Reviews

Elk cottage is the best home from home I’ve had the pleasure of staying in. I’m local to Cumbria, but wanted a space to introduce two dogs and have easy access to long walks and bike rides and Elk cottage was perfect.

You wanted for nothing as the cottage is completely stocked with everything you could possibly need. The welcome hamper was beautiful and very well received by the whole family.

The location is stunning. On a morning ride I saw hare, grouse, birds of prey, red squirrel, and deer along with local farm animals.
We completed a walk from the cottage to Long Meg with the dog which was also wonderful. You could happily stay in Elk cottage and the surrounding areas without stepping foot in the Lake District.

Don’t miss the Saddlebacks coffee van in Langwathby for the best coffee – Samantha

Lovely rural location with short distance to services and the centre of the lake district. Great host, very transparent and easy to contact. Will stay again for sure.

Private, well appointed and well stocked which was a lovely surprise. Highly recommended.

My family and I stayed here in July to celebrate my 60th birthday. The attention to detail is second to none and Christine and her team definitely make you feel that you are the first to be staying in the property. The accommodation is fantastic offering 3 en-suite bedrooms and the kitchen facilities with Aga are very extensive. We have never had such an amazing welcome hamper, despite many UK holidays.

As the weather was so warm we spent a lot of time in the large garden, which our dogs loved too and took advantage of the bbq and complimentary charcoal. We were invited to raspberry pick in the Rowley Estate field near Long Meg and her Daughters which we did and also bought their homemade jam which was delicious.

This was our second stay, the first being in March 2022 when we came with friends and enjoyed cooking with the Aga and snuggling up around the log burner. The barn with all its facilities successfully caters for every season and we know we will definitely be booking to go back again.

Well done everyone for providing such a wonderful Cumbrian holiday experience.

Lovely place.

What a wonderful stay with the extended family at Melmerby Hall.

The house is just beautiful, the grounds was amazing and so well equipped.

Christine was a great host, upon booking to us staying at the house she was always responsive and efficient to all our communications.

On one of the nights, unfortunately there was an electricity outage in the area which I believe was rare ( prior to this – around 4 years ago they had one ) and melmerby was one of the many affected homes but Christine was great during this stressful night as we managed to set off the fire alarm due to us cooking steak on the gas hob although I was worried, she was so calm throughout and directed us and in the end we manage to have a nice dinner with candles ready but electricity came back just in time!

This was an ideal break from the busy London life into the country and take in all the nature. We managed a little hike up Hallin Fell which overlooks Ullswater, a nice walk up to see Aira Force Waterfalls and kayaking and paddle boards with Wake and surf!

I would definitely recommend this to my friends and family and I look forward in staying again in the future.

Perfect for a friend’s 60th birthday. The house was well equipped with everything you would need. The bedding was superb and everyone commented on the best two nights sleep they had ever had. The toiletries were beautiful which added to our wonderful stay.

A lovely off grid stay near Penrith, felt like we had our own space in nature. The shepherds hut had everything we needed to feel comfortable and the local tea/coffee and homemade jam on arrival was the extra mile. Would definitely recommend and go again!

Amazing place to stay. Extremely well equipped, very clean, comfy beds. We loved the snooker table. We had a lovely meal at Shepherds Inn. Christine always answered messages. A fantastic place to stay. We will be back Thankyou Caroline

Amazing little hideaway with all you need. Came with local products (food/drink), toiletries (and towels) and cleaning products. Worth every penny. Peaceful views that you can admire whilst sitting by the fire. Book of local resteraunts, takeaways, shops, walks and hikes. Above and beyond what we were after in a walking holiday. No more than 30 minutes for Ulswater, Aira Falls and Helvellyn. 5 stars!