Brandlehow - a house that sleeps 7 guests in 4 bedrooms

We booked this cottage quite last minute, and were amazed to see that it was still available, and I continue to be amazed that it was still available, because it was absolutely perfect. The location was like like something from a dreamland… So many walkers commented on it and I was reluctant to tell them the truth that it was just a holiday rental, as it was really a property to be in or of an unfortunate I couldn’t claim I live there! Absolutely stunning, the kids had a blast in and out of the water, walks from your doorstep on steroids, what’s not to love?

Our 3rd visit to Brandlehow and another truly stunning week, a mix of activity and relaxation. The house, the location, and the Keswick Cottages team all combine to make a fantastic experience … plus meeting our late changes to suit the wedding vows renewal at Gretna midweek. It made it all so very special for all of us, thank you

Brandlehow is the perfect place to relax and refuel. The location is superb, nestled in the woodlands and on the shores of Derwentwater. Most days began with a coffee overlooking the lake, watching the sunrise and the cloud disperse. Beautiful walks from the doorstep and of course a lot of kayaking right from the door. The water levels were incredibly high when we arrived so couldn't make the best use of the launches as we have in the past but enjoyed a trip later in the week. The footpath that runs adjacent to the garden is really only busy around lunchtime as it is midway round the lake loop. Delighted with the additional option of hiring a hot tub too. Beds are very comfy and the landing windows overlooking the lake were great to sit and look over the lake when it got cooler.

Following our stay in the above cottage, we feel that our feedback to yourselves would be advantageous. Whilst the location of the cottage is superb, many – if not most – features were sadly of a poor standard, and not what ought to be expected at such a premium price point. We feel that the price of this accommodation is in the higher price bracket and that this was not reflected in what was offered. Positives: 1. Location 2. The information app that was provided 3. Quality and amount of kitchen appliances 4. WiFi Negatives: 1. Although the cottage was not wholly unclean, there were some areas that had not been cleaned properly and required additional attention on arrival. Quite simply, many walls and surfaces could have been cleaned better; with some looking as though they hadn't been given attention for some time. All the window sills on arrival were dusty/dirty, which should not be expected. These are areas that are obvious and give a final impression of any property, and ought to have been cleaned along with the numerous and unnecessary plastic plants. The freezer drawers also needed a clean. Surely areas such as this ought to be on the regular cleaning schedule. 2. The plastic plants were almost comical – especially those placed in the dilapidated attached greenhouse. To the best of our knowledge, they did not grow whilst we were in attendance. Considering the flora and fauna of Borrowdale, and its reputation as one of the wettest valleys in England, plastic plants from Ikea were neither in keeping or positive. In truth, they came across as a cheap afterthought. 3. The boot room aka the bat room was unusable at night time due to bats. This meant the downstairs toilet, tumble dryer and storage for bikes etc were inaccessible at this time. 4. The seating in the lounge was cheap, shabby and uncomfortable. The cushions were likewise shabby and cheap. with at least one torn cushion. We were subsequently accused of doing this, or our none existent dog was. If we had caused any damage we would have been honest enough to admit it. Quite frankly, having rented properties all over Europe, the lounge was not even up to a 1 star rating. The seating was not suitable for the room, and it did not allow relaxed interaction. Once again, it came across as a cheap afterthought from a second hand store. In a similar vein, the carpet was also not of the standard to be expected. 4. We appreciate that this is an old/quirky house, but perhaps the number of indoor steps/stairs should have been highlighted for people with mobility issues. One member of our group has mobility issues and this did cause some concern and problems. 5. Three of the bedrooms did not have mirrors, the lampshades in one double bedroom did not fit correctly and that room also had a torn cushion. We had exceptionally good weather, yet the limited garden furniture was not sufficient for all of us to sit comfortably - 2 people had to use cheap folding camping seats. There was a small table and no parasol or sun canopy, despite the regular beating down of the sun – which Borrowdale is ironically noted for – I lived here 35 years ago, and can vouch for this. 6. A clothes rail dryer would have been useful, rather than using the tumble dryer in the bat/boot room. The carpets in the house could have been cleaned with a detergent, as there were numerous stains on them. 7. Approximately half of the window at the kitchen sink had internal condensation which made it difficult to admire the scenic views whilst washing up. There was also a leak under the kitchen sink which had a bucket to catch the drips, perhaps a fix is in order. 8. A recycling bin would have been useful rather than having to take our recycling to a car park in Keswick. 9. Each person was given only 1 mid-size towel, and if lucky a hand towel. I'd advise guests to diet in advance of attending, if you expect a bath towel to wrap yourself in. In all honesty, to be asked to pay extra for the towels that ought to be allocated is a joke and something we have never before experienced. 10. The shower fitting in the over-bath area was clearly broken. Any attempt to move and adjust the height resulted in the need to fix the fitting and hope that it would stay in place. 11. The welcome pack - considering this property had cost £2.5k – was none existent... unless of course we paid extra. Quite frankly, if you can't be bothered to provide something welcoming within that budget, I'd rather go to M & S myself. Am I genuinely supposed to be impressed that I can pay extra and select a welcome pack? That's not a welcome pack – it's a shopping delivery! We feel that if we were asked to give a rating for the house it would only be 2.5 stars. Although the location was superb, the property sadly failed to live up to the location, purely due to what seemed to be a lack of care and attention. Quite frankly, we got the impression that it was owned by somebody who lived a distance away, and had no idea how to set out a rental property in this price bracket. The truly sad point in all of this is that, having stayed in Borrowdale over the past 40 years, the cottage has so much potential. It is simply unloved and treated as a cash generator, with no attention – or money – given over to making it a pleasant and stylish interior. It is sad to say this, when the cottage has so much potential, but it is simply true –– we will not return, nor recommend the cottage to anyone else in its current state. Maybe some of the fees being charged ought to be properly invested into ensuring that the condition, upkeep and styling match the aesthetic beauty of the cottage in this location.