The Boundary

4.2★

14 Guests
7 Bedrooms
7 Bathrooms
Pets Yes
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Features

Open fire
Garden / Patio
Highchair available
Pub/shop < 1 mile
Dishwasher
Sky TV
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

19 Customer Review(s)

Laura
September 2024

“We had a lovely stay, this place was perfect for what we needed!”

After reading some reviews we were a bit concerned but we need not have been. There was definitely some maintenance that needs to be done, but it didn’t impact on our stay at all. We found the house to be well equipped, clean and comfortable. The welcome hamper was such a treat and made a lovely welcome. The kitchen was great, and ended up being where we all gathered. The property was ideal for what we needed and we are looking to book again next year. Thank you.

After reading some reviews we were a bit concerned but we need not have been. There was definitely some maintenance that needs to be done, but it didn’t impact on our stay at all. We found the house to be well equipped, clean and comfortable. The welcome hamper was such a treat and made a lovely welcome. The kitchen was great, and ended up being where we all gathered. The property was ideal for what we needed and we are looking to book again next year. Thank you.

- Laura, September 2024

Dear Guests Thank you for your lovely review I’m really glad you enjoyed your stay and appreciated what the Boundary offers. We are getting on with maintenance when possible through the autumn after a busy summer of bookings through Lakelovers and directly via our own website. We hope to welcome you again in 2025! Property Owner
Tom August 2024

“I was offered a 20% discount before the holiday due to “wear and tear that the owner hadn’t had a chance to rectify” that had apparently dropped the property rating from 5 star to 4 star.”

There is no way the property was at the level of a 4 star rating. It was dirty, particularly in the kitchen and bathrooms, and dirtiness that was easy enough to clean it just hadn’t been done. There was also excessive damage to furniture and fittings, a shower door had been smashed and not replaced, the lock on the front door was broken and didn’t lock (we had small children). Wardrobes didn’t open, mattresses were awful, this is just a few of many, many issues. Honestly I’d expect far better from a Travel Lodge. I feel Sykes knew about this due to the discount offered, which I now feel was to try and prevent larger claims due the condition of the property. I think in this case you have put customer satisfaction below minimising losses in your priorities, I feel quite cheated that I paid for a “5 star luxury holiday home” and got a dirty, damaged 2 star property at best.

- Tom, August 2024

Dear Mr Geater Thank you for your review. I am so sorry that the house disappointed you to such an extent. I will pass your comments about the cleaning issues on to my housekeeping team (verbatim!) I was made aware (an hour after you checked) out that a number of maintenance issues that I had thought had been dealt with by Lakelovers maintenance on your arrival day had in fact not been (for example a curtain and pole that a previous guest had brought down). Demand for maintenance at this time of year is vast and the time to carry it out compressed into very short periods as I am sure you, being a reasonable person, will understand. Nevertheless, I can only apologise. I am surprised, I will admit, by some of what you say. It’s the first time anyone has said *anything* critical about the beds! I will check them out as soon as I have opportunity. You were, as you say, offered a discount because of wear and tear that I had not had the chance to rectify: the house has been solidly booked since late April and will be so until September 23rd, when we will be able to do some maintenance. I do feel your comments about a “dirty, damaged, two-star property at best” are a little unfair and disproportionate, however. Believe me, I am saddened by how disappointing the house was to you, and your review was hard to read. I hope that you and your family were still able to have an enjoyable week, despite it all. Best wishes Steve (owner) Property Owner
Keith August 2024

“A great place to stay and perfect for our mixed age family holiday (2-64!”

) we really enjoyed ourselves and would certainly return!

- Keith, August 2024
Gill April 2024

“The location was great and we cannot fault the contact we had with the owner.”

It was described as luxury but felt a little tired in places.

- Gill, April 2024

Thank you for your feedback, we are sorry you felt the property was a little tired in places. I will make the owner aware. We hope to welcome you back soon. The owner relations team Property Owner
Graham March 2024

“Had a lovely stay at the Boundary to celebrate my 60th birthday with family .”

The accommodation is spacious , heating worked well , bedrooms and bathrooms were marvellous , lounge cosy and kitchen / dining facilities were great for the 14 of us .. Only issue we encountered was a shortage of glasses for the amount of people and the freezer handle was broken , otherwise a thoroughly enjoyable time in a lovely property .

- Graham, March 2024
Dean February 2024

“Great property 2nd time here and will stay again”

- Dean, February 2024
Rachel February 2024

“Large family weekend away and the property was perfect in terms of everyone having their own room and bathroom, well stocked house (Although we had to purchase a can opener) and the welcome basket was a lovely touch.”

What was a little disappointing was the lack of maintenance to the property. We paid a lot of money for a 3 night stay and would expect that the standard of the property reflected this. Majority of the shower's were faulty in one room a shower door was missing completely. The back door was left open and there was no key to lock it, on contacting the owner there was no resolution and we were told 'its a low crime area'. With small/young children in the property this was not reassuring. Temperature control was an issue, some rooms (dining room and kitchen) were tropical where others were freezing cold (upper floors) and there was no way to address this. The overall maintenance and care for the property was lacking, from damp patches on blinds and window dressings to peeling paint and wall paper, light bulbs missing or not working, limited number of TV's not ideal for a large group of people. Potential to be a fantastic place to stay but more shabby chic than boutique.

- Rachel, February 2024

Thank you for your feedback. All of it is gratefully received - both positive and negative. I am sorry you had to purchase a can opener - the kitchen is generally well-stocked as you say but occasionally things disappear or are misplaced. A case in point is that of the missing back door keys! There have always been two (as with the front door) and sometime around Christmas that became one - and then you found they were both missing. This has been rectified now. I completely agree that guests should be able to lock the back door, of course; I just had no way to remedy it during your weekend stay as I could not get there with spares. As for the heating issues, I am very sorry the top rooms were cold. I am not sure why this was as all radiators - in reception rooms, bathrooms and bedrooms - have a thermostatic control. The tropical nature of the kitchen has now been traced to a malfunctioning thermostat which has now been replaced. The absence of the shower door in the four-poster room's bathroom is deliberate - it is a large walk in shower with a step and the opening makes up only part of one side; the original door was removed many years ago as it was extremely heavy and used to get stuck. I do try to ensure extra shower mats are provided in that bathroom to collect any splashes. As for the TVs - there is one in the downstairs snug, off the kitchen, and one in the sitting room upstairs, as detailed in the listing. They both have Sky Q so guests have sports and cinema on demand. I completely take on board the comments about decorative issues and any non-working lightbulbs. We do work to correct these on an ongoing basis [lightbulbs can of course go at any stage] and we have been working to correct these when we can get in between guest bookings. The next time we will be able to do this will be in the secont half of April, as the house is booked until then, as can be seen from our listing. I hope these issues didn't prevent your having a lovely stay! Property Owner
Amy October 2023

“Great facilities and location.”

Perfect for a family get together.

- Amy, October 2023

Thank you for your lovely feedback. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your stay at The Boundary. The Lakelovers Owner Relations Team Property Owner
Rose June 2023

“We had a lovely time.”

Location Excellant Garden a bit neglected. Cigarette butts and beer bottles in the garden The Rose bush was pure perfume

- Rose, June 2023

Thank you for your feedback, the owners will see this and be able to review your comments regarding the garden. We are glad that you enjoyed your stay and the rose bush. Lakelovers Owner Relations Property Owner
Pamela April 2023

“Great house for a large family”

- Pamela, April 2023

Thank you for your kind comments. We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your stay. We hope to welcome you back. Property Owner
Michael January 2023

“The Boundary was ideal for our family gathering of teenagers upwards to celebrate a 50th birthday.”

The house was warm and welcoming and homely despite being so spacious. It is the most generously equipped place we have ever rented, especially the kitchen. Superb showers in the en suites! The front outer door was difficult to open and close and this made the entrance hall a bit draughty - otherwise we had no complaints.

- Michael, January 2023

Thank you for your kind comments. We are so glad that you found that house to be welcoming. We hope to welcome you back again. Property Owner
David December 2022

“Lovely house, perfect for our family gathering.”

Great location between Bowness and Windermere. We found it easy to walk to both centres, even with small children. House is spacious, comfortable and well equipped - we had everything we needed. Thanks to the owners for making it so easy to settle in quickly and enjoy our stay.

- David, December 2022
Chris November 2022

“Great holiday- will probably book again if the other guests are available”

- Chris, November 2022
Josephine February 2022

“We had a fabulous stay and all thought the house was perfect for large gatherings.”

Most comfortable beds gorgeous bathrooms. Fabulous kitchen the cooker was little temperamental but got hang of it. Drier didn’t seem to work (not going round) Couple of showers cool but plenty of others to share and nothing spoiled our stay these are minor points. Some tlc required only used the lounge last day and under the cushions requires a very good hoovering. One bowl smashed which I left note about and a glass Broke in the dishwasher a spillage on a throw but washed and left on radiator. Would love to return in the future. Regards jo shaw (mother of the bride)

- Josephine, February 2022
Kate December 2021

“Beautiful, spacious house in good location.”

Perfect home to spend precious time with extended family over the Christmas period. Large kitchen/diner was the heart of the house and where we spent the majority of our time when not out in the fells. Fabulous bedrooms with very comfortable beds, pillows and lovely bedding. Great for everyone to have their own bathroom facilities, especially in these times!

- Kate, December 2021
Mrs Moulding Nov 2019

“Everything,fab location,lovely welcome basket of goodies,very homely property,super comfy beds and high quality bedding and pillows, amazing kitchen where we spent a lot of time sat drinking and chatting around that superb dining table,It was a fantastic week celebrating our 40th anniversary.”

- Mrs Moulding, Nov 2019
Mr Rich Oct 2018

“A beautiful property in a stunning location.”

Everything we needed to be comfortable plus a lot more

- Mr Rich, Oct 2018
Gowers, Connolly, Brown & Farnell Family May 2018

“We had a wonderful holiday, made perfect by the weather.”

The Boundary is a beautiful house, full of character. We have absolutely no complaint or grumbles - everything was to our liking! Many thanks

- Gowers, Connolly, Brown & Farnell Family, May 2018
Gardiner, Howells & Hartleys May 2018

“We arrived in the rain to spend the rest of the week in sunshine, one getting a lovely tan!”

! The house was very comfortable and the house was so large you had ring to find each other. Bedrooms were true to photographs with white fluffy towels, hot roomy showers and great baths enjoyed by all. As there were 4 generations, and each one enjoyed a space in the house. Thank you for the welcome basket, very unexpected. Would love to return again

- Gardiner, Howells & Hartleys, May 2018

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Summary

Seven bedrooms: 2 x super king-size (zip/link can be 2 x twin upon request), 5 x king-size
7 x en-suite bath/shower rooms with basin and WC
Kitchen with dining area
Sitting room with woodburning stove
Snug
Games room.
Gas central heating with woodburning stoves
Electric oven with gas hob, fridge/freezer with ice dispenser, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, boil tap for instant hot water, Sky TV with Sports package, WiFi
Fuel and power inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
High chair available, please bring own cot
Patio with furniture and BBQ
Private parking for 5 cars
One pet welcome
Sorry, no smoking
Pub 3 min walk
Shop 8 min walk
Bowness 0.7 miles.

The property

This spacious Victorian residence is located right on the boundary between Bowness and the shores of Lake Windermere on one side, and the village of Windermere itself on the other, in the heart of the Lake District National Park.

Step inside and take pleasure in the blend of olde-world charm and the convenience of 21st-century living.

Whether you are celebrating a happy event or just spending time with your favourite people, The Boundary is an ideal base.

The area has everything you could wish for and both bustling Lakeland villages are a five-minute stroll away - tempting you out to sample more than 40 excellent restaurants, bars and pubs -bliss!

Accommodation in detail Parking for 5 cars right outside with ample further parking available free of any change very close by; a few Victorian stone steps lead into an entrance hall to this grand residence, this opens to two separate reception rooms both with relaxing furnishing and a space age wood burner to gather round.

The house's owner, a former journalist, is a cricket nut and there is a gentle theme devoted to the summer game throughout the house.

The bedrooms are named for long-dead players (and in one case a legendary cricket writer). 5 rooms have king-sized beds, with one being a four-poster.

The other two rooms can be a super-king double or twin so please specify how you wish these to be arranged at the time of booking.

Each bedroom has its own bathroom facility, 6 of which are en-suite, with the 7th having a bathroom just next door.

All have both a bath and a shower.. Fry Second floor, but definitely worth climbing the stairs for, with something of the raffish feel appropriate to a room named for C.B.

Fry, the legendary Edwardian cricketer and all-round Renaissance man.

A lofty, spacious room with windows facing south and east, furnishings including a hand-carved French-style mahogany bed and Venetian glass dressing table.

Bathroom has double basins, large-head shower, separate bath and underfloor heating.

Ranji Second floor front, with free-standing bath in room.

Named for C B Fry's great friend, the Indian prince Sir K.S.

Ranjitsinhji.

A romantic, room at the front of the house, which looks north-west, with flamingo-strewn wallpaper, panelling behind the bed, slightly rococo furniture and double-ended bath in the room.

There is a separate shower room for traditionalists, complete with underfloor heating, walk-in shower and views toward Claife Heights.

Hobbs First floor front, this is the original master bedroom of the house, named for the master batsman Jack Hobbs, who made a still-unequalled 197 first-class centuries in his 40-year career.

Spacious and complete with original big bay window and cornices.

Views towards Claife Heights and just a glimpse of Windermere in winter.

The furniture is hand-painted, including the king-sized four-poster bed.

The lordly bathroom boasts a two-person walk-in grohe rain shower, lovely Victoria & Albert free-standing bath and underfloor heating.

MacLaren First floor back; a spacious room with wooden shutters to bedroom and bathroom windows - perfect for late risers.

Named for A.

MacLaren, England captain and still the holder of the record individual total for Lancashire (a monumental 424 against Somerset in 1895).

MacLaren features an elegant colour scheme, in shades of grey and blue, with Venetian glass dressing table and full-length mirror and and a zip-and-link bed which can be two 3-foot divans or a super-king double as you require.

The bathroom has underfloor heating, double washbasins and a digital remote control for the shower, so you can get the temperature just right before you even get out of bed.

Barnes Ground floor room Named for the cantankerous S.F.

Barnes, the great Staffordshire bowler; the only minor counties cricketer ever to play for England, who also made Richie Benaud's all-time greatest XI.

A ground floor room with easy access to the living areas.

A light, airy room with funky bathroom including large Kudos/aqualisa digital walk-in shower, separate bath, double basins and underfloor heating.

Cardus Ground floor room.

Neville Cardus is considered the father of modern cricket writing, (and also, unbelievably, a legendary music journalist) via an impoverished childhood and meagre education.

A ground floor room also with easy access to the living quarters.

Also light and airy, and featuring a roll top bath in the bedroom and again for the shy; separate shower room - perfect! Grace Lower ground.

On the same level as the kitchen/dining room and den.

A bright airy room with original sash window, named for the most famous, notorious cricketer of the Victorian/Edwardian era.

This room will be great for night owls as it is just down the corridor from the kitchen for those who stay up late or like a nocturnal drink or snack!

.This is one of the two rooms you can book as either as a super king double or a twin; please let us know which when you make your reservation.

This room has a separate bathroom right next door with bath and shower over.

Please note this bathroom doubles as the lower floor bathroom for general use by all guests.

OK, now that you are all set with sleeping arrangements, there are more rooms to consider; the all-important kitchen area features huge oven for that soiree, island to gather round and discuss the day ahead over a cuppa, available instantly thanks to the Quooker boil tap, large American fridge / freezer to store the wine, and much more opening into a light and airy glazed area with doors out onto your terraced patio, perfect for a little al-fresco entertaining on warm days.

The same room includes the spacious dining area, with table and - deceptively comfortable - chairs capable of accommodating all 14 and where good food may be had, great wine will be sampled and conversation may go way into the night!

Off this area is what we call the den, with curved comfy sofa and a place to escape, watch Sky Sports or play a game or two! Location The Boundary provides an ideal base for a holiday in the Lake District, whether you're looking to explore the whole region or simply enjoy the attractions surrounding Lake Windermere.

Windermere village is a lovely place to make yourself at home, with lazy cafes for breakfast, plenty of shops for stocking up the kitchen, traditional Lake District pubs and several restaurants to choose from.

A number of superb walks begin nearby, including the easy ascent of Orrest Head which promises spectacular views of Lake Windermere from the top Bowness village sits on the eastern shores of Lake Windermere.

Access to the lake is only a few minutes' stroll from the village centre at Bowness Bay, where hire boats come and go and Windermere Lake Cruises depart regularly to both Ambleside and Lakeside.

A great way to explore without driving!

Looking for somewhere to eat and drink, Bowness has a great choice from top quality pubs, coffee shops and wine bars and with everything from cafes and bistros to fine dining restaurants, there's something to please everyone.

Bowness also has a mainstream cinema, and the Old Laundry Theatre offers an interesting programme of performances. For touring by car, you'll find Windermere a great place to start.

A famously scenic stretch of the A591 leads to Ambleside, Rydal Water and historic Grasmere.

Branch off into the Troutbeck Valley and take one of the most breathtaking scenic drives in the Lake District - over Kirkstone Pass to Ullswater.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £250.

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About the location

WINDERMERE

Ambleside 5 miles; Kendal 8.7 miles.

The twin towns of Bowness and Windermere are both vibrant, fun-filled places set within the splendid scenery of the Lake District. Both towns provide a range of amenities, shops and restaurants to suit all tastes whilst Ambleside offers the additional attraction of a boat ride to Bowness, the Lakeside Aquarium and Beatrix Potter's 'Hill Top House' at Sawrey. Grizedale Forest Park is within easy driving distance and is home to a range of activities including many good walks, mountain biking and the 'Go Ape' adventure park. The region also boasts many National Trust properties as well as a variety of water sports for those who prefer a more adrenaline-fuelled trip. Children will enjoy a trip to the 'World of Beatrix Potter' in Bowness whilst the villages of Grasmere, Coniston Water, Kendal, Keswick and the Lakeland Mountains are all within easy reach.

5 bedrooms have goose feather duvets - 2 are synthetic.

This property offers the following short breaks:

Winter
Off-season

Windermere, Cumbria & The Lake District (Ref. 1042275)

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Features

Reviews & Ratings

“We had a lovely stay, this place was perfect for what we needed!”

“I was offered a 20% discount before the holiday due to “wear and tear that the owner hadn’t had a chance to rectify” that had apparently dropped the property rating from 5 star to 4 star.”

“A great place to stay and perfect for our mixed age family holiday (2-64!”

“The location was great and we cannot fault the contact we had with the owner.”

“Had a lovely stay at the Boundary to celebrate my 60th birthday with family .”

“Great property 2nd time here and will stay again”

“Large family weekend away and the property was perfect in terms of everyone having their own room and bathroom, well stocked house (Although we had to purchase a can opener) and the welcome basket was a lovely touch.”

“Great facilities and location.”

“We had a lovely time.”

“Great house for a large family”

“The Boundary was ideal for our family gathering of teenagers upwards to celebrate a 50th birthday.”

“Lovely house, perfect for our family gathering.”

“Great holiday- will probably book again if the other guests are available”

“We had a fabulous stay and all thought the house was perfect for large gatherings.”

“Beautiful, spacious house in good location.”

“Everything,fab location,lovely welcome basket of goodies,very homely property,super comfy beds and high quality bedding and pillows, amazing kitchen where we spent a lot of time sat drinking and chatting around that superb dining table,It was a fantastic week celebrating our 40th anniversary.”

“A beautiful property in a stunning location.”

“We had a wonderful holiday, made perfect by the weather.”

“We arrived in the rain to spend the rest of the week in sunshine, one getting a lovely tan!”

Summary

The property

View on map

About the location

WINDERMERE