Ghyll Bank Cow Shed, STAVELEY

Rated 4/50 by Andrew H on 7th June 2018

"The Cow Shed is the last in a line of conversions of the original Ghyll Bank. It is not a working farm as others have written, as all the properties on the site are rental. That being said, you are in the fells and are surrounded by fields, sheep and the country side. The first rental in the building is called the Byre I think, which we have hired before. A spacious 4 bedroomed building. There are also 2 houses, one large accommodating several families and a smaller one. The Cow Shed is 3 bed, 3 bathrooms - non en suite however. 2 upstairs bed/bath and one downstairs. Al very spacious and clean. The beds are all singles and can and are zipped together to make doubles. The kitchen is spacious and modern and has all the mod cons. Lots of plates, pots and pans and ample for the 3 couples that stayed. The lounge/TV/dining area is again spacious, double and treble settee and single comfy chair.. ample again. Outside there is a BBQ, table and 6 chairs on the terrace you share with the others in the Byre and next door. Ample car parking, wifi is adequate and improved since our last stay and now there is a clear phone signal for O2 users. I think a new phone mast has been placed near the brewery in Staveley village. In the village there is the brewery bar which is very popular, the butchers, a spar and other shops and cafe's. I suppose you are close enough yet far enough away. Ghyll Bank is perched on the fell side, behind the village and is a 30 minute walk away. It is refreshingly remote. The family in the Byre had a dog with them which they kept on the leash at all times due to the sheep in the fields. There was the odd cob web high in the ceiling windows and the due to the lovely weather, the building does get very warm... but not complaining. Had a lovely week in the Cow Shed and no doubt will return for a 3rd time."

Rated 2/50 by Stephen H on 24th July 2017

"Had booked the Cow Shed as it was pet friendly but to be quite honest it is not suitable for pets. The cottage is situated on a working farm with and although it did state so, it is not suitable for dogs. We had to keep our dog on a lead the whole time owing to the sheep roaming in the outside grassy area and were unable to let the dog off the lead to run about. As responsible pet owners we lifted up our dogs poop but would have been lost in the amount of sheep poop outside. Our other problem was having to restrain our dog from eating to sheep poop which was pretty difficult when there was so much. The cleanliness of the cottage was also an issue as we had to clean the fridge, work surfaces and cupboards as they were not fit to eat from given the fridge did not appear to have seen a clean cloth for weeks. As well as crumbs and other bits of food under the marble chopping board we discovered a hair!!! No means of washing our hands after using the toilet as there was a lack of soap and toilet paper. Luckily there was a toilet roll left behind at each toilet. Only one bin bag left for the kitchen bin which was another surprise not just because of no other bin bags but the bin had an odour from the previous renters of a time gone by. There were no bin bags to replace the full ones so we had to buy replacements in the village. Cleanliness was a big factor in rating the property as well as location. It was not possible just to go for a walk locally because of the sheep poop one had to avoid on the walk to and from the cottage. WIFI is listed however it was either too slow or nonexistent not just for checking mail but for essential weather forecasts. It does list the internet/broadband as slow at times but it was slow all of the time when you managed to get a signal. Unfortunately our mobile signal in the area was also either poor or nonexistent but thats down to our own service provider. On a plus side the en-suites and bathroom were of a high standard of refurb but there was no light, other that ceiling lights, suitable for wet or dry shave. Would I book again or recommend, no definitely not. There was no personal touch to the property, no photos of the conversion, no pictures or wall angers and no curtains. I great shame for what could be a wonderful holiday let. In my view I would have cordoned off an area to stop the sheep coming right to the door cut the grass where it would have been great just to walk about and enjoy the views without having to avoid sheep poop and have a patio area that was suitable for small kids to run free. The patio area appeared to be shingle or slate which would cause a young child to slip easily. The location is great as it is half way between kendal and Windermere with easy access to the lower lakes but a bit too rural for us."

Rated 4/50 by ClareL05 on 18th October 2016

"We've just returned from a lovely week at the Cow Shed. The house has amazing views, was well insulated (we didn't need the heating on!) & there are sheep everywhere. That would have been useful to know as the garden is the field & therefore sheep roam everywhere. Great if you don't have a young very interested dog who we had to keep on the lead the entire week! The house is also an end of terrace, with 2 other properties next door sleeping 4 & 7. We had a problem with the heating whistling while we were there. The owner was great & although not fixing it during our stay, visited the cottage, heard the noise & contacted the plumber. All in all a good week & we'll be back when the dog is older & less interested in sheep!!"

Rated 5/50 by Glenis B on 1st October 2016

"Just had a lovely week in ghyll bank cottage. Lovely cottage wonderful place.as some wonderful walks from the cottage. "