Hilltop At Hawkshead Hill | Hawkshead | The Lake District And Cumbria

5.0★

8 Guests
4 Bedrooms
4 Bathrooms
Pets No
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Features

Electric car charging
Off road parking
Open fire
Garden / Patio
Cot available
Highchair available
Pub/shop < 1 mile
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

32 Customer Review(s)

Christine
October 2024

“For our annual family holiday we have stayed at many different houses but Hilltop topped them all.”

Plenty of space for all of us to get together in luxurious surroundings. The beds and rooms were very comfortable and the cosy kitchen a great gathering place to enjoy the view across the valley. I think it is the first time we have stayed and discovered that everything we needed was there - a rare find indeed! Loved the cross country walk to Hawkshead and enjoyed eating at the Drunken Duck. Another bonus was the eco credentials of the property which fitted our ethos very well. Also loved the ...

Plenty of space for all of us to get together in luxurious surroundings. The beds and rooms were very comfortable and the cosy kitchen a great gathering place to enjoy the view across the valley. I think it is the first time we have stayed and discovered that everything we needed was there - a rare find indeed! Loved the cross country walk to Hawkshead and enjoyed eating at the Drunken Duck. Another bonus was the eco credentials of the property which fitted our ethos very well. Also loved the Sonos sound system, and so did our 18 month old grandson - he does love to dance. Perfect in every way!

- Christine, October 2024

What lovely feedback! Great that you made use of all the facilities and that all ages enjoyed them. Hope you don’t leave it too long to return. Property Owner
Mary June 2024

“The house is everything we could have wished for.”

All comforts catered for. We all loved the extras you kindly left. Filling up the bird feeders and watching the amazing different birds visiting was fabulous. We saw the bats in the evening. Sitting either in the back garden with the lion fountain splashing in the background or sitting on the balcony with a glass in hand admiring the views. Spectacular! Thank you so much for sharing your home. Everything was perfect. The house is situated perfectly for day trips and fabulous walks. We would highly recommend. Thank you.

- Mary, June 2024

That’s such lovely feedback and it is great to hear all the things you loved. We really enjoy watching the birds which is why we leave bird food for guests to use. And this time of year the bats, martins and swifts put on an amazing display above the front lawn at different times of the day. Hope you come again soon! Property Owner
Paul James June 2024

“Lovely spacious property, close to Ambleside and Windermere.”

- Paul James, June 2024

Thanks for the feedback and it sounds as if you enjoyed your stay. Hope you return soon. Property Owner
Caroline May 2024

“A lovely property in a good location.”

We loved all the inside and outside space and the flat patio area was great for ball games with the children. The only significant downsides for us were that the road was too dangerous for us to consider walking into the village and there was something in the house (maybe the feather furnishings?) that made two of our group wheezy. We had a couple of minor issues with our stay; the beds weren’t configured as requested and the coffee machine didn’t work. Neither of these really mattered to us but they had both been raised in previous reviews so it was surprising they had cropped up again. We contacted Lakelovers in plenty of time for them to be resolved before the next guests arrived but their response time was woefully slow and unhelpful, so we can see why issues might persist.

- Caroline, May 2024

Glad you liked the house and sorry you didn’t find everything perfect like so many of our other guests. All our bedding and furnishings are filled with hypoallergenic fillings so the only feathers around are on the birds! We guess that you may have reacted to some pollen from the countryside which surrounds Hilltop. The coffee machine has now been replaced. The village can be accessed via a footpath after a very short walk on the quiet road with directions in the information book. Property Owner
Bernadette May 2024

“Very comfortable and spacious.”

Well equipped and fixtures and fitting top quality.

- Bernadette, May 2024

Glad you enjoyed your stay and the space inside and out at Hilltop. Hope you come to visit again in the not too distant future. Property Owner
G May 2024

“Superb property, very comfortable for our extended family group, great location and excellent views.”

A couple of aspects that could be improved to make this property perfect. Although there are 4 bathrooms, we found that the water would just stop to some of the showers if several people were using the bathrooms at the same time. This was the main issue we had. Also, the espresso coffee machine does not work properly.

- G, May 2024

So glad you enjoyed Hilltop and found the views and location excellent. We have not had any problems with the showers before but we believe there was low water pressure in the area while you were staying which may have caused the issue. We will check this out again when we are next up. Hope to see you again soon! Property Owner
John April 2024

“Hilltop is a really excellent holiday property, everything we could possibly want, we had a lovely week, thank you.”

One of the very best cottages we have stayed in, and we've been visiting the Lakes for around 30 years! One maintenance issue, a repair was completed very rapidly and efficiently by LakeLovers team while we were out.

- John, April 2024

So glad you had a lovely time and enjoyed everything Hilltop has to offer. It’s also good to hear how efficient Lakelovers were fixing the issue. Hope you return again soon! Property Owner
Felicity March 2024

“Hilltop is really beautiful.”

The location is excellent with fabulous views. The Aga in the kitchen meant the house was always warm and it felt as if it gave us a huge hug when we walked in. Lovely welcome pack too and the environmentally friendly ethos was impressive. We had some local friends round to dinner and they even said they might come and stay there!

- Felicity, March 2024

Thanks for your lovely review and so glad you enjoyed your stay. We love your description of Hilltop giving you a huge hug! Hope you and your friends return again soon. Property Owner
Fiona February 2024

“Wonderful house in wonderful place, every comfort you need and more, space for all 8 of us.”

It’s our second time here and we will definitely be back.

- Fiona, February 2024

So glad you all enjoyed you holiday. We love it when guests return as with each visit Hilltop feels more like a home. It’s also the greatest endorsement of Hilltop! Property Owner
Karen December 2023

“Had a wonderful stay here over the New Year.”

Would defintiely go back. Very comfortable and warm. Highly recommend.

- Karen, December 2023

So glad you enjoyed your stay. And New year is a great time to be in the Lakes and Hilltop makes a lovely base. Property Owner
Jenny October 2023

“Amazing property with everything we needed and more.”

Better equipped than many full time homes! Fantastic location and so much to do around that part of the Lake District. We had multi generations staying with us and we all loved it. We had a brilliant weeks holiday and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. The only downside was that we booked through Sykes and a week before our stay we requested 2 of the bedrooms be set up as twins which was confirmed. Unfortunately this wasn’t done. After contacting them they sent someone the following day to change the bed configurations.

- Jenny, October 2023

So glad you enjoyed your visit and sorry from us that the house wasn't set up as requested from the start. Couldn't agree more that the location is great as not only is there loads to do locally but it is very central and the whole of the Lakes can easily be reached from Hilltop. Hope you return again soon! Gary and Alison. Thank you for your feedback. We are sorry for the error with the bed make-up and our housekeeping team will review their procedures. We are glad to see that all party members enjoyed their stay and all the area has to offer. Lakelovers Owner Relations Team Property Owner
Amanda August 2023

“The house was lovely and in such a fantastic location with amazing views.”

The property had everything we could possibly need, we felt very at home there. Our only frustration was the scissors, that we all seemed to struggle to use, but that’s just a very minor point, everything else was perfect.

- Amanda, August 2023

Great to hear you enjoyed your stay and it really makes us happy that you felt at home. And the scissors have been replaced! Come back soon and try the new ones Property Owner
Adam August 2023

“This is a beautiful house with everything that you could possibly need for a holiday home.”

The information folder had quizzes and walk that kept us busy all week. Every bedroom and bathroom were comfortable and well appointed. Thank you for a super holiday.

- Adam, August 2023

Great to hear you had a super break and that you found our guest information useful! Hope you return soon. Property Owner
Sarah August 2023

“Hilltop is a beautifully styled and comfortable holiday home, set in stunning countryside.”

We were spoilt for space and amenities and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. A fabulous base for any family group to explore the Lakes from, with easy access to National Trust properties, Lake Windermere and Ambleside.

- Sarah, August 2023

Really glad you enjoyed your stay and that you got to enjoy the fab views from Hilltop. Hope you return soon! Property Owner
Alan May 2023

“The property was the best we have ever stayed in and we have been visiting the Lake District for many years.”

Beautiful area and good bus service nearby if needed.

- Alan, May 2023

What wonderful comments which make us so happy! It’s great to leave the car at home sometimes and take the bus and the service in South Lakeland is excellent! Hope you return to Hilltop soon! Property Owner
Bruce May 2023

“This was our third visit to Hilltop and it was as wonderful as ever.”

Superbly well-equipped and furnished, real luxury! The view from the balcony is unbeatable and we're already planning our return next year.

- Bruce, May 2023

Thanks for the lovely feedback and for visiting Hilltop three times. Hopefully you will be back again soon! Property Owner
Fiona February 2023

“It was a magical break with family, everything we needed - and more- a home from home with extra.”

We would definitely book again and great location too.

- Fiona, February 2023

Glad you had a wonderful break and that you felt at home while on holiday. Hope you visit again soon! Property Owner
Cathy February 2023

“Amazing property.”

Quality fittings and furnishings. Large, warm and very clean and comfortable. Great location for walks and only a 15 min walk into the village and the pub.

- Cathy, February 2023

Glad you had a lovely time. And we are so lucky to have a choice of pubs to walk to! Hope you return soon. Property Owner
David November 2022

“Undoubtedly one of the very best cottages we have stayed in.”

A superb setting with stunning views, Hilltop is very comfortable and cosy, and has everything you could possibly need. Added to this the beds are so comfortable that we had to investigate the mattresses to see who the manufacturer was. Given this was November we particularly enjoyed the Arga which meant that the kitchen was always warm to come back to after a day out. We will definitely be returning.

- David, November 2022

We agree that a good night's sleep is really important. Glad you enjoyed your stay and hope the house is even better when you return as we have some more improvements planned in January 2023! Property Owner
Richard October 2022

“A beautiful house with immaculate fixtures and furnishings .”

Our family loved staying there . The situation of the property enabled us to visit most parts of the Southern Lakes

- Richard, October 2022

Thanks for you lovely comments. There’s so much to see in the South Lakes and hope you return soon! Property Owner
Julian September 2022

“Lovely house, very well-equipped, comfortable and stylish and in a wonderful situation.”

We were lucky with the weather and enjoyed the garden (the view from the seat on the 'mound' was a favourite) and great walks from the house - to Tarn Hows and to Latterbarrow (highly recommended on a clear day as there are 360` views) and more challenging walks only a short drive away. We (four siblings plus husbands/wives, age 60-73) all loved it and thought it just about perfect (though we never quite worked out the light switches in the kitchen!).

- Julian, September 2022

Thanks for your feedback. Really glad you enjoyed your stay. We love sitting on that bench too! Property Owner
Gillian July 2022

“The house is beautiful and well equipped.”

The setting is idyllic

- Gillian, July 2022

Thanks! We have to say we agree with you Property Owner
Dominic July 2022

“This is a beautiful property and has everything that you could possibly wish for.”

We really enjoyed our stay. We would very much like to stay again next year.

- Dominic, July 2022

So glad you enjoyed your stay and thanks for the lovely feedback. Hope you book again for next year! Property Owner
Alan April 2022

“Wonderful house with high quality fixtures and fittings.”

Absolutely stunning views towards the Fairfield horseshoe. Drawbacks remarkably few, save Wi-Fi reliability in some rooms, challenging blinds in two bedrooms and a weak shower in one room, although it also had a bath so less of an issue. We had expected a parking issue but with care we were able to park all 4 cars on site.

- Alan, April 2022
Andrew March 2022

“A lovely well equipped house, designed for walkers who come in with wet boots and jackets, with generous amounts of lovely shower gel, hand soaps, loo rolls, dishwasher tablets, herbs and spices and fuel for the log burner, which we haven’t experienced elsewhere before.”

The owners have done an excellent job and are to be congratulated e.g. in separating the shower water feeds between the hot tank, the combiboiler and an electric shower, but the electric shower in room 3 was the weakest and not really functional. However, Lakelovers, post the Sykes takeover, you have disappointed us again: you changed the code to the key safe without telling us, so we stood in the pouring rain after a 4 hour drive failing to get in. Only when we phoned did you tell us the correct code, with no hint of an apology, and a vague thought that maybe you had told us. It is simply not good enough. You even forgot to tell the cleaner a week later.

- Andrew, March 2022

Hi Andrew, Thank you for your lovely comments and we are so glad you had a lovely stay. Sorry to hear about the issue with Lakelovers. We have raised it with the team. Additionally we have just scheduled a revamp to bathroom 3 over the quiet winter period so you'll need to come back and let us know what you think! Alison and Gary Property Owner
David November 2021

“We were seeking a suitably large property with en suite bedrooms for a "house party" for a 70th birthday for a week.”

Without doubt we were lucky to fin Hilltop. It met all our requirements and more! Catering for 8 can be fun at home but away in a different kitchen can prove tricky for menu planning and serving - especially when doing 4 courses most nights with all the accoutrements. Everything went well and over the course of the week, we managed to make use of pretty well all the kitchen dishes etc! All of which were spotlessly clean. Great to once again cook with an Aga as well. It was all very evident that the owners had not only put a lot of thought into the set up of the property but also in the provision of equipment etc right down to the selection of the loo rolls! The welcome pack was another point of thoughtfulness and careful choices. We note that the owners in their notes on the cottage made the point that they would welcome any suggestions for improvements and thus we have one or two ideas for their consideration. We were confused as to waste disposal in that the guidance said the local council would separate materials from collection. For simple folk like s, it might help to say that all waste goes in the black bag [what was the white bag for?] and materials that are recycled here [state which - glass, paper but what of plastic can be just loosely placed in the big bin . That is if that is the correct procedure. We took the papers home and dropped off most of the bottles at a recycling point. I mention this not in anyway to suggest it was a problem but only because the owners clearly support best practice etc. As regards serving dishes - the one item we really missed was a sauceboat. I hasten to add, we managed Ok without one by making good use of the large greenish jug! The one other comment, which is probably more a reflection of our age is the lack of cups and saucers and wonder if perhaps a set of 4 would not go amiss - for those like us who prefer such. Speaking of which, we were surprised to see a set of 8 demi-tasse cups and would have used them for coffee but could not find their saucers! We were the hosts for the week and can say all our guests thought the house was super though some found the lounge a bit cold in mid/late afternoon - they could have light the fire! We could not understand why those using bedrooms 2 and 3 found them a bit on the cold side - especially given what we think were temperature controls in a panel for both those rooms. I am sure they probably could not work out how to use them effectively! Albeit noting that very small point, I would reiterate how very highly everyone thought of the cottage and that they all enjoyed their stay, which obviously had a lot to do with "Hilltop". It would also be remiss of me, not t mention about car parking and how clever of the owners to know of the space up the road to park a fourth car. - A very nice walk back to the cottage! Overall, super!

- David, November 2021

Hi David, Thanks for the lovely comments and glad you and your guests had a good stay. We'll take onboard your comments, make the instructions for disposal of waste clearer and look to get some saucers! The heating is on a timer and when it' is cold can be extended or set to continuous to make sure the house stays warm all the time. I'll check the instructions to make sure this is clear for everyone too. You can let us know what you think next time you come! Alison and Gary Property Owner
Keith November 2021

“Lovely house in beautiful setting.”

Spacious enough for all the family including 3 grandchildren who had a lovely time playing in the house and garden. Perfect stay for a family birthday celebration. Thanks to Alison and Gary

- Keith, November 2021

Hi Keith, Thanks for taking time to review your stay. Really glad you had a great time. Alison and Gary Property Owner
Orla October 2021

“Wonderfully spacious, really well equipped throughout, comfortable and warm - we appreciated the heated boot room and the car charging point.”

All in all, a fantastic holiday cottage - excellent for 4 couples As aknowledged, the water pressure upstairs was a bit low at times - I understand that the owner is sorting this and the wi-fi was a bit flakey - there was none from Tuesday onwards

- Orla, October 2021

Hi Orla, Thanks for taking time to review your stay. Glad you found the boot room useful. We’ve found it to be very handy after wet walks and cycles. Thankfully the water pressure was fixed a couple of weeks ago. There was a leak in a field somewhere! The WiFi was back up when we were there. Hopefully you may stay another time! Alison and Gary Property Owner
Joanna October 2021

“Beautiful house with great facilities.”

Kitchen well kitted out, lots of room for eight people to enjoy a comfortable stay. I would only suggest owner provide enough dishwasher tablets (with eight guests eating breakfast and dinner two washes a day) and loo paper. I think for the price we paid that can be expected. Other than these minor points a lovely house, kitchen facilities fantastic and well equipped, loved the aga. Everything done to a high standard. Generous welcome pack. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

- Joanna, October 2021

Hi Joanna, Thanks for your great review and glad you enjoyed your stay. We’ve taken your view onboard about the dishwasher tablets and toilet rolls and increased the number we leave. Kind regards Alison and Gary Property Owner
Keith August 2021

“The quality of the property and all the little touches by hosts made it feel special.”

- Keith, August 2021
Alison August 2021

“Accommodation was fantastic.”

Great location, easy access to local facilities and hot spots. Lovely, spacious, clean, well equipped family house. Will definitely stay again!

- Alison, August 2021
Mark July 2021

“Hilltop is an amazing property in a fantastic location.”

Every thought has been given to guests’ comfort. We would really recommend it.

- Mark, July 2021

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Summary

Highly Commended for a Five Star property
Four bedrooms: 1 x super king size bed with TV, balcony and ensuite walk-in shower, basin and WC, 1 x super king size bed with ensuite walk-in shower, separate bath, basin and WC, 1 x super king size bed (can be set up as twin beds on request) with TV and ensuite walk-in shower, separate bath, basin and WC, 1 x super king size bed (can be set up as twin beds on request) with ensuite walk-in shower, basin and WC
Ground-floor cloakroom with basin and WC
Kitchen/diner
Utility
Boot room
Dining room
Sitting room with wood burning stove
Snug
Gas central heating
Electric AGA, electric oven, induction hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, fridge, 2 x dishwasher, Nespresso compatible coffee machine, washer/dryer, large Smart TV, 2 x TVs and WiFi
Sonos sound system servicing the whole ground floor and bedroom 1
All gas, electric, bed linen and towels included. Initial supply of logs for wood burner provided
Highchair and travel cot provided
Off-road parking for three cars, with a type 2 electric car charging point
Secure bike storage for eight bikes
Enclosed rear garden which includes a patio area with table, chairs and a raised lawn area
Open and informal front garden with mature trees and benches
Sorry, no pets or smoking allowed
Shop and pub 0.7 miles

The property

Hilltop At Hawkshead Hill is an exceptional holiday home, enjoying an idyllic central location in the Lake District National Park, within walking distance of Hawkshead village and close to the busier towns of Ambleside, Coniston and Windemere. Enjoying an elevated position with extensive views across the fells, the former coach house to Highfield House, where Beatrix Potter's husband grew up, is now a wonderful place for families or friends to call home as they enjoy a holiday to the Lakes. With 4 bedrooms all with ensuite facilities, spacious living areas and lovely outside spaces, this well equipped house is the perfect base for a holiday with friends and family. Accommodation in detail The living room of this Victorian house is where the coach used to be housed.

It has high ceilings, large windows with great views and spacious accommodation where guests can gather to relax in front of the wood burning stove, while listening to music or watching the large Smart TV. The extensively equipped kitchen has a traditional Aga complemented by high quality appliances including hob, oven, microwave and dishwasher.

There is a choice of places to eat: within the kitchen, where table and chairs are positioned to enjoy the view of the countryside beyond, in the more formal dining room, outside on the secluded patio or even informally on the balcony attached to bedroom one. Just off the dining room you will discover a snug, which is perfect for a quiet escape.

There is also a large boot room for storing and drying outdoor gear and a utility room with a washer/dryer, an additional dishwasher and fridge. On the first floor there are four delightful bedrooms, each one boasting large comfortable beds, ensuite facilities and designed to ensure that sleep comes easy after an action-packed day. Choose between bedroom one with a super king size bed, a spacious balcony with seating for 8 and stunning views, bedroom two with super king size bed and views to the fells, or bedroom three and four, both of which can be set up with a super king sized bed or two singles depending on the needs of your group. To the exterior, you will find a pretty, secluded garden where the paved patio area houses table and chairs for enjoying a spot of alfresco dining during the summer months.

At the front there is an informal lawned area where you can sit and enjoy the view across the Cumbrian countryside. The nearby characterful village of Hawkshead which is a short walk away, has a number of pubs, teashops and a range of shops to pick up gifts or supplies.

The larger town of Ambleside is a short drive away and is home to further amenities.

Bowness or Windemere can be easily accessed via the ferry at Far Sawrey which crosses Lake Windemere on a picturesque journey. Those feeling active will be spoilt for choice by the selection of walks and cycle rides available, including walks from the house up to Tarn Hows, Black Crag or Latterbarrow, the easily accessible peaks from Coniston or the Langdale valleys, mountain biking in Grizedale or a varietyof road and gravel rides.

Lake Windemere, Coniston Water and Esthwaite Water are all just a short distance away making this a fabulous location for exploring all the Lake District has to offer. With five pubs within walking distance, the Drunken Duck a short distance away and the Michelin starred restaurants of Cartmel, Ambleside, Grasmere and Windemere a car ride away, this is a perfect base for food lovers too! Hilltop at Hawkshead Hill promises to be a wonderful getaway, at any time of the year.

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About the location

HAWKSHEAD

Ambleside 5.1 miles; Kendal 17.4 miles.

The picturesque village of Hawkshead still retains the charm and character that so endeared it to its most famous residents - William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Visitors can wander the wealth of tiny alleyways, thoroughfares, archways and courtyards between the whitewashed 17th century houses. There are many pleasant inns, teashops, guest houses and gift shops in the village, as well as the Beatrix Potter Gallery, which houses an annually changing exhibition of the famous author’s illustrations and stories. The other famous Hawkshead enthusiast, William Wordsworth, attended the Old Grammar School in 1779-87, which still stands today, and you can visit the building where the Lakeland poet developed his love of the form, and even see the desk into which he scratched his name as a small boy! Newby Bridge is ten miles away and offers attractions such as the Aquarium of the Lakes and Windermere Lake Cruises, sailing daily between Ambleside, Bowness and Lakeside. With stunning scenery and numerous attractions within easy touring distance, Hawkshead is in an ideal location at any time of the year.

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Reviews & Ratings

“For our annual family holiday we have stayed at many different houses but Hilltop topped them all.”

“The house is everything we could have wished for.”

“Lovely spacious property, close to Ambleside and Windermere.”

“A lovely property in a good location.”

“Very comfortable and spacious.”

“Superb property, very comfortable for our extended family group, great location and excellent views.”

“Hilltop is a really excellent holiday property, everything we could possibly want, we had a lovely week, thank you.”

“Hilltop is really beautiful.”

“Wonderful house in wonderful place, every comfort you need and more, space for all 8 of us.”

“Had a wonderful stay here over the New Year.”

“Amazing property with everything we needed and more.”

“The house was lovely and in such a fantastic location with amazing views.”

“This is a beautiful house with everything that you could possibly need for a holiday home.”

“Hilltop is a beautifully styled and comfortable holiday home, set in stunning countryside.”

“The property was the best we have ever stayed in and we have been visiting the Lake District for many years.”

“This was our third visit to Hilltop and it was as wonderful as ever.”

“It was a magical break with family, everything we needed - and more- a home from home with extra.”

“Amazing property.”

“Undoubtedly one of the very best cottages we have stayed in.”

“A beautiful house with immaculate fixtures and furnishings .”

“Lovely house, very well-equipped, comfortable and stylish and in a wonderful situation.”

“The house is beautiful and well equipped.”

“This is a beautiful property and has everything that you could possibly wish for.”

“Wonderful house with high quality fixtures and fittings.”

“A lovely well equipped house, designed for walkers who come in with wet boots and jackets, with generous amounts of lovely shower gel, hand soaps, loo rolls, dishwasher tablets, herbs and spices and fuel for the log burner, which we haven’t experienced elsewhere before.”

“We were seeking a suitably large property with en suite bedrooms for a "house party" for a 70th birthday for a week.”

“Lovely house in beautiful setting.”

“Wonderfully spacious, really well equipped throughout, comfortable and warm - we appreciated the heated boot room and the car charging point.”

“Beautiful house with great facilities.”

“The quality of the property and all the little touches by hosts made it feel special.”

“Accommodation was fantastic.”

“Hilltop is an amazing property in a fantastic location.”

Summary

The property

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About the location

HAWKSHEAD