-
"The cottage is very basic for the price."
The bathroom door would not shut and a shower curtain would be a good idea. Needs a bit of tlc.
Thank you for your response.
As the owners, we were very sorry that you considered the property very basic.
As there is no shower, only a shower head for hair washing we never considered a shower curtain appropriate, and as you appreciate space is at a premium in the small bathroom.
The bathroom door does close - but the handle probably operates in the opposite direction from that normally.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Jackie3.1★Sep 2024
-
"On arrival there wasn’t even a pint of milk for a coffee."
When we went upstairs on the first corner step it threw you off balance and into the corner- we think the step is broken.
The bed nearest the window was like sleeping in a crisp packet because of the mattress protector it crackled every time you moved and there’s black mould and torn paper underneath the window in the bedroom.
Polystyrene tiles on the ceiling in the downstairs loo and boiler room, the door to the boiler room would not close so this could not contain a fire. There’s no warning sign in place to for the boiler room because as you go through you step up and my husband who is only 5’7” banged his head with some force the first time he went through.
The extractor in the bathroom didn’t work and only one light worked in there.
There were 6 empty air fresheners doted around the property 4 of which were placed like ornaments on the shelving in the dining area.
We know it’s an old property but it could be beautiful and there’s so much wasted space, it’s all worn and very dated. We love the area and as you are aware normally love where we stay but we will be much more careful picking our next accommodation.
We are aware that we could have contacted the Keswick office regarding these issues but we did not want to wait in for someone to come and we did not want a stranger in while we were out. The property should have been checked thoroughly before we arrived.
Thank you for your response, as the owners we were very disappointed that you considered the property 'worn and dated'.
As you recognise the property is quite old and unusual, we can assure you that the first floor floor step is certainly not broken but the underlying floors reflect their age and are uneven in places.
The bathroom extractor fan and a light had been switched off at the above door isolator switch, and could have been easily rectified.
We apologise for the used air fresheners being left in place , this has been brought to the attention of our normally meticulous cleaner, and the visit of a decorator has already been arranged and the area below the bathroom window attended to.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Tracey2.5★Sep 2024
-
"This was a superb property for me."
It had good heating, easy-to-use equipment and central for walking to everything - plus the parking. Things that might help would be a slightly later check-out time as check in at 4pm means you lose almost a day so for people (like my self travelling 6hrs or more) it would be well received. A mini freezer - I was there a week so could have done with this. Internet - although not essential I did work whilst away so it would have completed the cottages 100% for me.
Reviewed by Linda4.7★Aug 2024
-
"Beautiful location, clean and tidy, but no parking as now double yellow lines where we used to park, still no internet which is a shame, otherwise an enjoyable stay."
Reviewed by Peter3.4★Jul 2024
-
"This is the second time we have stayed here, the
Village situation is good, very easy to walk into Keswick."
Last year the cottage was not as clean as this year so an improvement, but the decor and furniture are a little tired looking. Unfortunately in the bedroom, the matresses are really hard and uncomfortable, so need to be renewed.
Also it would be really useful if the owners installed WiFi, most places we stay at have WiFi.
Thank you for your feedback. We are pleased to see that you enjoyed the location.
We do find that mattresses and bedding are down to personal preference.
We take all comments on board.
Thank you- The Lakelovers Owner Relations Team
Property Owner
Reviewed by Elizabeth3.1★Jun 2024
-
"Nice cottage,good position and very clean."
The only thing I would suggest is a shower the shower curtain is a. hand held one over the bath. This would save a wet slippy floor.
Many thanks for your response - as I am sure you will appreciate - space is at a premium , we have agonised over a solution for many years ! Our home for many years !
Property Owner
Reviewed by Jackie3.4★Jun 2024
-
"Lovely holiday - cottage was great - I've stayed there before and would be happy to return again."
The weather was great which helped of course !
Thank you for your comments - delighted that you enjoyed your stay. We have owned the property for 40 years or so and we love the location.
Property Owner
Reviewed by John5.0★May 2024
-
"Lovely cottage in walking distance of Keswick."
Views from lounge and bedroom amazing. Very clean and tidy with everything you would need. Probably not suitable for anyone who has problems with stairs.
Delighted you enjoyed the location. Hand rail now fitted along lower flight of stairs.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Bryan4.7★Apr 2024
-
"Little, but perfectly formed !"
Despite the lack of onsite parking, (parking on the road outside was convenient and we never had any difficulty finding a space each evening) the place had- or was within easy walking distance of - everything we could have desired. We spent our evenings in the snug little lounge on the second floor but we missed the variety of Freeview stations we were used to, but that seemed to be due to the location (phone signals were a bit hit or miss, too)
Kitchen facilities were as good as at home and the (very) local pub and restaurant served excellent meals. Access to buses was very convenient for two concessionary bus pass holders ! We loved it despite the three narrow staircases, and the bath was a real luxury compared with the customary shower. We'll be looking at Sykes Cottages again when we come to plan our holiday for 2024.
Delighted that you enjoyed your stay in our little cottage, which we are equally fond of.
Owner
Property Owner
Reviewed by Mike5.0★Sep 2023
-
"We had a lovely stay at Prospect Lodge, and I think this was the third time we have been there."
It is well equipped and cosy. It could do with a handrail on the right hand side from the lounge to the kitchen .
Hand rail now fitted, delighted you enjoyed your stay in our little property with such beautiful views !
Property Owner
Reviewed by Susan4.1★Aug 2023
-
"Shame no parking outside as yellow lines now in place, no internet/wi-fi, we always knew this but think now it’s about time it was installed."
Although location and area always amazing.
Reviewed by Peter4.1★Jul 2023
-
"Believe that the grill is not working."
Shower set up far from ideal. Smells a bit damp.
Thank you for taking the time to give us feedback following your stay at Prospect Lodge, we are sorry you had issues with the grill if this information had been forthcoming during your stay we would immediately have sent an engineer to assess the situation. There is only a bath at Prospect Lodge which has a mixer tap with hand held shower attachment, unfortunately space does not allow for a shower over bath or shower cubicle. - Kind Regards The Owner Relations team - Lakes Cottage Holidays.
In relation to the shower, the above reply is most appropriate. There is an extractor fan and the Velux window are there to minimise any condensation.
On testing, the grill functioned perfectly, the wall mounted power switch may have been overlooked.
The Owner
Property Owner
Reviewed by Peter3.4★Jun 2023
-
"A lovely country style house."
It was clean and comfortable in the village of Portinscale only 15 mins walk to Keswick. The house is well equipped with everything that you need for self catering. Pub a few minutes walk away and lovely tea room across the road. The only negative was the lack of wifi which we did know about however, we didn't realize how much we rely on it. Very nice stay. Thanks.
Thank you for such lovely comments. It is lovely to read that you had a great stay.
We take your comments on board.
The Lakes Cottage Holidays Owner Relations Team
Property Owner
Reviewed by Tracey4.7★May 2023
-
"We had a very enjoyable stay in this quaint little cottage, it was very warm and cozy."
The stairs were very steep and a lot of them (2 flights) but wasn't a problem for us luckily. The beds were comfortable and the bathroom was adequate for me as I love to have a bath and I'm small, but not so much for my husband who likes a shower, as there was only a hand held shower with a low roof
Thank you for your comments, we are so pleased that you found the cottage to be cozy.
We hope to welcome you again.
The Lakes Cottage Holidays Owner Relations Team.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Kim3.8★May 2023
-
"Lovely cottage in great location"
Reviewed by Yvonne4.7★Nov 2022
-
"Another wonderful stay."
My second time this year. Beautiful village and setting. Cosy and warm. A welcome return!
Reviewed by Deborah5.0★Oct 2022
-
"The owners are clearly doing what they can with the layout of this property and we acknowledge that some things can’t be improved due to the sloped ceilings etc."
The positives:
Overall very clean, quirky accommodation with ample goods such as toilet rolls, cloths, washing up liquid, hand wash etc. Great location. Good instructions and no issues getting into the property.
Negatives:
We couldn’t find anywhere to park to unload on arrival late at night. This was up and down all week, sometimes it was easy to park outside and other times we were way up the road.
Needing to kneel in the bath for a shower. We accept that this is the only likely option in this property.
The crockery and glasses looked like they’d been hand washed by the previous guests and put away. Some weren’t clean.
We ended up leaving a day early as the beds were crippling us. We like a firm mattress but these were beyond a joke. I ended the holiday exhausted with a sore back, hips and shoulder. My partner really struggled with his back after the first night but by day 3 was in agony with his shoulder to the point he couldn’t lift his arm or drive by the end of the week, which has righted itself since we got home. We tried putting blankets under the sheet for him which didn’t do much, but a padded mattress topper may have resolved this. It really took the shine off our trip.
The house feels like a compromise due to the parking and shower. We’d have accepted this for the price if the beds were comfortable but sadly it’s unlikely that we will return here again.
Reviewed by Sarah2.5★Sep 2022
-
"We have just returned after the most amazing stay at this beautiful cottage."
Yes, it’s oldie worldly.. but it’s so quaint and quirky and has the most homely home from home feel to it ❤️ We even loved the sit down shower! We can’t wait to stay here again it’s the perfect gateway stay to all the lakes has to offer and we absolutely loved it.
Reviewed by K5.0★Jul 2022
-
"This cottage is not suitable for elderly folk."
No handrails on bottom flight of stairs. Very deep bath making it difficult to get out. Shower would be better.
Reviewed by John3.1★Jul 2022
-
"In a lovely village with easy access to Keswick."
Cottage we felt needed upgrading, issues with taps in kitchen which were very stiff. Bathroom not fit for purpose due to lack of headroom. Downstairs toilet was grim with uneven floor.
Reviewed by Julie2.8★Jun 2022
-
"A stunning cottage but only two things missing - WiFi and wine glasses"
Reviewed by Deborah4.7★Jun 2022
-
"A lovely property very comfortable, stairs are a bit steep, and lack of a phone signal and WiFi was a bit inconvenient but did not stop us having a nice holiday."
The location is excellent for walking and lovely views all round.
Reviewed by Susan4.4★Apr 2022
-
"Lovely cottage and only a 1 mile walk into Keswick."
Have stayed here before and thoroughly enjoyed it. No problem with parking outside the cottage the whole week. Would recommend staying here.
Reviewed by Moira4.1★Apr 2022
-
"Very disappointed the log burner did not work as part of my selection process ..."
Very disappointed the log burner did not work as part of my selection process was a log burner
Would have preferred a double bed
Great location
Reviewed by Ann2.8★Apr 2022
-
"We have recommended this beautiful, clean and warm cottage to my friends back home."
It has a lovely location only a mile away from Keswick and gorgeous views! It could do with a few up-dates, but overall full of character and Lake District charm. We would not hesitate to stay again in this cottage and encountered no issues during our week's stay. Thank you Maxine and Joshua
Reviewed by Maxine3.8★Mar 2022
-
"This was a very comfortable cottage in a perfect location for exploring the northern area of the Lake District."
The cottage was very clean, comfortable, and well equipped. We were lucky to have decent weather (not always a given in this part of the country) so were able to really enjoy the holiday. The lack of WiFi and poor mobile signal were a minor irritation - but did not distract from our enjoyment.
Reviewed by Jim4.7★Sep 2021
-
"We had an excellent stay."
It was very quiet and convenient for parking. You can park in front of the property or in the road facing it.
The position is excellent only a mile on foot from the centre of Keswick.
The only negative aspect is the difficulty using the mobile phone.
Reviewed by Anthony5.0★Sep 2021
-
"House was disgustingly unclean."
There was a fly infestation. Skyes did not seem to care at all about this. Would not book with this company again. We ended up cutting the holiday short and leaving because of all this.
Reviewed by Jessica1.3★Aug 2021
-
"Lovely cottage in a lovely location,"
Reviewed by Maurice3.8★May 2021
-
"We really loved our holiday at Prospect Lodge."
It was a gem of a find and we would definitely stay again.
It was warm and inviting when we arrived late Friday. The place was clean and we had everything we needed. What it lacks in modern style, it more than makes up for In character, charm and wonderful views.
The booking was easy and all the instructions were sent before we arrived so there was no chasing for keys or directions.
Would highly recommend this little cottage in my favourite part of the world!
Reviewed by Grace5.0★Apr 2021
-
"The cottage was very clean and in a beautiful location and as a result of these things we had a lovely holiday however as we paid a premium price for the cottage one would expect to be able to get wifi or at least be told that there was no mobile signal in the cottage at all."
We had a lot of rain whilst away and found that there was a leak in both the back where the boiler and toilet was. We had to put a bucket at the kitchen door to catch the water. There was also water coming into the porch down the back wall where we hung our coats and boots so they also became sodden. We also found that the gas fire was not working and ke[t going out. These problems did not spoil our holiday but were unexpected considering the cost of the cottage.
We were surprised and sorry that you experienced problems during your
stay at Prospect Lodge ,Portinscale which we pride ourselves at keeping
in good working order as well as beautifully clean as you acknowledged
in your comments.
As soon as I was aware of your comments I visited the cottage to check.
1. The water ingress by the kitchen door was due to a protective cover
over the boiler room skylight being dislodged by recent workmen at the
property and allowing rain to penetrate under the extreme wet and windy
conditions that you unfortunately experienced.
This has now been rectified.
2. The gas fire together with other appliances is checked on a regular
basis and on testing today it functioned perfectly.
I can only deduct that the extremely windy conditions you experienced
were responsible for the intermittent operation.
3. In nearly 40 years of ownership of the cottage (some of the time we
lived permanently in the property), we have never experienced rain
penetrating the front porch area. Today I visited during heavy rain and
following a few days of constant rain there were no signs at all of any
water entry or damp. Again your experience must have been a chance
occurrence during unusually stormy conditions.
Again please accept our apologies for any inconvenience you suffered
during your stay and should you have contacted us then, we would have
been only too happy to respond.
All best wishes
Property Owner
Reviewed by Nia3.8★Oct 2020
-
"Cottage was lovely well equipped and very comfortable view from bedroom window beautiful, you can see Buttermere and mountains, location spot on, all the brilliant walks you could wish for on your doorstep."
I would book this cottage again.
Reviewed by Susan5.0★Sep 2020
-
"The cottage itself is lovely and in a great setting."
Extremely clean and a perfect base for a week in the Lakes.
It is very difficult to keep dogs on the ground floor where there is no lounge. We spent alot of our time sat at the table in the kitchen and very little in the lounge because of this as the dogs cry when left downstairs.
For this reason we would probably not stay at the cottage again as we do not think it is very pet friendly. Maybe if they allowed dogs in the lounge but not the bedroom that would make it much nore comfortable. I would have selected the highest feedback otherwise.
Reviewed by Angela4.7★Jul 2020
-
"3rd visit. Will be back in December if not before."
Reviewed by Cliff5.0★Jan 2020
-
"The cottage is in an excellent location in Portinscale, with some lovely walks close by and also a15 minute walk into the bustling town of Keswick."
We stayed at the cottage over the new year week and had a wonderful time going for walks and spending nights out in keswick . The cottage itself was very comfortable set over three floors with lovely views over Derwent water. Wifi in the cottage would've been a plus but not the end of the world . Would definitely book this cottage again ..
Reviewed by Stephen4.7★Dec 2019
-
"Good to see cottage has been decorated."
New television big improvement. New carpets or very good clean?
Reviewed by Cliff5.0★Dec 2019
-
"Rubbish not collected"
Reviewed by Ann Linda3.8★Aug 2019
-
"Once again very clean and comfortable holiday cottage, it really felt like home from home."
Thank you for thinking of the little extras like dish cloths, tea towels, washing up liquid, even salt and pepper and more.
We loved our stay and will definitely return.
Reviewed by Peter5.0★Jul 2019
-
"We booked this cottage as it was advertised as pet friendly and had an enclosed garden."
We always expect that the terms of bringing pets is that they are not allowed in the bedrooms or on furniture and are happy with this. However, this cottage is on 3 floors, the kitchen/diner being the first floor, the lounge on the second, bedroom and bathroom on the top floor. On arrival we found that pets were only allowed on the ground floor and not to go upstairs. This meant our dogs were confined to the kitchen and could not relax with us in the evening in the lounge. The " enclosed garden " was hedges and a wrought iron gate enclosing the steps leading up from the pavement to the entrance to the cottage and so small it was totally unsuitable for the dogs and for us to sit out and relax, especially as the closeness to the pavement meant people with dogs were constantly walking past. The cottage is lovely in itself but we feel you should make it clear in your description that pets will be restricted to the kitchen and that the enclosed garden is also not suitable for dogs. We have rented cottages from Sykes before and have always found them ideal for bringing our dogs with us on holiday so this was a disappointment.
Reviewed by Marilyn3.4★Jun 2019
-
"We have stayed here three times."
A very relaxing and pretty cottage in an excellent location. Great stone floor downstairs with a lobby so you can quarantine the muddy wet stuff and keep the upstairs clean. Close to walking, climbing and swimming. You can walk into Keswick. It is very cosy in winter.
As is clear from the description, it does not have all bells and whistles like a dishwasher, washing machine and wifi. We found the lack of wifi the only real downside because mobile coverage is poor. But it's such a cute cottage, we come back.
Reviewed by Juliette4.4★May 2019
-
"Booked pet friendly cottage only to find notice on table not permitting pets beyond the kitchen!"
Not what we booked. Web page needs editing.
Reviewed by Cliff4.7★Dec 2018
-
"A lovely cottage with an outstanding outlook."
Very well equipped for the size. The TV seemed to occasionally play up.
I understand the request to keep dogs on the ground floor but this should possibly be made more clear at the time of booking. In my opinion a better solution would be to allow them in the lounge ( not on the furniture ) but not allow them in the bedroom.
Overall though a lovely week in a very comfortable and warm cottage.
Reviewed by Michael4.4★Oct 2018
-
"Great cottage."
Good location, great views. Only a couple of niggles and suggested improvements: The fridge had an opened tin of spagetti left in it and container 'rings' not cleaned. The cooker top was not clean - greasy. You came along after we moved in to supply more tea spoons, replace a broken light bulb and install a missing one - thanks but these should have been in place from day 1 along with a proper clean and check. After 50 years of cottage rental, its unknown to us that pepper and salt are not standardly supplied to a let. Take a lesson from others (eg Airbnb) and suppy a starter/welcome pack with essentials in it (bread, milk, tea, coffee, sugar, cooking oil ...... and yes, salt and pepper) and even stretch the expense to a bottle of wine!? The supplied welcome pack was cheap and inadequate.
The house would also benefit from kitchen tongs, a cheese grater and vitally WIFI. The TV was low quality (no sound on ITV and dodgy remote), the TV and phone signal strength was poor so decent WIFI on BBand is essential. There's a fibre cabinet just outside the front gate!
Not really that dog friendly if the dog has to remain in the kitchen/diner and not allowed into the living room.
Reviewed by John3.8★Sep 2018
-
"Disappointed to see dogs were to be kept on the ground floor only, I wouldn’t class it as a dog friendly property as advertised!"
Apart from that, it’s a lovely property, in an ideal location.
Reviewed by Vivienne4.4★Aug 2018
-
"Lovely cottage, very comfortable, ideal position, all as described."
Everything you need for a self catering break. My only comment would be that the cottage needs its own keysafe box rather than going into the office .
Reviewed by Diane4.7★Jul 2018
-
"This cottage is described as dog friendly, which is why we booked it."
We were told right from the start that dogs were NOT allowed on the beds, or indeed any of the furniture, and were not to be left alone in the property. These are usual requirements, and perfectly reasonable, and we would do this anyway, without being told to.
What we were NOT TOLD until we arrived there and found the notice on the table, is that dogs must be confined to the "ground floor". At first glance, this doesn`t seem unreasonable, however in practice, due to the layout, it means that we had to shut our dog in the kitchen at all times, and only the kitchen. If we wanted to relax in the lounge, watch TV, have a drink in a comfortable chair instead of a hard kitchen chair, we couldn`t have our dog with us.A " dog friendly" property where the dog can`t be in the lounge?We paid to hire the whole property, but in practice, could not use the lounge area, or have the enjoyment of it.This put something of a damper on our holiday.We are not happy, and feel deceived.
We realise that this is the owners choice, it is his property, and it may suit some people, who wouldn`t mind. However, prospective hirers should be told the terms on the write up, so that they know what to expect, and can make an informed choice. We had these terms, previously not mentioned, forced on us on arrival. We holiday with our dog because we want her with us. Had we known from the start that she had to stay shut in the kitchen, and not join us in the evenings, we would never have booked this particular property.
Reviewed by Helen2.2★Jun 2018
-
There are no reviews featuring this term
Show all reviews