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Bull Pen

Bull Pen

4.4
out of 5
Ratings from 20 reviews
95% of guests
recommend
Cleanliness
4.2
Comfort
4.6
Condition
4.0
Location
4.8
Value
4.2
Customer
Service
4.7

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With five bedrooms spread across two floors and a generous open plan living area Bull Pen lends itself perfectly to group holidays. Located in the central courtyard, you will be less than a mile from the shores of Lake Windermere.

Family time together

Review submitted on Tue, 12 Nov 2024
4.2
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
3.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
Our autumnal family break was much needed and we enjoyed our stay on the Graythwaite estate in the Bullpen cottage.

Where did you hear about us?
Internet

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No



Janet from Wigan stayed at Bull Pen for 7 nights in October 2024


Excellent location

Review submitted on Sat, 10 Aug 2024
4.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Enjoyed our stay at The Bull Pen. Comfortable spacious accommodation and well appointed kitchen. Nespresso coffee machine would have been good!

Where did you hear about us?
Found via on line search

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
Yes



Guest from Great Easton stayed at Bull Pen for 7 nights in August 2024


A fabulous place to stay

Review submitted on Sat, 29 Jun 2024
4.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We had an amazing week staying at the Bull Pen.
We loved the location, the shop and pool were great and we all enjoyed exploring the estate.
The house was clean, well equipped and comfortable and was great for playing hide and seek!
A great holiday and a fabulous place to stay.


Where did you hear about us?
Online

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No



Jo from Cambridge stayed at Bull Pen for 7 nights in June 2024


Family special birthday

Review submitted on Mon, 01 Apr 2024
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We enjoyed the pool but felt there was far too much chlorine making it uncomfortable for the eyes.
We needed some help with the log burning stove and the maintenance man arrived and helped us, he was very helpful.

Where did you hear about us?
Via a friend

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No



Susan from Whitley Bay stayed at Bull Pen for 3 nights in March 2024


Bull pen stay

Review submitted on Sat, 09 Mar 2024
4.2
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
Really enjoyed our stay. perfect location due to us having young children. Lovely cottage very homely. Enjoyed it very much.

Where did you hear about us?
Used to live at Graythwaite

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No



Jessica from stayed at Bull Pen for 7 nights in March 2024


Good but could be great

Review submitted on Tue, 16 Jan 2024
3.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
3.0
Condition
3.0
Location
4.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
3.0
The booking process was straightforward and we were sent helpful directions in advance which was great.
The swimming pool was a great addition and the shower and poolside facilities were great.
We were disappointed that there was only one soap dispenser for the four sinks and there was no washing up liquid and tea towels. The description of the house included these so we didn’t bring anything. I contacted graythwaite and I felt they made it really hard work and weren’t forthcoming with alternatives. There were used towels left in the washing machine which the cleaner kindly apologised when we meet her on our way out.
The house was beautiful and well decorated. Most of the house was warm but the single pane glass and an old storage heater in one of the rooms with an external wall made it unusable on the second night for the baby when the temperature dropped (despite our best efforts to warm it up) so we had to share a room.
We all felt that the house was lovely but was missing the mark with some simple things. For the money we spend and the description of luxury , we had hoped for the small things to be considered.

Where did you hear about us?
Online

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No

Guest from Gosforth stayed at Bull Pen for 2 nights in January 2024


A nice holiday property

Review submitted on Thu, 23 Nov 2023
4.2
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
4.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
A lovely property for a group of family/friends, catering comfortably for 8 and
at a push 10 adults
The only real complaint was the hit and miss mode to access the internet, which we all found very frustrating

Where did you hear about us?
Internet

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
Yes



Brian from SOUTHPORT stayed at Bull Pen for 7 nights in November 2023


A brilliant family holiday

Review submitted on Fri, 03 Nov 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
There were 10 of us staying during half term week, grandparents, parents & 4 kids, our whole family in fact. We had a great time, though some of the parents had to leave early as they were working part of the week. The only minor complaints I would make was that the farm shop was only open part of the time, the lights were a bit dim in the bedroom we were in (ground floor), there was no seat at the dressing table and there didn't seem to be a shaver/electric toothbrush socket anywhere in the house. But we had a great week - the kids loved it especially the swimming sessions.

Where did you hear about us?
We stayed here before, a few years ago.

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
Yes

Peter from Barnoldswick stayed at Bull Pen for 7 nights in October 2023


Family Break

Review submitted on Thu, 17 Aug 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Family of 6. Plenty of space, kitchen had all modern amenities and lots of room to cook for everyone. Beds very comfy, everyone slept well. We booked and used the pool and games room. Also booked canoeing through Graythwaite Adventure, enjoyed by everyone. We would definitely stay again. Would be even better if there was a table in the outside area for eating outside.

Where did you hear about us?
Website search

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
Yes



Guest from East Morton stayed at Bull Pen for 2 nights in August 2023


Stay at Bull pen

Review submitted on Wed, 28 Dec 2022
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Christmas stay for the family for 8. Plenty of space, very cosy, heating excellent and log fire lovely. Kitchen had all modern amenities and lots of room to cook large family meals. Beds so comfy, slept well. Used pool and games room, great. We had a lovely time and would stay again.

Marie from Newton-le-willows stayed at Bull Pen for 3 nights in December 2022


Tired property lovely location

Review submitted on Fri, 23 Dec 2022
3.7
out of 5
Guest doesn't recommend this property
Cleanliness
2.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
2.0
Location
5.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Surprised to find cobwebs in every room and corners when we arrived.
The cottage is in need of some remedial work eg :-
Broken kitchen floor
Dishwasher not cleaning well
Tv control not working properly
Bathroom heater and vent fan not working
Windows not shutting
Entrance door looks in need of attention
Coat hooks missing
No oven gloves
swimming pool is freezing


David from Fatchem stayed at Bull Pen for 7 nights in December 2022


Great stay

Review submitted on Sun, 11 Dec 2022
4.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
2.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
3.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Lovely cottage but a little bit dated, great place to stay and would highly recommend it. Swimming pool was brilliant.

Lisa from Ulverston stayed at Bull Pen for 3 nights in December 2022


Great weekend

Review submitted on Mon, 07 Nov 2022
4.5
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
4.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
An excellent feeling from everyone on arrival to Bull Pen, very warm, clean, tidy and very comfortable with a fully supplied kitchen, bathroom,and bedrooms ,the countryside is fantastic however it would be nice to have had suggestions for kiddies walks most suggested walks were all 5/6 miles
TV a bit of getting used to no backs to both controllers and we sometimes had to switch off and on to get controller to work otherwise ok.
Shop a bit expensive but a great selection, and very convenient

Stephen from stayed at Bull Pen for 3 nights in November 2022


Family wedding in Hawkshead

Review submitted on Sat, 22 Oct 2022
4.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
3.0
Location
4.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Overall, a comfortable stay and very well equipped for 10 people.
In the well-equipped kitchen, everything needed for self-catering was provided.
Showers powerful, plenty of hot water and enough heating throughout property.
Lounge area needed more lighting as too dark.
Sound proofing between ground and first floor was poor as anyone snoring in be upstairs could be heard downstairs!!
Games room and swimming pool good and the onsite shop a useful asset.
With all properties on the site, the outdoor furniture was shabby and needed upgrading.
Would stay again!!

Tony from Hemel Hempstead stayed at Bull Pen for 7 nights in October 2022


Family break

Review submitted on Fri, 31 Dec 2021
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Family break between Xmas and new year lovely cottage, well equipped very comfortable, and clean beautiful location

Guest from Preston stayed at Bull Pen for 3 nights in December 2021


Review

Review submitted on Thu, 09 Dec 2021
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We stayed here for a friend’s birthday and it was lovely. Bull pen would be ideal for a group or 2 families.

Robert from Darlington stayed at Bull Pen for 2 nights in December 2021


A celebration

Review submitted on Wed, 22 Sep 2021
4.2
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
4.0
Fitted in ten family members 5-80 to celebrate three of their birthdays and everyone enjoyed themselves.

Philip from stayed at Bull Pen for 3 nights in September 2021


Family Holiday

Review submitted on Mon, 05 Jul 2021
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
4.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Great venue, some of the kitchen units a little tired and some repairs needed but maintenance very helpful.

Jane from stayed at Bull Pen for 7 nights in June 2021


bull pen

Review submitted on Wed, 30 Jun 2021
3.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
3.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
2.0
Location
5.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
5.0
we have been coming to Graythwaite for over 35 years and love it but would point out some useful info re the bull pen for your consideration general cleanliness not great

broken chair outside at bbq area

wrapping papers left in a drawer in top bedroom

popcorn box and other debris beside fridge

curtain ring broken in downstairs bedroom


the house is wonderful but looking a little tired. this is meant with gentle thought rather than harsh criticism

Iain from Edinburgh stayed at Bull Pen for 5 nights in June 2021


Bull Pen review

Review submitted on Fri, 16 Apr 2021
4.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We have had a lovely time here, thank you. The cottage has everything you need to enjoy your stay. Just a couple of suggestions:

1) It would be good to have a small gate on the front so that it was completely enclosed and then small children or the dog could be outside without running into the courtyard.

2) The garden furniture is very old and several of the chairs are broken so need replacing.

3) It would be good to have a few more directions for the walks around the estate

kate from stayed at Bull Pen for 5 nights in April 2021