike trails is only a five minute drive from the cottage.

A wonderful location for exploring this quieter part of the Lake District.

View on map

About the location

LORTON

Braithwaite 4.3 miles; Cockermouth 6 miles; Keswick 7 miles.

Lorton is a village in the district of Allerdale, in Cumbria and is made up of two small villages – Low Lorton and High Lorton, both of which are nestled at the northern end of the Vale of Lorton. Surrounded by the mountains such as Grasmoor, Hopegill Head and Whiteside it is a perfect destination for exploring a number of hillwalks and visitors are encouraged to visit the 12th century St. Cuthbert’s church. Lorton itself is relatively untouched by tourism and yet is only approximately 4 miles away from Cockermouth, which offers access to the A66 road. Other nearby settlements include Loweswater and Brigham. The Whinlatter Pass road offers a scenic drive and connects Lorton with Braithwaite. Within an easy drive the nearby town of Cockermouth has plenty of places to eat and drink and is of course famous as the birthplace of both William Wordsworth and Fletcher Christian (of Mutiny on the Bounty fame) and Wordsworth’s Georgian family home, on the main street, is now a popular visitor attraction, owned by the National Trust. A great location whatever you choose to do.

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute
  • Christmas