Thorney How

4.6★

16 Guests
8 Bedrooms
7 Bathrooms
Pets Yes
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Features

Off road parking
Ground floor accommodation
Ground floor bedroom
Open fire
Garden / Patio
Highchair available
Pub/shop < 1 mile
Dishwasher
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

30 Customer Review(s)

Beth
November 2024

“Thorney How was the perfect place to base my women’s leadership retreat.”

Nestled at the foot of Helm Crag it is ideally and idyllically situated with limitless opportunities for hiking from the house and surrounded by stunning views. The house itself was spacious, beautifully designed with a clean and comfortable aesthetic mixing cosy cottage with contemporary living seamlessly. Bedrooms were spacious and comfortable, the shared living spaces was ample and the presence of both a big porch and drying room made for super easy transitions in and out the door to and ...

Nestled at the foot of Helm Crag it is ideally and idyllically situated with limitless opportunities for hiking from the house and surrounded by stunning views. The house itself was spacious, beautifully designed with a clean and comfortable aesthetic mixing cosy cottage with contemporary living seamlessly. Bedrooms were spacious and comfortable, the shared living spaces was ample and the presence of both a big porch and drying room made for super easy transitions in and out the door to and from the fells. We also had catering provided through Thorney How which was nothing short of superb. Jack provided nutritious, home-cooked, beautiful and utterly delicious meals and snacks throughout our stay, removing the stress of having to think about food and providing a level of care that enhanced my retreat enormously. All in all this house quickly became a home for our group and provided the warmth and comfort for us to be able to enjoy every element of our retreat with. Couldn’t recommend highly enough and will definitely be using again!

- Beth, November 2024
Helen November 2024

“What a fantastic cottage, just a short walk out of Grasmere.”

There is so much space for a large group (there were 12 of us) with the separate snug plus large open plan living and dining area. Useful features included an enormous drying room, a very well equipped / functional kitchen, with large pans etc for volume cooking for large groups. Lots of crockery, china etc that ment we never ran out or thought “we could do with”. One great thing that wasn’t mentioned in the details is that the bedrooms are all well away from the living areas, (separated by the front hall) and so anyone wanting an afternoon nap, early night or lie in was not disturbed by noise from the social areas… bliss for a light sleeper! Many thanks! Helen

- Helen, November 2024
Gwynneth October 2024

“Beautiful surroundings The kitchen was easy to use and stocked with everything you could possibly need even very large slow cooker and air fryer The drying room was very useful as was the snug.”

We were short of freezer space as we had brought several meals ready frozen and there is only one very small freezer but plenty of fridge space. We couldn’t find a local contact number when we couldn’t get heating on in one of the bedrooms and it remained cold all week

- Gwynneth, October 2024
Lesley August 2024

“Wonderful property, a repeat visit as our 3 generation family love it.”

Nice bedrooms with elegant furniture and excellent beds, great having en suites; plenty of comfy sitting spaces; really functional kitchen and a table for 16 and plenty of crockery and glasses; AND, as we walk and cycle in all weathers and paddle board, the drying room makes the holiday so easy.

- Lesley, August 2024
Patricia August 2024

“Beautiful position.”

Perfect for large family groups.Very clean Comfortable beds Plentiful bathrooms We would return

- Patricia, August 2024
Anita August 2024

“We had a lovely stay at Thorney How.”

Great location. Ideal property for a large family group plenty of room for everyone.Would highly recommend and will definitely be booking again. Thank you

- Anita, August 2024
Andrew July 2024

“We really enjoyed our time at Thorney How, a well laid-out house and a well-equipped kitchen.”

The drying room was particularly useful. It did not feel crowded for 16 and we appreciated that the snug allowed people to get some peace and privacy. Very well located on the outskirts of Grasmere - easy to get into the town by foot or by car, and very well placed for heading up the valley into the hills. We'd be very happy to come back. The builders mentioned in some earlier reviews were not a problem.

- Andrew, July 2024
Elizabeth July 2024

“I recently organised a big family get together in Thorney Howe.”

There were 16 of us altogether, from Australia , S. Ireland, Scotland , Wales and England. Our ages ranged from 12 to 87! We had a great week ! The house was perfect, well equipped, comfortable and welcoming! Everything we needed been provided .On the two occasions that I needed to phone the owner, Mark, he was most helpful and I enjoyed meeting him . Thank you Elizabeth Mclelland

- Elizabeth, July 2024
Rebecca June 2024

“Overall we had a good stay.”

The equipment was plentiful and the large dining and sofa area was useful for the group. 7 of the bedrooms were great as ensuite but note that the 8th room is very far from the bathroom (have to go downstairs and through all the living spaces- we didn't realise it was this far from the description). We had an odd experience that made us feel uncomfortable and I hope the owners learn from it and don't do it to any other guests. We requested a highchair and were pleased that it was in the house when we arrived and we used it in the evening. The next morning, the highchair was gone. I called Sykes cottages and we received a new highchair outside the front door that evening. The owner/housekeeping have accessed the house without our permission, that we privately hired and removed it (without consent) and offered no explanation or apology. The whole group felt disgusted that someone had been in the house while we were in it - with children and adults sleeping and removed something without permission. We paid a lot of money for private hire so we were deeply disappointed and did make us feel on edge.

- Rebecca, June 2024
Caitlin June 2024

“Great accommodation for our family reunion!”

Suited all ages. Lots of great walks. Accommodation perfect with enough space for us to chill out personally. Loved it

- Caitlin, June 2024
Jeanette May 2024

“We had 3 toddlers and 2 babies with us.”

They had so many accidents on the paving slab stairs and the hollow behind the door to the sitting room. This place is definitely not suitable for small children. The back garden is tiny and misrepresented in the photos. At the bottom of it the area is full of wild plants and a sheer drop. We couldn't use the garden for the little ones it was just too dangerous. The beds were comfortable and the showers amazing. It would have been nice to have drawers in the bedrooms as we had to live out of our suitcases. Spent a long time cleaning on the last morning to make sure it was adequate for the owners.

- Jeanette, May 2024
Laurence May 2024

“We loved our week in Thorney How and Little How.”

We wanted to book it straightaway for next year, but sadly, the week we need to get all the family together had already gone. Great location, excellent facilities, well looked after. Would recommend to anyone. (A couple of minor things, just to show that we aren't relatives of the owners! The oven doesn't work very efficiently, and the main fridge leaks, even if you do try assiduously to make sure the door is closed. and some of the towels are a bit thin for a property this price). But these don't detract from our 5 start rating.

- Laurence, May 2024
Robin April 2024

“Enjoyable stay for all 15 ranging in ages from 13 to 77.”

A few minor pieces of (I hope) constructive criticism - 1 some female members of the party would have preferred to have a shower with a head that could have been lifted off rather than fixed in ceiling; 2 The shower doors in loughrigg need to be mounted securely on their runners; 3 The listing describing the twin bedrooms is a little misleading - it should just read ‘one of the twin bedrooms doors not have en suite facilities’ - obviously they can choose whichever other bedroom they want share facilities with, but as currently described it gives the impression there is some special facility between the two rooms. And finally -this feedback is for Sykes (but doesn’t seem to be separate box for this) - When viewing properties one sees a pop up saying’ reserve this property for £20’ This is deceptive - it’s more than £20 isn’t it?

- Robin, April 2024
Rob April 2024

“The refuse bin was not emptied and contained ours and the previous owners rubbish.”

Maybe a word to the council.

- Rob, April 2024
Paul February 2024

“My wife and I booked Thorney Howe to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary along with our children and grandchildren.”

We were grossly disappointed finding ourselves in the middle of a building site with builders vans parked on the property every day, construction traffic constantly running past the property and often finding the road blocked with concrete trucks. When asked to respect our privacy and move the vans I was faced with verbal abuse from the builders. Sykes were very good at helping to resolve the problem with the parking and the vans were moved. The very next day we were faced with the same problem, and was faced with the same abuse from the builders. Then the water supply was turned off and we were unable to shower or flush toilets.I feel sorry for anyone who will be staying at Thorny Howe over the summer as the building works are set to continue for the next twelve months!!! Paul and Liz

- Paul, February 2024
Stuart February 2024

“Fabulous property.”

Very clean upon arrival. Fabulous for large family holidays, ample space for all ages, no one felt like they were on top of each other at any point. Drying Room was an amazing and welcomed addition. Bedrooms well appointed, but limited to zero storage for clothes - no cupboards, wardrobes or chest of drawers ?! Lounge and dining area comfortable. Excellent to have ample fridge space. Kitchen cooker took a long long while to reach temperature and meant we needed to plan early for our meals. Lots of car parking spaces. Overall this is one of the best large houses we have stayed in the Lake District, and a great location within walking distance to Grasmere and some excellent walks.

- Stuart, February 2024
Jane February 2024

“Thorney How was a super venue for a family gathering.”

The facilities were great and the drying room a massive help as we had rain every day we were there. We had assumed, incorrectly, that the two twin bedrooms had an interconnected bathroom which was not the case. The 8th bedroom had no facilities and a long way to go for a loo in the night if needed! The living areas were spacious and the bedrooms comfortable. A great stay in a lovely area. The fire doors were a bit of a nuisance!

- Jane, February 2024
Lynn December 2023

“The property was fantastic for our family group and the thoughtful extras supplied for our dogs were very much appreciated.”

Beds were very comfortable with crisp, fresh bedding. The towels could have been larger and not big enough to wrap around some of the larger adults. The kitchen was well equipped but it was a bit annoying going in and out of the heavy kitchen door to get dishes and cutlery. These were just small observations because we really enjoyed our stay and would love to return when the weather is better.

- Lynn, December 2023
Diane December 2023

“Just had an amazing Christmas in this property, pictures do not do it justice.”

Kitchen was well equipped, large living space. Beds really comfortable. Will be definitely returning Thank you Thorney How

- Diane, December 2023
I December 2023

“A large group of us have been coming to The Lakes in December for almost 30 years.”

Our requirements are for 7/8 bedrooms preferably all ensuite, pub in walking distance, nearby walks so we don`t have to drive and kitchen/dining large enough so that we can eat together. I have to say Thornley How meet this brief in every respect. The accommodation is spacious, beautifully decorated , warm and well equipped with plenty of parking. In terms of location it is only a 15min walk into Grasmere or the Travellers Rest (recommended ). There are also lots of walk options both short and long. Will definitely be returning.

- I, December 2023
Sue October 2023

“Would highly recommend.”

Really lovely property in perfect location. Quick walk into Grasmere and stunning Silverhow walk from property. Well stocked kitchen for mass catering and beautifully clean.

- Sue, October 2023
Claire August 2023

“We absolutely loved our holiday at Thorney How!”

It was the perfect house for mixed ages - the adults could walk straight up the fells without needing to get in the car, and the teenagers could walk into Grasmere. It's a brilliant location. The house had everything we needed - incredibly comfortable beds in lovely rooms, a great big main room to watch films, eat and play board games, en suites for everyone and a big garden. There is so much space that we didn't feel on top of one another - the kids disappeared to the snug while the adults still had two lounges to choose from. The kitchen is very well stocked and a second fridge by the back door was very helpful. The drying room was also a huge plus. It all felt very new and clean. We don't have any negative feedback at all - it was just brilliant!!

- Claire, August 2023
John June 2023

“An excellent couple of nights at Thorney How with all the Family, 14 of us in total.”

Sykes Cottages came to the rescue at last minute after being let down on a different property that the owner had double booked. Thorney How is great for a large group, the rooms are all en suite, so no waiting for bathroom. The only negative is the large oven, it takes ages to get hot enough to cook, so needs switching on a lot earlier than your intended eating time. An outdoor barbecue would be beneficial, especially in weather like we have had recently.

- John, June 2023
Jenny May 2023

“We were a family of 15 plus small dog and everyone really enjoyed the house.”

We loved the views, space and location and felt it really suited our needs. The drying room, air fryer and board games available were a bonus! We had a few WFH in our party and issues with the wifi continually dropping, though when we reported it direct to the owners, they were really helpful and quick to nip out to reset it all. Sykes customer support on the other hand were not helpful at all. One of the rooms had a bad smell following some gurgling noises from under the shower, from the drains perhaps, but tbf we did not report that and it is probably an easy fix. On balance that would not deter us from re-booking or recommending to others. There was also loads to do in the area for all ages so overall 5 stars all round.

- Jenny, May 2023
Elizabeth May 2023

“Facilities and location were perfect for a family of 17, eight adults and nine children ranging from 14 yrs to 8 months old.”

We only ventured into Grasmere for an hour on the last day, seen it many times before. We enjoyed the place so much the consensus was “when can we do it again?” Catering in the kitchen was really easy, we had all our meals at “home” . Small things that need attention: Light above the sink in Fairfield was loose and didn’t work. Hot tap in downstairs toilet turns when switched off and goes outside the sink and finally the hot water became almost boiling after running for a short while.

- Elizabeth, May 2023
Chris April 2023

“Thorney How was an excellent space for our family gathering after Pandemic.”

There are so many comfortable cosy areas for small groups, or pairs or all to gather.. it was all we could have hoped for and needed. It was a great place for any large group to stay whether sunny or damp …. or pouring down!

- Chris, April 2023
Emma February 2023

“We had a wonderful stay at this property.”

It had everything we needed and was perfect for a group of families. It was decorated and maintained to a high standard. I miss the cosy living room and log burner! We will definitely come back.

- Emma, February 2023
Simon February 2023

“The property is in a superb location and some areas have recently been redecorated and re-carpeted.”

The beds and duvets in the main bedrooms were very comfortable but the bunk bed mattresses were very hard and uncomfortable. The property is well heated. There are several maintenance issues that need to be addressed before we would consider a return to the property; 1. In the ground floor room with the double bed, the shower head sprays water onto the ceiling from the connection to the pipe work. The ceiling over the shower has loose wall paper and plaster that is shedding debris into the shower. 2. The showers trays are slow to drain and quickly fill with water. 3. In the dining area the left most window (with frosted glass) was impossible to close because the wooden window frame has expanded beyond the size of the opening. 4. At times, the kitchen refrigerator was leaking water across the kitchen floor. 5. There is significant black mold near the external door and we found dirt and food debris under the fridge.

- Simon, February 2023

Thank you for the feedback following your stay. We encourage guests to report any maintenance issues to Lakelovers immediately they are noted so that they don't adversely impact the enjoyment of the property by our guests. By way of background, Thorney How was completely refurbished when we acquired the former Youth Hostel in September 2021 so in addition to a full rewire there are new carpets and beds throughout. We have retained two sets of bunkbeds in one room as this adds to the flexibility of the layout since many of our guests have children in their party. Your comment about the mattresses on the bunk beds being hard is noted - this is the first time we have had this fed back to us. In terms of the specific points on maintenance. 1. Shower. We have looked at the shower and at some point the shower head has popped out of it's socket allowing water to spray onto the ceiling resulting in paint being soaked and peeling off. This has now been addressed - this is an example of something that the Lakelovers maintenance team would prioritise addressing once made aware of the issue during our guests stay. 2. Shower trays. We have reminded our cleaners to routinely check the drainage pots on the showers. 3. Windows. In the notes that we have left in the property we ask guests not to open the windows in the dining room which, as you have found are difficult to close once open. As the property is listed we are waiting for planning approval to replace the original windows - replacing windows on historic buildings is a very sensitive issue in the Lake District so we are following the proper process. 4. Fridge. The fridge was new as part of the refurbishment. We believe the fridge leaks water when it overheats - normally when the door hasn't been firmly shut. It has been fine this week when we were in the property but we will monitor and if necessary, replace. We welcome feedback on this from future guests. The food debris under the fridge is not acceptable, we have raised this with our cleaning team. 5. The mould has been dealt with - it appears to be linked to the new doors that were installed during the refurbishment allowing some condensation around the frame. Now that we are aware we will continue to monitor and address as necessary. Thank you again for the feedback. The Thorney How Team Property Owner
Diane October 2022

“Had a wonderful time at Thorny How.”

12 of us in total, everything we needed, very clean, comfy beds and great showers. The enormous drying room they have which I don't recall being mentioned was fab. All our clothes and walking boots dried over night. Grasmere is a beautiful place, which you have easy access to walk into from the house.

- Diane, October 2022
Andy October 2022

“Lovely property, very spcious and comfortable.”

Well equipped and ideally positioned for larger groups.

- Andy, October 2022

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Summary

Eight bedrooms: First floor: 3 x superking (zip/link, can be twin on request at the time of booking) with ensuite walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC, 2 x twin rooms next to each other which share an ensuite ( located within one of the bedrooms) with walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC
Ground floor: 1 x superking (zip/link, can be twin on request at the time of booking) with ensuite walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC, 1 x king with ensuite walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC, 1 x double with ensuite walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC.Cloakroom with basin and WC
Commercial Kitchen.Electric range style oven with 5 ring electric hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, fridge and dishwasher
Living/dining room and snug with woodburning stove (guest need to provide own wood)
Sitting room
Rear utility area with washing machine
Drying room.
Biomass central heating with 2 x woodburning stoves
Electric range style oven with 5 ring electric hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, fridge and dishwasher
2 x Smart TVs and WiFi
Fuel, power inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Highchair available but no cot, guest need to bring their own
Off-road parking for 7 cars
Large garden with picnic tables and access to woodland walks some areas shared with property 1110309
One well behaved pet
Sorry, no smoking
Shop and pub 0.8 miles
Note: This property has a locked door leading to another property Little How Ref: 1110309
Please note: Sorry no parties, stag or hen dos
"During April to December 2024 there will be building work on an adjacent property. Although the owners are actively managing the impact of this there may be some noise during the working week"

The property

Thorney How is located on the fringes of Grasmere in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria.

This large, attractive, stone-fronted holiday home that accommodates up to sixteen guests in eight exquisite bedrooms.

This home features charming wooden beams, feature fireplaces with two woodburning stoves, making it an ideal location for a large family reunion in the Lake District.

After a day of exploring the surrounding woodland trails and walks, enter through the porch and unwind in either the large sitting area, with seating for everyone or the homely snug with a Smart TV and woodburning stove; unwind here before heading to the fully-equipped commercial kitchen to help prepare dinner.

Eat together in the dining area, which features a lovely seating area with a Smart TV and a woodburning stove, making it the social core of the home.

Observe the surrounding hills and mountains while sipping your favourite beverage at the picnic table in the expansive garden(with some common areas), and keep a look out for the resident red squirrels, deer and woodpeckers!

Ground floor bedroom layout: Fairfield room - superking / zip link (side of house) Great Rigg room- king (front of house) Helm Crag room - double (front of house) First floor bedroom layout: Heron Pike room - superking/zip link (front of house) Loughrigg room - superking / zip link (front of house) Seat Sandal room - superking/ zip link (side of house) Silver How room - 2 single beds (side of house) Stone Arthur room - 2 single beds (side of house). Thorney How is a fabulous property for a break with loved ones in the stunning Lake District.

Sorry no parties, stag or hen dos.

Please note: that the owner can only facilitate an arrival on a Friday or Monday. Arrivals on any other day may be cancelled

Highchair is available, however no cot is provided (guests will need to bring their own)

"During April to December 2024 there will be building work on an adjacent property. Although the owners are actively managing the impact of this there may be some noise during the working week. "

Thorney How and Little How are beautifully presented properties resting on the outskirts of Grasmere in Cumbria’s Lake District National Park. The collection boasts character features including charming exposed beams, stone work and welcoming woodburning stoves as well as ample off-road parking and a spacious shared garden with picnic table and access to nearby woodlands. The village of Grasmere is renowned for its stunning natural scenery and literary connections and is home to a number of charming cafes and restaurants, as well as the Grasmere Tea Gardens, which are a must-visit for any tea lover. For hikers and nature lovers, Grasmere is the perfect base for exploring the stunning surrounding landscape, including the nearby Wordsworth Grasmere and Faeryland Grasmere. And for history enthusiasts, there are a number of National Trust properties in the area, including Allan Bank and Grasmere. Explore nearby Ambleside where you can marvel the area's natural beauty by hiking or biking the many trails, or by exploring the historic attractions. Wray Castle and Stock Ghyll Force are both National Trust sites, and the Roman Fort is a well-preserved example of the area's history. For a bite to eat or a pint after a long day of exploring, Zeffirellis is a popular local spot. Venture further afield to Keswick home to a variety of attractions, including Hope Park, the Derwent Pencil Museum, and the Keswick Museum. Restaurants and bars in the town include Merienda, which offers a variety of Spanish tapas dishes. Windermere, Bowness and Coniston are also within a short scenic drive. Thorney How is well placed to explore the wonders of the Lake District.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £500.

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About the location

GRASMERE

Ambleside 5 miles; Windermere 9 miles; Keswick 13 miles.

Situated in the heart of the Lake District National Park is the lovely village of Grasmere, probably best known as the home of William Wordsworth, a place he once described as "The most loveliest spot that man hath found". Any visit to Grasmere needs to include The Grasmere Gingerbread shop, where the Wilson family has been making gingerbread for over 60 years. Also in the village are a number of shops, pubs, a church which dates back to the 13th century, and Grasmere Lake. Grasmere Sports takes place every August, where you can watch participants compete in a variety of sports, including Cumberland wrestling. Just five miles away is the town of Ambleside and Lake Winderemere where you will find shops, pubs, restaurants and the 17th century Bridge House, which is one of the most photographed buildings in the Lake District. Cruises, boat trips and watersports can all be enjoyed on Lake Windermere, and the towns of Windermere and Keswick are also within driving distance. Grasmere is a wonderful base for your Lake District retreat.

Please note: Sorry no parties, stag or hen dos.

Please note: No wood starter packs are provided, supplies can be purchased at Coop in the village of Grasmere or the petrol station in Ambleside

"During April to December 2024 there will be building work on an adjacent property. Although the owners are actively managing the impact of this there may be some noise during the working week. "

Please note: Strictly no car charging at the property, there are 2 electric car charging points located at Stock Lane car park in Grasmere for guests to use. Alternatively there are car charging points in Ambleside village too.

This property offers the following short breaks:

Winter
Off-season
Last minute
Christmas

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Features

Reviews & Ratings

“Thorney How was the perfect place to base my women’s leadership retreat.”

“What a fantastic cottage, just a short walk out of Grasmere.”

“Beautiful surroundings The kitchen was easy to use and stocked with everything you could possibly need even very large slow cooker and air fryer The drying room was very useful as was the snug.”

“Wonderful property, a repeat visit as our 3 generation family love it.”

“Beautiful position.”

“We had a lovely stay at Thorney How.”

“We really enjoyed our time at Thorney How, a well laid-out house and a well-equipped kitchen.”

“I recently organised a big family get together in Thorney Howe.”

“Overall we had a good stay.”

“Great accommodation for our family reunion!”

“We had 3 toddlers and 2 babies with us.”

“We loved our week in Thorney How and Little How.”

“Enjoyable stay for all 15 ranging in ages from 13 to 77.”

“The refuse bin was not emptied and contained ours and the previous owners rubbish.”

“My wife and I booked Thorney Howe to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary along with our children and grandchildren.”

“Fabulous property.”

“Thorney How was a super venue for a family gathering.”

“The property was fantastic for our family group and the thoughtful extras supplied for our dogs were very much appreciated.”

“Just had an amazing Christmas in this property, pictures do not do it justice.”

“A large group of us have been coming to The Lakes in December for almost 30 years.”

“Would highly recommend.”

“We absolutely loved our holiday at Thorney How!”

“An excellent couple of nights at Thorney How with all the Family, 14 of us in total.”

“We were a family of 15 plus small dog and everyone really enjoyed the house.”

“Facilities and location were perfect for a family of 17, eight adults and nine children ranging from 14 yrs to 8 months old.”

“Thorney How was an excellent space for our family gathering after Pandemic.”

“We had a wonderful stay at this property.”

“The property is in a superb location and some areas have recently been redecorated and re-carpeted.”