Self-Catering at Ghyll Bank House | Holiday Cottages in Kendal

Holiday home
With seven bedrooms, this imposing yet elegant manor house is the perfect solution for anyone looking to house a large gathering of family or friends. There is a sitting room with open fire, and there's also a kitchen. The garden is part of a shared area, although there is a private patio with ample opportunity for a spot of outdoor dining. For eating in, there is a dining room with a huge table to seat the full complement of 18 guests. The views from this property take in the Kentmere Valley, the Lakeland Falls and Morecambe Bay, and are truly breathtaking.

Accomodation Details
Eight bedrooms: 1 x first floor double with en-suite bath, basin & WC also accessed via landing, 1 x first floor double, 2 x first floor family rooms with 1 double & 1 single (one with en-suite bath, basin & WC), 1 x first floor twin, 1 x first floor bunks, 1 x ground floor double leading to 1 x twin with adjacent shower room with shower, basin and WC. First floor shower room with shower, basin & WC. First floor shower room with shower only. Ground floor WC. Fitted kitchen. Dining room with TV & woodburner. Utility. Large sitting room with TV and open fire. Hall with open fire.

Area
Staveley is situated between Kendal and Windermere and has gained a reputation as the Gateway to the Lakes. It is mainly comprised of picturesque, grey slate buildings, sandwiched between the Rivers Kent and Gowan. This once forested area was grazed as early as 4000BC. Iron Age farmers settled first and were followed by the English and Scandinavians and evidence of these early civilizations can be found throughout the region. The village has an excellent range of amenities including a variety of shops, three pubs, a craft shop and a Railway Station. Nearby, Windermere and Ambleside are better known than Chipping and offer a number of attractions such as boat trips on Lake Windemere and a ferry to the Lakeside Aquarium and Grizedale Forest Park.

Region
Impressive mountains, open fells and clear-water lakes, the Lake District has it all. From walking in the mountains to exhilarating watersports or just a gentle cruise on a steam-powered yacht, Cumbria is the perfect holiday destination.

Amenities
Oil central heating with open fires & woodburner. Electric range cooker with ceramic hob, microwave, American style fridge/freezer, washer/dryer, 2 x dishwashers, 2 x TV with Freeview, video, DVD. High speed, super fast broadband. Oil, electricity & starter pack of fuel for open fires & woodburner inc. in rent. Bed linen and towels inc. in rent. 2 cots & 2 highchairs (please bring own cot bedding). Ample off road parking. Spacious, shared grounds. Private patio, garden furniture & BBQ. Two well-behaved dogs welcome. Sorry, no smoking. Shop & pub 1.5 miles. Note: No fireworks due to the proximity of animals. Note: The en-suite to one of the first floor doubles can also be accessed via the landing. Note: If you wish to charge your electric vehicle at the property, please consult with the owner.

Susan T

August 2023

The location is wonderful and views are breathtaking. We were an extended family celebrating a special birthday and included children, babies and a dog, so the inside space, rooms both downstairs and upstairs were ideal. However these are the things that we noted let the stay down: the beds are past serviceable in some rooms and only passable in others: 4 slot toaster only works on 2 slots: Grill on second oven does not work so batch grilling and keeping food warm for cooked breakfast is an art to be acquired! Correcting those would make this an absolutely desirable place to stay for any large gathering.

GH502014

July 2022

With a party of 16, it was difficult to find any places that would accommodate us all in one house. We certainly got lucky with Ghyll Bank House. It was perfect for us, from the stunning location, the size of the property offering large bedrooms for all to the facilities available to us. Mr & Mrs Beattie were lovely, calling to check all was OK with us during our stay (4 days). The cottage has a fabulous modern kitchen - well equipped, a very useful utility room, a spacious dining room with two large tables and plenty seating for all, a massive lounge area with views to die for and enough seating for all. Great bedrooms serviced by modern toilets and showers made this a superb holiday cottage. There are a few areas that looked a little tired against the newer modern areas but, as an old working farm house, it actually adds to the charm of this place. I can highly recommend Ghyll Bank House - For such a large party of people ranging from 86 yrs old to 16 yrs old, it proved to be the perfect stay for us.

Dr Jenkins

August 2020

The location is stunning.. A lot of the decor is very dated and for the money we paid was disappointing.

Mrs Torley

July 2020

The cottage met our requirements however for the amount we paid for the week I would expect it to be of higher standard.. Parts of the house are very tired and old. The entire house needs to be decorated and cleaned up. The bathrooms were very clean and nice. The living room and dining room need a makeover.

Mrs Torley, July 2020

March 2020

I've just written at length about this and my beastly new laptop has played up and swallowed it and I simply don't have time to do it all again.. We had a ball! Thankyou -

Mrs Foulis, March 2020

January 2020

All the party, 21 of us, contracted a sickness virus late Saturday evening, Sunday and Monday, with some people still off work and school today.. Not sure if this was from the house or a person who brought the bug with them.

Mr Harding, January 2020

November 2019

This is a beautiful property in a fantastic setting and on the large side sleeping 18, although the bedroom/bathroom configuration is not the best and would not suit everyone.. But there is always a premium to pay for large party properties and small things seem to become very important. A little more attention to detail and putting things right has to be paramount. We had in one bathroom no hot water for a week, the basin tap and loo seat where extremely loose.☹️ Large cobwebs on the dining room ceiling and drawing pins stuck in around the table top. Cupboards and drawers where littered with odds and ends. Some of the bedding left a lot to be desired. Would we go back? Yes. But I would love to think that some money was being ploughed back into the property so that facilities and comfort as well as cleanliness was as good in late season, as they where in early and peak season. I’m aware November is late in the season and a few knocks and scrapes are expected. You do need to keep your eye on the ball. Paul Blagden

Mr Hickman

April 2019

The house is set in a beautiful position the views are spectacular.. There were 8 adults and 9 children in our party and the occomodation suited our every need Plenty of space for the children to play inside and outside . We would like to return one day. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all

Mrs Marshall

March 2019

Everything about the house and setting was so lovely we’ve booked to come back in November.. Our only regret is the weekend went too quickly.

Mrs Rennie

I and my 13 strong family party have just returned from Ghyllbank House set high on a hill above Staveley, and affording wonderful views over the countryside and in the distance, Morecambe Bay.. The house itself is lovely. Plenty space for everyone, and very importantly- toastie warm ! It is well equipped although there are a few things that would have improved our holiday. Only two dish towels were provided ( I bought 6 for £5 in Kendal market) Of the four bathrooms only one had a hand towel, and some of the beds require toppers, as the springs poke through making them extremely uncomfortable. But having said that , we had a great holiday and hope to return.

Mrs Breegan

February 2019

Had a wonderful time at Ghyll Bank with our family of 18.. ..varying in ages from grandparents to teens and small children. Stunning location and a very comfortable house. We would love to go back.

Mr Ball

January 2019

Well equipped property which was ideal for a big group.. Only suggestion would be that a drying room would be handy (it was very wet outside when we walked the Kentmere round on the Saturday!). Location is fantastic. Staveley (Hawkshead Brewery and Eagle & Child) only a 20-25 minute walk downhill (but feels like a lot longer on the return!)

Mr Lomax

December 2018

What a perfect property for adults/children/dogs to spend New Year, everything was catered for in the house, and the stunning location made it even better.. Close to Staveley's pubs and Hawkshead brewery, and a short drive to windermere and some amazing walks!

Miss Kunce

November 2018

Just the check out was a bit rushed

Billy V

October 2018

Stayed for one weekend in October 2018. Great spacious venue with lovely owners. Plenty of room. Large spacious living room. Highly recommend

Mr Vinton

Great location with lovely owners.. Would definitely stay again. Highly recommended

Mrs Waterhouse

We visited ghyll bank for a family weekend with young children and their great .... We visited ghyll bank for a family weekend with young children and their great grandparent we were delighted with our stay the cottage provided a perfect setting for us to be together thank you

Mr Hughes

A great house for large gatherings, we were able to sit 16 people around the dining table in one room (usually a challenge) the kitchen was well equiped, with a good amount of crockery, glasses etc.. The house was clean and tidy, the sofas comfortable and the views are stunning. The main dishwasher did not clean very well (most things had deposits on them coming out of the unit) but the second worked very well, so just used that one instead. The wifi was very unreliable, but was also nice to get away from technology. Ample parking, and was easy to find, good space for kids to run around, BBQ and sit outside (again enjoying the marvelous view). We stayed for 1 week October 2018.

This was a wonderful holiday for 15 members of my family to celebrate my ‘big’ birthday! The house accommodated us beautifully with plenty of room, comfort and was lovely and clean. So lovely to wake up to the stunning views and the situation was ideal with easy access to nearby towns and lakes. A golden find as my husband put it.

Mrs McEvoy

May 2018

17 of us stayed at the house for a very special 70 th Birthday.. Accommodation excellent. Facilities very good. Good position for travelling to various attractions. Ages ranged from 72 down to 5 years old....all had a very good time!

Mr Edmondson

See my review under Ghyll Bank Bungalow that we also occupied..

Sue A

April 2018

Spent a brilliant week at ghyll bank house with extended family easily accommodating 14 of us, bathrooms redone since we last visited in 2015 made it much more user friendly. You get a fantastic view of the house from Hughill fell, which is walkable straight from the doorstep.

We found the decor in side the property not as illustrated on your website.. ....it is bit misleading.

Mrs Todd

December 2017

For information only there was a drainy smell in the dining area which we could not discover or prevent but we have advised the owners.. apart from that we had no complaints and had a very enjoyable stay thank you.

A Holiday Lettings verified reviewer

July 2017

Family friendly house with owners that take good care of their home and were very hospitable. Loads of space for everyone to not feel cramped. Acess perfect for visits to the Lakes and surrounding areas.

lovethesun741

May 2017

The sheets on the bed were not changed, there was hairs and crusty deposits, it was awful. The rest of the house was fine, parts have been updated(the kitchen and a bathroom are nice) but many of the bedrooms need attention.

Mrs Bryan

April 2016

A lovely big house suitable for a family get together with a friendly and helpful owner. In a beautiful area of the lakes.

swpratt

March 2016

What a great house for large parties. Lots of rooms and bathrooms and some with great views towards kentmere and morecombe bay. Surrounded by farmland and sheep and a healthy walk into stavely this was a great option for us. We prefer a bit of peace and quiet and you may not find it nearer the centre of the Lake District. Kitchen was large and well equipped though frying pans could be updated. I would definitely return to this part of the lakes and this house.

Mrs Craig

May 2015

Ghyll Bank House had lots of space with a very well equipped kitchen; the two dish washers were useful. The views from the house were spectacular and we could walk up the hills straight from the house.

Mrs Willan

Ghyll Bank House is in a superb location with amazing views over the countryside. Amenities in the nearby village better than expected The lounge was large enough for everybody to sit comfortably, and the dining room had a table large enough for everybody to sit round. The kitchen was modern and well equipped.

Mrs Blackford

April 2015

The house accommodated a large varied group very well and the position is great.

Mr Hayhurst

August 2014

The lounge was excellent for a large family gathering, a good family place

Miss Cliff

June 2014

We were a large group and therefore the space in the house was brilliant. We loved the back lounge that opened onto the garden. The views were absolutely amazing!!! We sat out in the grounds quite a lot. We would definitely visit again.

Mrs Starkey

April 2014

Large homely farmhouse with lovely views. The main lounge was very spacious and the settees plenty and comfortable, the room had the benefit of big patio doors through which we could watch the sunsets each evening.

Mr Buckingham

Lovely situation, the house is very spacious for our family gathering. Nice Lake District position and very cosy.

Dr Wright

January 2014

The house was perfect for a big group with lots of children. It was warm and comfortable in a great location. We had a great time.

Mr Wright

October 2013

The location was very good. The views from house fantastic. We had a very enjoyable family holiday, we would love to repeat.

Mrs Payne

The fact that it had an open fire and the logs to use it was fantastic, the size of the cottage was also good, and the price we paid for it was excellent.

Mrs Holloway

July 2013

Fabulous house, in fabulous surroundings .

Mrs Tornambe

March 2013

Very spacious. Plenty of room for a large group. Well equipped. Amazing location with beautiful views. We would highly recommend. Very friendly and helpful owners.

Miss Parr

February 2013

A really useable, comfortable and lovely house. Cosy, despite its massive size!

Mrs Turnbull

January 2013

Large property ideal for a large family friends. We arrived a little early but the owners were very obliging. The property was lovely warm. We had a great new year the pub in the village catered for us on new years eve for a meal. Would book again.

Mr Short

December 2012

The house was a pure delight. For the large family that we are it was a perfect destination. The house was in a the perfect position with stunning views in all directions.

Guest

A fabulous house for all the family to enjoy. Spacious, no queue for bathrooms! Children have freedom to run and enjoy outside grounds. Fabulous views. Easy access to all major attractions including boat and train rides. Suited the more energetic who actually climbed a mountain! Car a must, not an easy walk to village shops and eating facilities.

Mr Cragg

October 2012

Location with extensive views. Lounge with 15 comfortable seats. Open log fire. Five different walks directly from the house. Parking for 4 cars.

Mrs Tate

There were 14 adults in Ghyll Bank House. The house was so roomy we never felt over crowded. There was plenty of everything eg hot water, crockery, cutlery, cooking pots and pans. The heating system was perfect and the views from the windows were spectacular. An excellent choice venue for a family celebration.

Mrs Prosser

August 2012

The cottage is in a stunning area of the Lake District with easy access to all other areas. Fabulous views from the cottage and plenty of garden area. Lots of things to keep the youngsters happy.

Philip F

July 2012

An ideal place for a large group to stay. Very comfortable, an enormous amount of room including two kitchens, warm and well equipped, the most amazing views, perfect for walking the fells; within walking distance of Stavely ( and Wilfs restaurant!), friendly owners. Might be a good idea to bring games to play for a family and children - the Lake District weather! You will need to be mobile/active to make the most of this place. Basic store in the village and good supermarket in Windermere (Booths).

Mrs Aylward

May 2012

This lovely property is in a superb location with absolutely stunning views across the countryside. Would definitely recommend it to anyone wishing for a large gathering of family or friends.

Mrs Lyndon

The views! The views make the property. To be able to all sit in the lovely large lounge with the large windows feels as if you are already outside in the Lake district. It is wonderful! The lounge is well furnished, great provision of wood for good fire, heating very efficient - and we needed it!

Miss Atkinson

April 2012

The situation of the property was brilliant and it was very spacious. Heating and hot water system were great. We all very much enjoyed the holiday there.

Mrs Smith

November 2011

The property was very comfortable and warm which was very welcome given the time of year. We were able to relax and enjoy our time together as a family.

Miss Giusti

September 2011

The central location of Ghyll Bank House was excellent for getting to Windemere, Kendal, and Ambleside, they were all only a short drive away. The house, in a beautiful secluded location, was perfect for the needs of our large group and the views were spectacular, even during bad weather! The local shops, pub and chippy in Staveley village were very welcoming, friendly, and were very accommodating for our group, as we had a dog. The food at the local pub and chippy were both excellent and great value for money. The house owners were very friendly and were very kind to come up and turn on the heating for us earlier than scheduled on our arrival day. The whole holiday was amazing and we would be happy to book our next cottage holiday with Sykes.

Large house with great views and close to Staveley

Mr Rainey

August 2011

The cottage is set in a rural site with sheep in the field next door. It is safe for children as there is no traffic. There were lovely views from the house and we also enjoyed very sunny weather which added to our enjoyment.

Mrs Gurney

July 2011

Central location to lakes, good local shops and restaurants and a peaceful country setting. Good dog walking in the area.

Mr Torry

June 2011

Excellent location. Good garden, view and walks from front door. Large, clean, well equipped house, particularly the living room. Friendly and helpful owners. It was a fantastic place for us to stay and I would happily stay there again and recommend to others.

Mrs Langerveld

May 2011

We loved the house, the atmosphere and the location of the house. We were very satisfied with all the space it offered.

Mrs Hughs

Location, garden and the size of the house. I would book this property again.

Leslie

April 2011

We used this cottage for a big family holiday to celebrate 30th, 60th and 90th Birthdays. The setting of the cottage was beautiful with amazing views all round. The main living room and kitchen was huge and it was great to have all 15 of us be able to sit together in the evening. There was loads of space throughout the cottage which was perfect with so many people. The owners were very friendly and helpful and we had a fabulous time!

Miss Bailey

March 2011

Loved the location, amazing views. Excellent for a big group as we didn't have to worry about disturbing anyone. Loved the property, although there was more than enough room for fifteen of us, it was still very cosy and warm especially with the log fire. Great having two kitchens with such a large group of people.

had a lovely family weekend with plenty of space and room to spread out especially in light of the abundance of sofas and arm chairs. most amazing though were the views... kept the curtains open so that it was the first thing we saw!

Mrs Caink

January 2011

A magical snowy Christmas, the house was beautifully warm and decorated for Christmas with a tree and lights. Grandchildren said it was the best Christmas ever!

Mrs Atkinson

We loved the location of the cottage and overall it was lovely. The views were amazing even though the weather was somewhat dismal! The cottage served its purpose beautifully and accommodated our large group very easily never feeling too crowded but instead beautifully spacious.

Mrs Whitaker

December 2010

This is the second time we have been to Ghyll Bank. The property is quite simply magnificent because it is large and extremely warm and comfortable but not too renovated or modern. As a consequence we could relax with children in the property which makes for an incredibly relaxing experience.

November 2010

Great house on very nice location with great views. We had a great time there.

The house was fantastic for a large group and the lounge had a comfortable chair for everyone. The views were beautiful and the location excellent. The house is only a few miles from Windermere but you feel like you are really in the hills in the middle of nowhere. It has that perfect "getting away from it all" feeling. The only negative comment I can make is that some of the beds are not very comfortable. The couple who own it are very friendly and welcoming.

Mrs Sharman

October 2010

Ideal holiday home for our large family group. Friendly folk at the Church in Staveley.

Mrs Hillman

Beautiful panoramic views from property. Plenty of hot water for baths etc. Sitting room provided plenty of seating for our large party to relax.

Mrs Macdonald

September 2010

Beautiful views, lovely big comfortable sitting room with real fire, BBQ, the peacefulness and the garden.

Mr Haverkate

Magnificent views from the house over the landscape. House was so much better then expected. We also liked the beds and the very roomy sitting room in this very big and comfortable house. Our group will certainly recommend this property to anyone we know.

Mr Cowern

July 2010

Lovely place, photo in brochure doesn't do it justice. Remote and beautiful. A real taste of paradise!

Mrs Jackson

The stunning views from the lounge and 1st floor bedrooms. Did not appreciate from info given just how quiet the position of the property was. Loved being up the hill away from civilisation.

June 2010

Ghill Bank House was exellent for our large family group . We enjoyed walks from the house,local attractions and cultural visits. The gardens were a safe place for young children to play. The owners were very friendly and helpful

Mrs Travers

May 2010

This property was excellent for our large family group. The owners were friendly and helpful. The children enjoyed the freedom of the secure and extensive garden. The panoramic views are spectacular.

Mrs Trigg

April 2010

Excellent house in fabulous location. Huge lounge meant the whole party could comfortably sit together. Three families shared a great walking holiday. We loved the lambs on the front lawn!

Mrs Wilson

March 2010

Location was superb. House was perfect. Owners were very helpful.

Mrs Kendrick

December 2009

Stunning views.

Mr Kirkham

November 2009

The views were wonderful and plenty of space in the house.

Mr Reeves

September 2009

The location and views from every room of the property were outstanding, the description and photographs of the property in the web listing do not do this justice.

Mr Owen

July 2009

The location of the property was perfect in it's proximity to local villages and towns, yet so quiet in it's isolation - you could just spend a whole week gazing at the view. So much room for even a large party.

Mr Simmonds

June 2009

Location excellent, views outstanding. Most facilities where good. Huge living room and dining room which was great as there were 15 in our party.

Ms Lister

May 2009

The two sitting rooms meant that it accommodated all ages. The division of bedrooms was ideal for our party too. Scenery and location was superb, especially with all the lambs around.

Mrs Cropper

December 2008

Everyone agreed that the house was perfect, and we were very comfortable and beautifully warm. An excellent holiday in a wonderful place.

Ms Jones

The views from the property were absolutely beautiful. I have never seen such breathtaking scenery. In terms of size the house was super, and the property was nice and clean.

Mrs Hurley

September 2008

I liked the privacy of the property and the size of the property/living rooms. We were still able to drive to Ambleside and Windemere easily. The log fire was especially lovely.

Mrs Burton

April 2008

The house is lovely. Children loved it as did adults, we had a great time. Would go to Ghyll Bank again.

Mr Cooke

November 2007

The outlook from Ghyll Bank was absolutely delightful. It was the first thing that members of the group remarked on when entering the lounge.

Mr Brewster

October 2007

The views were spectacular and the space in the house was superb. The local village was good for something to eat and is situated that you are within easy access to what the Lake District has to offer.

Mrs Longmire

August 2007

Good views, nice for walking. Close access to Windermere for sailing. Plenty of space within the property.

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Ghyll Bank House in Kendal, Cumbria