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Eel House Cottage

Eel House Cottage

4.5
out of 5
Ratings from 20 reviews
95% of guests
recommend
Cleanliness
4.6
Comfort
4.6
Condition
4.3
Location
4.8
Value
4.3
Customer
Service
4.6

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This stand alone cottage is perfect for avid walkers and fishers with a variety of footpaths as well as Esthwaite Fishery on your doorstep. Just a short drive to both Hawkshead and the Graythwaite Estate shared facilities it makes for a perfect holiday location.

Lovely quiet cottage

Review submitted on Sun, 09 Mar 2025
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
A lovely stay. It was like going back in time, no phone signal, internet and Wi-Fi intermittent. The tv wasn't working, so long quiet evenings.

Where did you hear about us?
Stayed on Graythwaite for 16 years

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No



Lis from Macclesfield stayed at Eel House Cottage for 7 nights in March 2025


A lovely cottage

Review submitted on Fri, 06 Dec 2024
4.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
3.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
4.0
I was booked for a smaller cottage but, owing to a fire, I was relocated.
The cottage was an upgrade in terms of cost and space, and I don't want to seem ungrateful but I wouldn't stay here again as a lone traveller.
The cottage is remote and I do prefer the group of cottages that Id originally booked and previously stayed in.

The wifi is intermittant and cannot support more than one device. If I was streaming on the TV, the signal would drop if I used my phone.

Although the most part of the stay was comfortable, there were a few things that lacked attention to detail...a dirty bowl in the cupboard.
A dirty cup and a broken cup in the other.
A bag of dishcloths left on the side when I arrived along with a bag of other bits.
A man arrived 10 minutes after check in time with a welcome gift with the quote 'oh, you beat us to it'.
Heating wasnt adjusted for arrival and it was cold inside.
Such a shame as I rebooked based on a previous stay which was perfect, at tge other cottage

Where did you hear about us?
Previous booking

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No

Rachael from stayed at Eel House Cottage for 4 nights in December 2024


Half term break

Review submitted on Tue, 29 Oct 2024
4.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
4.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
Grandparents, grandsons’ and my Labrador enjoyed our stay at Eel cottage. We used it as a base to explore both the local attractions Wray Castle, Hill Top and the Graythwaite Estate. We didn’t book any activities this time with Graythwaite Adventures as we experienced the 4x4 last time …. highly recommended !! (Simon you gave 4 small Boys’ a lasting shared memory).

Eel Cottage was warm and cosy and we were able to stargaze each evening as our weather was good. Would just have liked a few extra plates/ dishes as we were a family of 4 . Also a couple of mugs were chipped and there were only 3 tumbler type glasses. Nothing major and certainly didn’t mar our stay. Plenty of hot water and a bath too which was a welcome addition. We also took advantage of the swimming pool (the boys’ remembered it from last year).

Happy memories to treasure ….we will return again !

Where did you hear about us?
Previously stayed but in a different cottage

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No

Camilla from Blackpool stayed at Eel House Cottage for 3 nights in October 2024


Best side of Lake Windermere

Review submitted on Sun, 13 Oct 2024
3.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
3.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
3.0
Location
5.0
Value
2.0
Customer
Service
2.0
Location is great as its the west side of the lakes and so much quieter. The cottage is located beside the road but traffic is minimal. Plenty of pretty places to walk and a good selection of pubs fairly close by. The cottage has everything you need for a comfy stay but it's looking a bit tired, we were happy enough though. The beds were super comfy. We would return if the price was more competitive.

Where did you hear about us?
Web search

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No



Simon from Ashill stayed at Eel House Cottage for 3 nights in October 2024


Beautiful second home.

Review submitted on Sun, 23 Jun 2024
4.5
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
3.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We love this cottage. Our old dog wakes at 4.30 and standing in the garden, listening to the birds and deer and watched solstice sunrise in silence, is just perfect.

Where did you hear about us?
Returning many times

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No



Judith from Northampton stayed at Eel House Cottage for 9 nights in June 2024


Perfect location ideal for a get away from it all holiday

Review submitted on Tue, 14 May 2024
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
First impressions house was really clean and comfortable. Inside decor is nice and equipment enough to meet basic cooking needs. Property is situated on a road that does have some high speed traffic but this is fairly low level and did not cause any issue.
Stone walls are usual low level so dogs that like to explore need watching.
Stunning walks right from front door. Good for exploring Grizdale forest to Windermere shore without using car and there is a nice cafe a mile along road on Esthwaite water.
Need to reallly bring supplies with you or have a delivery as no supermarkets nearby and farm shop was never open when we dropped by despite advertised opening times.
Only issue with cottage is the damp odour mainly in kitchen area. We visited in dry warm weather so could keep windows open but it was particularly unpleasant initially when we arrived. Stay would have been perfect had there not been the damp issue.

Where did you hear about us?
The Lap

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No

Karen from stayed at Eel House Cottage for 7 nights in May 2024


Lovely stay

Review submitted on Sun, 28 Apr 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
We had a lovely peaceful holiday at Eel cottage. Just he two of us in the end. All the things you would need were there. The house was cold when we arrived but the heating warmed the house quickly.
No normal TV we didn't manage to get it working for the smart TV stuff as we didn't really understand what to do.
Beds lovely and comfy and good facilities.
The hamper was lovely touch and much appreciated.
We had a beautiful stay in a great location.

Where did you hear about us?
Google maps

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No



Guest from Braunston stayed at Eel House Cottage for 2 nights in April 2024


Easter school holiday

Review submitted on Tue, 09 Apr 2024
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
We had a lovely stay at the Eel cottage with our two kids (2 years and five years old). There is plenty to see and explore for the children, and an added heated swimming pool is a bonus. There is a small lake a few minutes drive, which offers beautiful views and walks to the local pub, which was a bonus!
The place is very remote with minimal phone signal or internet, which wasn’t too much of an issue for us. Will definitely come back again!

Where did you hear about us?
Friend

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No



rashmi from Nottingham stayed at Eel House Cottage for 7 nights in March 2024


Quiet location with great dog walks from the front door

Review submitted on Thu, 15 Feb 2024
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
Stayed for 3 nights and had a pleasant stay. WiFi unpredictable, spotlessly clean throughout, plenty of wood for fire (only used wood burner two nights) the on-site shop was just down the road and have good basic supplies along with an Off- licence.

Where did you hear about us?
On Graythwaite own website

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No



Toby from Winterbourne Gunner, Salisbury stayed at Eel House Cottage for 3 nights in February 2024


Lovely cottage

Review submitted on Sun, 03 Dec 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
This is the second time here and the cottage has been significantly improved: new gas central heating system with large radiators and on-demand hot water. Newly carpeted lounge and dinning room. The kitchen and utility feature modern appliances which are in good condition. Sitting room has two settees and an excellent wood burner for cosy evenings in front of the TV.
Garden is not really secure but does have a wall around and a gate so only determined canine escapees are a problem!
Main shower is excellent and beds comfy. We didn't use the spare room over-bath shower so can't comment.
Only minus points are a shortage of a couple of crockery and cutlery items, not enough to be a problem but lots of other items so not sure what has gone wrong there. Also no small tumblers for a night-time tot! There really needs to be a child gate or similar on the bottom of the stairs as it was a drag having to chase our little terrorist downstairs repeatedly! And the TV is a bit of a nightmare! We did get to understand its weird menus but it took us two days! And no catch-up!
The biggest problem for us was the almost non-existent broadband. My partner had agreed with her company to work remotely and it was near impossible to do more than send emails. The speeds were less that 1mbit up and down load!
If you want to off grid, this is the place to be!
However, apart from these niggles, we love the place and will be back again...and again...!

Where did you hear about us?
Stalking Directory

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No

Amanda from Stowmarket stayed at Eel House Cottage for 7 nights in November 2023


Perfect for us

Review submitted on Mon, 10 Jul 2023
4.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
3.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Quiet and perfect antidote to usual life. Loved waking to the sheep alarm. Fence not secure for dogs with high prey drive/ gaps in fence would allow escape to sheep so lunge long lead at all times.
Will return and would love to tackle the garden.

Judith from Northampton stayed at Eel House Cottage for 10 nights in July 2023


Lovely week in the lakes

Review submitted on Sun, 18 Jun 2023
4.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
5.0
Location
4.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Eel cottage is a nice house with good quality furniture and appliances. Didn’t realise upon booking that it is set further apart from the main estate. Stocked ok with the basics but did need to buy tea towels and fly spray.
Could have promoted the graythwaite activities a bit more, no info in the cottage about the farm shop or it’s opening times (note they are different to what google says). Used the pool which was nice but the sign up sheet on the door and the online booking system didn’t match which could have caught us out.
Spent every day somewhere different just a short drive away.

Guest from North Kilworth stayed at Eel House Cottage for 7 nights in June 2023


Lovely cottage with enclosed garden.

Review submitted on Mon, 06 Mar 2023
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Eel House Cottage is right on the quiet main road that runs through the estate and is very convenient for access to the Estate's small shop, Newby Bridge, Hawkeshead or Ambleside for more serious shopping.
The whole cottage has been recently given a complete makeover and is in very good order. Kitchen and appliances were particularly new and shiny!
The hard floors downstairs are fantastic for canine friends and take no time to clean up if the weather is a bit grim.
There were a few small items missing from the kitchen, eg potato masher, and the knives were pretty blunt (as is normal in self catering) but the welcome bag of goodies more than made up for any deficiencies (and anyway I travel with an electric knife sharpener!).
There was plenty of hot water and the heating did work okay but we never really got to understand the controls! An idiot's guide (not the manufacturer's handbook) would have been most useful. The log burner is very efficient and a reasonable supply of logs is provided FOC.
The satellite TV requires prior experience of the system or a patient approach, neither of which we had so the estate's maintenance guy very kindly gave us a tutorial!
All in all, an excellent cottage for up to 4 people and we would definitely book again.

Toby from stayed at Eel House Cottage for 8 nights in February 2023


Great cottage in a great location - we'll be back!

Review submitted on Fri, 24 Feb 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
We had a fantastic stay at Eel House Cottage. The cottage itself is big and comfortable (including very comfortable beds!) It's perfectly located to explore the lakes, whether you went to walk to Windermere from the front door, head north into the hills or go mountain biking in Grizedale. We loved having access to the pool and games room (which are a ten-minute drive away), while still being in a quiet, secluded location. And while the wifi is like being back in the 90s, we all need a break from our phones now and again! Good pubs and cafes nearby too. What's not to like?!

Guest from Winchester stayed at Eel House Cottage for 8 nights in February 2023


Short &Sweet

Review submitted on Mon, 16 Jan 2023
4.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
5.0
Location
4.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
A very clean, comfortable, nicely decorated cottage with all modern facilities and amenities. Visiting in January, we would have liked to have been able to warm it up a little quicker and some instruction on how to get a wood burner going for the un-initiated. Be prepared for areas of the undulating road to become flooded at certain points and rainy times of the year.

Guest from Coventry stayed at Eel House Cottage for 2 nights in January 2023


Warm and cosy, good sized 2 bed with enclosed garden.

Review submitted on Wed, 30 Nov 2022
4.5
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
Lovely cottage in a great location. Would have liked to stay for longer. Warm and cosy, good sized 2 bed with enclosed garden.

Luke from Carterton stayed at Eel House Cottage for 3 nights in November 2022


Cold comfort

Review submitted on Sat, 26 Nov 2022
3.5
out of 5
Guest doesn't recommend this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
2.0
Condition
3.0
Location
5.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
4.0
It is a spacious property with comfy beds and excellent showers but the comfort is let down by the crazy heating system. There are instructions for two heating systems, neither of which related to the one in the cottage. It was a case of trail and error. The electric radiators have inadequate output for the spaces they're trying to heat and are badly positioned. One in the lounge is behind a piece of furniture and behind the curtains, when drawn. The other in the lounge is behind a large sofa. The stairway cannot be closed off so the heat from the lounge is lost upstairs. There is no heater in the kitchen but there is one in the tiny back lobby (and it's the same size as the one in the large dining room). Why? The dining room was never comfortably warm because of the inadequate size of the radiator and the fact that it was open to the kitchen. Is there a climate and cost of living crisis? You wouldn't think so.

The were no instructions for the wood burning stove. Again it was a case of trial and error.

Sofas not comfy.

Tony from Lincoln stayed at Eel House Cottage for 7 nights in November 2022


Cozy cottage nuzzled in beautiful scenery

Review submitted on Thu, 06 Oct 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
This is our 2nd stay on the estate. We love walking the grounds, particularly the gorgeous mossy woodland. The dogs have a blast.
Eel cottage is cozy and comfortable. The kitchen is well stocked if you fancy cooking something delicious from the farm shop, otherwise the local dog friendly pubs are a treat.

Anne-marie from Cheltenham stayed at Eel House Cottage for 7 nights in September 2022


Lovely place to be, with everything you need.

Review submitted on Sat, 23 Apr 2022
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
Lovely clean and tidy cottage with great walks, nice walk to pub 30 minutes away and also only a short walk to the ferry and Windermere, at around 55 minutes. Everything very close and easy to get to. We also went to archery lessons, two mins down the road, Mark, out host was superb and all four of us enjoyed the session. Hawkeshead village is also well worth a short drive, lots of shops and places to eat and drink.

Simon from Wakefield stayed at Eel House Cottage for 3 nights in April 2022


Great spot for a mini break in the Lakes

Review submitted on Mon, 31 Jan 2022
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
We loved the cottage it was comfortable, spacious and well equipped. It is fantastically located for exploring the south lakes without being located in one of the busier nearby villages/towns. We did some great walks nearby and it was a great cottage to return to after a cold, windy and wet January hike. It was warm and cosy, the downstairs had easy to clean floors after muddy boots and a wet dog. The bedrooms are a good size and very comfortable. The master en-suite has an excellent shower too. My only criticisms would be the garden needs to be more dog secure being by a busy road (can’t be heard from inside the cottage!). Also a few more towels and the option of a softer pillow would be beneficial.
Overall though we had a great stay and will definitely come back.

Harry from Reading stayed at Eel House Cottage for 4 nights in January 2022