Blencathra Barn, Penrith

Disappointed and Let Down After Returning Visit We stayed at this cottage seven years ago and had fond memories, but sadly this return visit was a huge disappointment. The cleanliness was well below standard we had to mop the kitchen floor ourselves on arrival, the cupboards were filthy, and the grill pan was caked in old bacon grease. The kitchen bin absolutely stank. It was clear that no proper cleaning had been done for some time. Dust was thick behind and under the beds, and overall the place felt neglected. Outside, the patio slabs are loose, uneven, and overgrown with weeds not only unsightly but also a trip hazard. Whats most frustrating is that there appears to have been no maintenance or updates in the last 7 years, yet the price certainly doesnt reflect that. For the cost, we expected a much higher standard. Unfortunately, we wont be returning and couldnt recommend it in its current state.

Location of property was brilliant. The garden was ok but could have had the grass cut. The weather was hot and sunny but there was no garden parasol and no natural shade. The cottage itself felt tired and could have been cleaner, dishes and cupboards felt very grubby. Top bedroom looked lovely but bed too low and difficult to get up from. On last day was disturbed at 8am from hot tub cleaner, please leave cleaning of hot tub after guests have left. Internet connection poor

Upon arrival everything looked great, but upon closer inspection there were a few things that had been overlooked by both the housekeeping and maintenance side of things. Only 4 forks in the drawer for a property that sleeps 7, this was rectified by the owner quickly though. Dirty towel left in the linen basket Kitchen knives were all blunt apart from 1 and there was no way to sharpen them as the sharpener was broken, again the owner rectified this but not until the day before we left. Door handle on downstairs shower room was falling off Bannister coming away from the wall Front fell off the bedside cabinet when opening the drawer, agian this was fixed by the owner the day before we left. Pull switch for the downstairs shower room light gave up on the second day but as were only using this during the day it didn't matter too much and was replaced by the owner the day before we left. Dvd player had no hdmi cable Outdoor area was nice but is in need of a large dose of TLC as a lot of the slabs are loose. Outdoor furniture needs replacing as it is starting to fall apart. Overall this was a good holiday but all these little niggles just took away from what would have been a great holiday. Forgot the hot tub.... this is always something we look for in a holiday but with the time limits on when you can use the tub it spoils things a bit. If you are out for the day and come back for dinner there will be only a couple of hours when you can use the tub. The neighbours at the back of the property also appeared to come out every night at about 5 minutes to ten and look down the garden, like they were checking to see if anyone was in the tub after the allowed time. All in all a nice property with a few niggles. Not one we would book again.

We loved our stay at Blencathra barn. It's a great size with plenty of rooms & bathrooms. Certain things need a little update maybe a new coffee table etc but on a whole it was a very nice week away, our dog loved the garden. I would go again without a doubt

Really not great, all the glasses plates and dishes were dirty upon arrival, a bin bag was left outside the door. Tap in the upstairs bedroom wouldn't stop running, tap in the downstairs bathroom sprayed water everywhere. No hand soap or handtowels were provided. Wine bottles from previous guests where stuffed between the coaches. TV was not plugged in and we had to find an extension lead to get it to work. Sheets in the bedroom were cleaned but all of them were marked and I had one of the most yellow pillowcases I've ever seen. There was broken glass at the side of the house. One positive was that the hot tub was clean and nice. Another was that it was cheap if it wasn't would probably have just left, do not recommend.

Our stay at Blencathra barn was good. The place is spacious and the area is perfect for exploring Lake District. The beds were comfy and the rooms were clean. The area is lovely and quiet and the pub close by is perfect for a drink and a bite to eat. The only problem we faced was more with the facilities which really should have been sorted. The bathroom handle door upstairs was broken upon arrival and we were unable to close the door, which isnt ideal when youre staying with 5 other people. This issue was resolved quickly when we contacted the owner but it shouldnt have been that broken in the first place. The ensuite bathroom taps were also leaky and very weak, not being fitted to the sink properly and making a noise all night. The heating rail in the ensuite bathroom also wasnt working. The hot tub stopped heating on the last full day we were there, which was gutting as we all couldnt have our final time in the hot tub and we had been looking forward to it all day. A man had came earlier that morning to clean it and unfortunately must have made the hot tub go awfully cold, making it unusable. All in all a lovely holiday that would have been perfect if it werent for the facilities of the home.

Property smelt as soon as you walked in of wee and just a dusty old smell. There was black little hairs on the bed upstairs at the top, we had to clean the property before we could settle including knifes plates etc for them to feel clean. Its a shame because the property size is great and location is great with the feature of the hot tub again was great it could be an amazing place but needs updating just looks old worn down. Not sure what takes so long to clean saying you have people out by 10 am and then dont let people come until 1630 if I had that long to clean the house would be immaculate and it certainly wasnt. Wouldnt stay again and thats a shame because it has massive potential.

Lovely property. Plenty of room for the 2 familes and dog. Loved the hot tub and garden space. We cooked and ate in garden nearly each evening but were always mindful of residents nearby and kept the noise to a minimum. The barn was Ideally situated to travel around the local area. The local pub was friendly and we visited a couple of times. We had no complaints at all and throughly enjoyed the stay. Beautiful area and would highly recommend. We miss the recliner chairs now we are home.

Everything about blencartha is really good as the accommodation is very roomy and plenty of bathrooms so everyone can get sorted. Outside is a fantastic space for dogs however the only thing that we found was having a small dog he did escape under the fence in a few places .

Fantastic property, well stocked kitchen, and nice touch in providing dishwasher tablets, washing up liquid, tea towels, oven gloves, cleaning products and basic seasoning. Perfect for our furry friend with an amazing, secure and enclosed garden for her to have fun in! Hot tub was immaculate and a welcome addition, after a days walking in the lake district! The peaceful village location was perfect for accessing the busier central and north lakes areas. Would highly recommend this property, and love to stay again!

Lovely barn, cosy and clean. Had everything we needed. Beds were comfy and the hot tub was such a welcomed treat after several days in the fells.

Our family had an excellent stay at Blencathra Barn, thank you! Spacious inside and out, well equipped, a well stocked games cupboard, quiet location while being close enough to the lakes and mountains. It turned out to be a great spot to view the northern lights outside, and a perfect view of a thunderstorm from the sitting room.

Nice property and great hot tub.

Absolutely fantastic

Nice cottage in general but misses the mark with maintenance. The oven was broken and wouldnt switch off so we had to switch it off at the main socket. Very dangerous if you forget to do that. When we arrived the top floor bath was wobbling and leaking. To be fair to the owners the maintenance guys were out the same day and patched that up. The TV was basically useless as it runs off an indoor aerial with no signal. The WiFi was patchy at best and not secure as it was shared with next door. The taps in the main bathroom seem be plumbed in back to front and the hot one was loose and went from cold to scolding in 2 seconds to the point my mother in law burnt her hand. The beds arent the best and mattress on one or the single beds had springs poking through. The bed on the top floor seems have sunk a bit as well. One of the chairs in the garden also has a loose leg which again nearly caused and accident. Not all negative though. The hot tub, garden and location were all great and the local pub is brilliant. It wouldnt take much to get this place to the right standard but there were just too many small things which put a cloud over the holiday. Wouldnt recommend unless these maintenance of the place is massively improved.

When we arrived the cleaning lady was still there finishing up next door, just as well she was as we couldn't gain entry as the key was not in the lockbox but in the door on the inside of cottage. She had no knowledge of us arriving as said it had not been cleaned! When she gained entry with her keys it was a left in right mess by previous customers. She told us to come back in couple hours by this time it would be 6pm not her fault but a break down communication either with booking agent & owner. When we finally get in on first glances the ladies did a fab job in a short space of time to clean and prepair it for our stay. It was during the stay we started to find little bits not so perfect, the cottage could do with a little TLC and money being put back into it and bring up to date with current times. The kettle could do with replacing as has rather alot scalling init. The TV Ariel is no use at all, everytime you want watch TV you have to retune and lucky dip what channels you pick up. There is an outdoor ariel socket on wall why there's no extension into this instead the crappy plug in ariel?? Luckily the TV is a smart TV so can use your Netflixprime accounts if you have these. The WiFi is shocking slow, the router is next door and you piggy back off that, it was hit and miss alot the times. The bathroom door handle needs attention, no one dared locked the door incase it came off and you got stuck in there! The shower in main bathroom is a cheap of the cheapest ones going and pointless for double shower that size, plus there's not alot hot water it runs cold and tepid, so don't think if having a bath. Cheap plastic toilet seats. The hottub man comes Friday & Mondays. We noticed He doesn't empty them at each change over but simply wipes the seats, fish out the bugs, cleans the filters and replaces the chlorine tabs. So not sure how many guests have used same water before us? He was there just finishing when we arrived Friday the tub was 40 so obviously not been emptied and refilled These may seem little things but when your paying 1200 these little things do go a long way to making your stay more comfortable. The garden is good size, enclosed so dog friendly. Overall its a lovely cottage, ideal place as base while you explore the beautiful lakes have to offer.

Nice sized house and garden only draw back with this property is fences arent high enough. So if you have a large dog who likes to jump they will need to be on a lead in the garden.

A great property in a nice quiet location. Plenty of room in the property and a large enclosed garden. The only improvement I would recommend is that the hot tub maintenance person knocks before entering the property. Having a large dog it was a surprise to see someone opening the gate and walking in.

Little jobs need doing loose cooker button, and toilet roll holders. Floor sills dirtydusty. Needs better attention from the cleaner purfume bottle under the bed. Fire Alarm went off, and unable to switch off, owner unable to help as 2hrs away, eventually stopped after 2hrs, we were about to give up and leave as was our last night. Still we enjoyed our stay and would come again, as cleaning can be sorted and loose things overlooked for a short stay.

The cottagebarn was lovely, very homely and lots of space. The only downside for us was the hot tub was not ready for use until our second day so we weren't able to make the most of it.

Cottage was lovely and clean. Great welcome pack when we got there. Pub down the road was lovely. Great food and really friendly. Lots of space for 4 adults and a dog. Great location near to Penrith and ulswater. Will stay again if visiting the area. Thank you

Gaps at the bottom of the fence needs addressing at the back and to the side, as had dog escape needed to be out with them at all times, could do with new bbq because it had no grills, but part from that location was lovely.

A little underwhelmed at what could be a lovely holiday let. The oven was a disgrace, swimming in grease and dirty. I forwarded pictures to the contact number in the information folder but did not receive a reply. The dials on the cooker was loose and need attention. A very basic kitchen, disappointing as I like to cook. The barbecue was similar, the skeletal remains of a large black bird didnt help.

We had a lovely stay & would love to return. Good base for the area & the hot tub was a bonus.

3rd time using the barns everything great as usual , hope to be back in the future .

Blancathra Barn is a lovely place to stay it's got everything you need facilitie wise and the hot tub is a lovely place to to relax after a long day walking. Stayed there at the end of March 2022 for a week and had great holiday and would definitely recommend. The only negative is the time's you can enter the property 4.30 pm and leave 9.30am you loose a day's holiday?. But would definitely return to this property again Ian

A lovely very clean barn. I would not hesitate to stay here again. Lots of things to do close by or just relax in the hot tub! Will be back.

Really nice well kept property welcoming of dogs. Nice big garden good location. Lovely hot tub only downfall is you have to be out of the tub by 10pm, and the hot tub maintenance men let themselves in and out as they please, regularly

This was my second visit and I will definitely be back! Such a spacious house with everything you need and plenty more! The hot tub is an added bonus. Not far to explore the Lakes either. Would love check out time to be slightly later but I know covid plays a role in this, it just feels like you lose a day effectively. Great stay!

We had a wonderful weekend at the cottage. It was a cosy place to stay during the storm. Everything we needed was there. Would definitely go back.

Great cottage with everything you might need for your stay, very comfortable, warm and spacious. The Sun Inn just down the road was very welcoming and does brilliant food.

Beautiful place to stay but tv and WiFi signal very hit and miss much to annoyance of kids. That apart really enjoyable holiday home ,will definitely be back.

Excellent, well presented property, comfortably housing 7 people and 2 dogs in a great location. Very well equipped with large comfy sofas recliners being an unexpected bonus and brilliant hot tub. A pre arrival note to inform that pool guy arrives early on Friday morning to change the water in the hot tub to enable it to be usable after 1900 by next guests on arrival day would help to set expectations.

This was our second time staying here and we were very happy with everything at the barn and would stay again

We couldnt get into hot tub till 7 as the water had just been changed, that should have been sorted for our arrival, then when we got in the neighbour decided to cut his hedge with electric hedge cutters, we are key workers and when we do get away we like to chilax, not possible with that racket going on, also the hot tub was never hot, it said 38 degrees but no way was it that, and also there were no fizz flutes , plenty of other glasses but no flutes, I also thought it was overpriced 15,00. 00 for a weekend cant get in till 4.30 and out by 9.30