Daffodils

4.2★

4 Guests
2 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
Pets No
Show on map

Features

Off road parking
Open fire
Dishwasher
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

22 Customer Review(s)

Alison
March 2024

“This is our third stay at ‘Daffodils’ and we had a wonderful week.”

The cottage is a gem in the heart of the Lakes and I just wanted to thank the owners for sharing their Lakeland retreat. I feel sad that the cottage is up for sale as I can’t imagine feeling so comfortable in another cottage. Being able to walk in every direction from the cottage and to leave the car behind is great. As we’ve had so much rain recently we decided to walk to a waterfall every day; I even swam in one (Buckstone Jump) on a blue sky day. The books in the house were very useful, ...

The cottage is a gem in the heart of the Lakes and I just wanted to thank the owners for sharing their Lakeland retreat. I feel sad that the cottage is up for sale as I can’t imagine feeling so comfortable in another cottage. Being able to walk in every direction from the cottage and to leave the car behind is great. As we’ve had so much rain recently we decided to walk to a waterfall every day; I even swam in one (Buckstone Jump) on a blue sky day. The books in the house were very useful, especially the one about waterfall walks!! We woke up to the sound of birds every morning and spotted about 20 different types of birds at Rydal. Look out for dippers bobbing on Rydal Beck and I was lucky to see a red squirrel (very fleeting) in the garden.

- Alison, March 2024

You are very welcome to share our Lakeland retreat We are so sad at having to sell after 37 years but SO pleased the birds , one of the squirrels and the waterfalls didn’t let you down Well done on the wild swimming !! Alan & Sue xx Property Owner
Geoffrey James March 2024

“Lovely, cosy, quirky and quaint cottage in a brilliant location, especially if you are doing a Wordsworth tour ( right next door to Rydal Mount and a nice walk along the Grasmere Coffin route to Dove Cottage) or for other brilliant walks on the doorstep.”

Great pub just a 5 minute walk ( Badger Bar) does excellent food. Loved the wood burning stove in the cottage, perfect for rainy evenings and gave the cottage an even cosier feel. Well equipped new kitchen with everything you need. Had a really lovely stay, sadly had to come home, could quite easily have stayed much much longer. Bit of a rainy week but when you are in such a beautiful setting in a place as cosy as Daffodil it didn’t matter. Thanks to the owners, Sykes and Lakelovers who all made this a hassle free relaxing break

- Geoffrey James, March 2024

Great to hear you had such a relaxing break in a place we love and that all aspects of the cottage met your expectations Hope to see you again soon Warmest wishes Alan & Sue Property Owner
Mike February 2024

“We had a lovely time in Daffodils.”

..what a beautiful house in a beautiful location...we didn't want to leave. If we had £595k we'd buy it! Only, very minor quibbles. TV is really small and for two getting on people like us, hard to see the screen. It could be a bit cleaner...cobwebs, fridge needed just a spruce up, and the bedroom windows need a clean round the frames, but that's housework stuff and didn't make ant difference to our enjoyment of the cottage. If Daffodils is still a holiday home next year, we will be back if we can get in a booking. Thank you Lakelovers too for sorting this out last minute and getting the keys to us when I picked up the wrong ones!

- Mike, February 2024
Rebecca February 2024

“Overall a great stay.”

Cottage perfectly located near Ambleside but in a quiet little spot off the main road with superb walks on the doorstep and birds/red squirrels in the garden. Badger Bar serves great pub food, 10 min walk away. Minor points really but stay could have been 100% with a few little additions - coat hooks by the door, extra loo rolls, tea and coffee plus dishcloth/fairy liquid. Wood burner didn’t give out much heat and no wood provided. If a little extra thought given then would have been perfect!

- Rebecca, February 2024

Hi there We’re pleased you had a great stay. !! We don’t offer extra fuel or loo rolls as we try and keep the rents competitive but we do offer , we think , a nice , clean experience in a lovely setting Please return for the wildlife and Badger Bar food!! Property Owner
Tracey October 2023

“We found both the location and the cottage to be very accommodating for our short break.”

The cottage was lovely, no complaints. It was a haven for wildlife. A red squirrel visited the garden at least twice that we were privy to. Both times spotted it was early morning, it was amazing, never seen a red before. Birds aplenty, even the lesser spotted ones. The holiday was both restorative and energising. Home from home minus the stress of everyday routine and chaos. Central for so many of the lakes. Would go again, even in November, but would like to see it in spring as well. Shame the property was up for sale!

- Tracey, October 2023

So pleased the red squirrels came to visit you- they are very special We try and attract the birds to come as there are some unusual ones Someone described Daffodils as paradise with a postcode- you seem to agree We have to sell sadly after 35 years- heartbroken ! Come again soon Property Owner
Lilian September 2023

“Had a lovely week as usual, The new mattress was very comfortable!”

- Lilian, September 2023

Thanks Lilian Glad the mattress was great Alan & Sue xx Property Owner
Georgie August 2023

“Gorgeous traditional cottage in an amazing location.”

Only fault was the mattress which I was told was going to be replaced the day we left! We loved our stay with Daffodils and it was just perfect for a family holiday.

- Georgie, August 2023

So pleased you had a great holiday at our cottage Yes, the new mattress is now in place as we try to respond to all sensible issues raised Alan & Sue Property Owner
Michelle August 2023

“Picturesque cottage in a great location, bus stops at the bottom of the road.”

Was disappointed to see that previous guests had jotted down the negatives in the guest book and not on the website. Mentioned by previous guests – the parking, double bed mattress, sofa. If I had seen these comments online I would not have booked the property. Problems: Double bed – you roll into the middle of the bed, no support, uncomfortable and wasn’t able to get more than a few hours sleep. Single beds – not much padding, could feel the springs, springs creaked when you moved, uncomfortable. Smoke alarms – In both the bedrooms these flashed intermittently a bright white light all night. Water/heater system – It kicks in at 6am (4:45am on Saturday), it was so noisy it woke us up in the double bedroom and we were not able to get back to sleep because it runs for a couple of hours. Sofa – sinks when you sit in it. Parking – Parking was frustrating. If you have a small car you should be alright (it all depends on how the guests next door park and the size of their car). If you have a large car it is problematic. You can’t open car doors when parked and we had to park so close to the gate to get the car fully on the driveway that it wasn’t possible to open the gate (we used next doors gate). We did once leave the car with a 10cm overhang off the edge of the driveway when we had the bike rack on the back, we had to move the car because the coach driver said he couldn’t get the coach bus to clear the corner – so I wouldn’t recommend even a slight overhang in case of damage to your vehicle. My requirements when I book a property is a decent night sleep and a dedicated parking space that my car will fit into. We left exhausted after a week of lack of sleep due to the poor mattresses, flashing smoke alarms, and noisy water/heater system. (Reported to letting agent: mattresses, smoke alarms and sofa)

- Michelle, August 2023
Hilary March 2023

“Daffodils is a beautiful cottage in a lovely location but the problem we encountered was not being warm enough due to the log burner being out of action.”

Heart of the Lakes left a note saying the stove flue needed sweeping and on lighting it the first evening black smoke filled the room. We did not use it again and the storage heaters and electric convector heaters did not provide a warm ambience especially in the evenings. We cut our holiday short due to the cold temperatures. The description of the cottage is misleading as it says it has central heating which it doesn’t. Storage heaters are not as efficient as central heating and the downstaires of the cottage was particularly chilly. The storage heater in the lounge particularly did not give off sufficient heat in the evenings. Also it says fuel is provided but we were only provided with a starter basket of logs and kindling and if we had been able to use the stove would have needed to buy more ourselves. As logs are expensive ( I know as I have a log burner at home) I feel this should have been made clear. I made a complaint to Heart of the lakes a week ago about the stove and rang again at the end of last week asking for some sort of a refund but was told they are waiting for a response from the owner with no timescale for the resolution of this complaint. Heart of the lakes did provide extra electric convector heaters but sitting in front of the log burner was all part of the ambiance of a Lakeland cottage and was why we booked the cottage. As it was known before the holiday that the flue needed sweeping we should have been informed that this essential amenity was out of action and we would have rescheduled our stay. I was told by Heart of the Lakes a sweep has not been booked until April. Overall it was a very disappointing experience in what is a beautiful cottage. I have had a period of ill health and was treating two friends who have supported me to the holiday and it was not the treat for them I had hoped for due to being chilly in the evenings especially and having to come home early when the temperature dropped later in the week.

- Hilary, March 2023

We are really sorry to hear about your experience This was totally the fault of the letting agents who have never been in touch with us, except to say the chimney needed sweeping which we immediately arrange We Property Owner
Jane November 2022

“Homely, warm and cosy cottage, well equipped and a very welcome retreat after long walks in the wind and the rain!”

Initial problem with heater immediately sorted. Amazing location, next to Wordsworth's home (Rydal Mount), with so many beautiful walks from the doorstep and a great pub round the corner. We also enjoyed all the wild birds in the garden. We had a lovely week, thank you!

- Jane, November 2022

Glad you had such a great time Jane - the birds here are amazing ! As is the cottage , as you found Alan & Sue Property Owner
Lilian June 2022

“This was our second visit to Daffodils this year.”

We love the position of the cottage next to Rydal Hall, it's heavenly. This old cottage is beautiful and spotlessly clean.

- Lilian, June 2022

Thanks Lillian for your kind comments We are pleased that you appreciate the cottage as much as we do Warmest wishes Alan & Sue Property Owner
Roy May 2022

“The problem we had was the tv.”

The hand set onoff button did not work the tv its self was to small we could not read any writing unless we sat right next to it.The rear patio needs attention we do like to sit outside.I thought it had wifi but there was no password.Im not sure it was worth the price i payed going by past cottages.

- Roy, May 2022

This is the first time we’ve had mention of the tv- the on/ off button was working 3 weeks ago when we were there The Wi-fi password is on the router The rear patio has an expensive bistro set We try our best to satisfy all our clients Heart of the lakes maintenance would soon have sorted the tv out Alan & Sue The Property Owner
Ian April 2022

“This is the third time we have stayed at Daffodils and we would hope to come back another three times A " no thrills " gem of a cottage in an area we know very well.”

Perfect for our needs. A big thank you to the owners.

- Ian, April 2022

Thanks for your kind words Ian - it’s always a pleasure to host you and those who appreciate the true Lake District. Hope to see you again soon. Alan & Sue Hope to see you again soon Alan and Ala Property Owner
William April 2022

“Our third time staying at Daffodils.”

Very comfortable and fantastic location! Would highly recommend a stay for couples with two little ones looking for adventure!

- William, April 2022

Glad you had such a comfortable stay…..with adventures too! Hope to see you again soon Property Owner
Lilian February 2022

“Beautiful character cottage in an idyllic spot opposite Rydal Hall , just what we needed to switch off.”

Only 5 minutes drive away from Ambleside and Grassmere. Our 4th visit and we'll be back.

- Lilian, February 2022

Thanks Lillian Hope to see you again soon Alan & Sue x Property Owner
Trevor February 2022

“A couple minor niggles: the metal centre of the bread knife handle was rusted and on first use the final piece of plastic holding the handle together broke.”

Just about usable but replacement needed, I think. Similarly, the screw holding on the handle of the largest saucepan is loose, again due to wear and tear or rusting. Handle simply comes away when lifting, rendering the saucepan unusable, or unusable at least with the handle. As I say, minor niggles. On the whole we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Daffodils despite the appalling weather conditions for most of the week.

- Trevor, February 2022

So glad that you thoroughly enjoyed your stay at our home! Thanks also for pointing out the bread knife & saucepan- we will replace them this Saturday frSaturdayJFMatin Property Owner
Stefanie December 2021

“Unfortunately the hot water did not automatically heat up.”

We had to use the boost button to have any hot water which wasn’t ideal. The twin bed mattresses were extremely uncomfortable. You could feel the springs which meant 3 broken and uncomfortable nights sleep. I think hot water and comfortable beds are the most important feature to me when staying in accommodation. This was an expensive holiday let which I was happy to pay as the listing read extremely well. Unfortunately I feel I was mislead. The cottage was in a wonderful location and was well equipped and clean though.

- Stefanie, December 2021

We are glad that you found the cottage was well equipped and clean. The hot water runs on an economy 7 tariff & heats up between midnight & 7 a m..if any more hot water is required then the boost button will reheat the whole tank & can be used as often as guests like- there is never a shortage of water We are sorry that you found the single beds uncomfortable - this is the first time that we have had this comment &, as this is our home, these two mattresses will be replaced immediately We would hate to ‘mislead’ anybody as this is a property we are proud of’ Property Owner
David October 2021

“Tv with subtitles would be appreciated.”

Nice to find a fire laid, & reasonable stocks of wood & kindling. A handle above the bath would be useful for the elderly. Lovely cottage. Thank you.

- David, October 2021

Glad you had an enjoyable experience There is a setting on the tv remote for subtitles Cheers David Alan Property Owner
Anne July 2021

“The cottage feels like it needs some updating.”

Eg there aren't enough plug sockets in the bedrooms so we struggled to find places to charge phones / plug in hairdryer and toothbrushes. The shower was poor - although it's electric it began to run cold after a few minutes, so we couldn't all have showers after each other. The tv is tiny! Small things like the cafetiere is too small and doesn't filter out the grit.

- Anne, July 2021

Thank you for your feedback. This is the first time a lack of plugs has ever been mentioned , especially in the bedrooms There are 5 sockets in each bedroom , which we feel is enough. In the owners guide, we stress the use of the boost facility in the airing cupboard which doubles the amount of available water for the shower & can be used as often as guests like There are TWO caffetieres which are more than ample and both are less than 12 months old. This is a cottage first built in the 1830s and we believe that the television suits the ambience of the cottage. We always try to keep on top of things and keep our own home up to date. Property Owner
William July 2021

“Great location, lovely setting, comfortable stay!”

- William, July 2021

Glad that you had such a lovely time Alan & Sue Property Owner
David May 2021

“Very comfortable cottage, perfect for two and very well situated for those who can no longer walk the high fells.”

Lots of walks from the door. Could do with a bit more cutlery, small spoons and small plates needed if you want to fill the dishwasher before turning it on. We will certainly book the cottage again if we can and appreciate the care the owners have taken with the decor, loved the green slate counters and floor in the kitchen and the well chosen watercolours of the lakes and good maps of the area. Really nice place to stay, so comfortable and conveniently situated.

- David, May 2021
Sharon April 2021

“The location is perfect for accessing walks in the area.”

The cottage is located on a quiet street off a main road. The local tearoom and pub are open (end of April 2021) which offer nice refreshments after a long walk. The cottage itself was comfortable for 2 adults staying for a week. The 2 seat sofa was a bit worn and low to the ground but otherwise the amenities were standard. We would recommend this cottage and stay here again if we wanted to explore more of the Rydal area.

- Sharon, April 2021

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Summary

Two bedrooms: 1 x double with basin, 1 x twin with basin
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC
Kitchen
Living/dining room with woodburning stove
Storage and immersion central heating with woodburning stove
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer, dishwasher, TV with DVD player, WiFi
Fuel and power inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Off-road parking for one car
Lawned garden with seating
Sorry, no pets and no smoking and no children under 5 years.

Awards

The property

Recently featured in Country Walking magazine this delightful and pretty as a picture character cottage is right next door to William Wordsworth's former home 'Rydal Mount' in Rydal - hence the name Daffodils. Rydal Mount is still owned by the Wordsworth family, the house and gardens are well worth a visit and you will have the pleasure of staying very close to the place which inspired Wordsworth when he was Poet Laureate. 'Daffodils' nestles at the foot of Nab Scar from where the footpaths lead on to the Fairfield Horseshoe, one of Lakeland's most challenging walks. The famous 'coffin road' trail starts about fifty yards up the lane from where you can enjoy one of the most picturesque walks in the area elevated above Rydal Water with beautiful views - a delightful walk to Grasmere or as part of the Rydal Round. Accommodation: Pretty covered porchway leads into the newly refurbished sitting/dining room with its attractive cottage windows and beamed ceiling (log burning stove, flat screen TV/DVD,CD, free wi-fi. Doorway through to a newly fitted cream shaker style kitchen with Lakeland slate worktops and back door to the rear courtyard. Stairs from the sitting room. Two bedrooms - one double bedded room to the front, and a smaller twin to the rear. Both have washbasins. Newly fitted bathroom with bath, power shower, basin and wc. Fitted carpets. This is a much loved, comfortable holiday home which has been in the same family for years and has many personal touches. Outside: Charming front garden mostly of lawn with mature shrubs and a fine view down the valley towards Lake Windermere. Garden bench and chairs provided. The garden shares its access and is open plan with the cottage next door although the two together are enclosed. Off road parking just outside the gate. Steps from the back door to a small raised area and back gate. Nearest pub 300 yards, nearest shops in Ambleside 1.5 miles. Note: Sorry no children under 5 years. Sorry no pets but owner does have his own cat and dog.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £200.

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About the location

AMBLESIDE

Grasmere 4.4 miles; Windermere 4.7 miles; Keswick 16.7 miles.

Lying at the northern tip of Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, Ambleside makes a superb base for touring the central Lakes, with Grasmere and the Langdale Valley just a short drive away. There is plenty to do here - cruises, boat trips and watersports on Lake Windermere itself and numerous shops, restaurants and pubs in the village to suit all tastes. On the lakeside at Waterhead, the parkland offers lovely views down the lake and a short stretch of beach, whilst a walk in the other direction, following Stock Ghyll through woodland, will bring you to the entrancing waterfall of Stock Ghyll Force. Along with the Lake and the great walking on offer, Ambleside is also famous for its annual rushbearing ceremony and the diminutive 17th century “Bridge House” - one of the most photographed buildings in the Lake District and now the National Trust Information Centre.

This property offers the following short breaks:

Winter
Off-season
Last minute

Rydal, Cumbria & The Lake District (Ref. 1042489)

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Features

Reviews & Ratings

“This is our third stay at ‘Daffodils’ and we had a wonderful week.”

“Lovely, cosy, quirky and quaint cottage in a brilliant location, especially if you are doing a Wordsworth tour ( right next door to Rydal Mount and a nice walk along the Grasmere Coffin route to Dove Cottage) or for other brilliant walks on the doorstep.”

“We had a lovely time in Daffodils.”

“Overall a great stay.”

“We found both the location and the cottage to be very accommodating for our short break.”

“Had a lovely week as usual, The new mattress was very comfortable!”

“Gorgeous traditional cottage in an amazing location.”

“Picturesque cottage in a great location, bus stops at the bottom of the road.”

“Daffodils is a beautiful cottage in a lovely location but the problem we encountered was not being warm enough due to the log burner being out of action.”

“Homely, warm and cosy cottage, well equipped and a very welcome retreat after long walks in the wind and the rain!”

“This was our second visit to Daffodils this year.”

“The problem we had was the tv.”

“This is the third time we have stayed at Daffodils and we would hope to come back another three times A " no thrills " gem of a cottage in an area we know very well.”

“Our third time staying at Daffodils.”

“Beautiful character cottage in an idyllic spot opposite Rydal Hall , just what we needed to switch off.”

“A couple minor niggles: the metal centre of the bread knife handle was rusted and on first use the final piece of plastic holding the handle together broke.”

“Unfortunately the hot water did not automatically heat up.”

“Tv with subtitles would be appreciated.”

“The cottage feels like it needs some updating.”

“Great location, lovely setting, comfortable stay!”