Reviews

Your every whim is catered for at this gorgeous property. We were a group of 16 with 3 dogs, clearly the owners have been doing this a long time and know their stuff. The property was immaculate on arrival with a well stocked welcoming hamper to start you off. This a a very well organised set up for larger groups. We tended to use the main lounge, conservatory and kitchen area for socialising. There were a number of other beautiful rooms with a formal dining area (great should you bring in outside catering) which we did not use but ideal if anybody wants to escape for some quiet time. Towels and toiletries are provided and all the bedrooms are to a good standard. The grounds of the property are amazing, some great family games of cricket on the Archery lawns and there is a lovely dog walk in the grounds via a wooded area and adjacent to the beck which takes about an hour or so depending on pace. We were going to hire a hot tub but stupidly left it until a month before to book (none available) so ensure you book one well in advance should you be considering one. Had some lovely afternoons sat in the outside seating are between the hall and the lawns. Their is ample fridge space (2 large) , 2 dishwashers, An Aga which we made use of and is surprisingly easy to use and a conventional cooker and hob. Nearby within 500 yards is a local store, bakery with dining area and adjacent shop, Shepherds Inn pub which we highly recommend, had lovely meal for 16. The only fault is that we didn’t book to stay for a full week. Worth a look if you are considering a wedding venue, church next door to property and can be accessed directly from the hall and there is a local village hall within 200 yards which can be hired out. This property sleeps up to 18 and there is a property to the rear Stags cottage which I believe sleeps 8. Hall would be great for murder/mystery weekend. Fantastic property, full of character. Many thanks to Christine and Charles, particularly Christine who always replied to emails promptly re queries from guests prior to attending. Perfect weekend with family in perfect surroundings.

Melmerby Hall provided the perfect location for our family celebration. From start to finish of our week-end stay, our expectations were consistently exceeded. Beautiful rooms and grounds meant that everyone in our party (ranging in age from 7 to 81) had a superb time. Lots of open space to enjoy outdoor games and only a 40 minute drive on the Saturday to spend an afternoon on Ullswater Lake. We were made to feel most welcome at Melmerby and the Hall is somewhere we all agreed we would hope to return to one day. A truly exceptional property that we feel very lucky to have found.

We can’t speak highly enough regarding the Rowley Estate Properties – we rented Melmerby Hall, Kirkbride hall and Stag Cottage for a family wedding. The rooms are beautifully historic with the addition of modern bathrooms. The property was equipped with everything we needed to host a brilliant house party with no skimping on consumables such as dishwasher and laundry detergents – often absent in other properties we have rented. The local Church accessed through the gardens of Melmerby Hall and the addition of the highly affordable, modern village hall almost opposite the Hall made for the perfect wedding venue.

This magnificent Country House, cottage, gardens and estate was a perfect venue for 24 of our friends to jointly celebrate 40th birthdays in May 2019. The house is perfectly located, near Penrith and close to the Lakes District, Durham Dales and easily reached via the A66 or M6. We rented the main hall, sleeps 18 and Stag Cottage, sleeps 6, and it was superb in every way. The main hall is a blend of historic home with all of its original charm and character and modern, well appointed rooms (especially the luxurious en-suite bathrooms) and the awesome kitchen. The owners think of everything that a large group needs, including huge American Fridge Freezers packed with bags of party ice and a classy welcome hamper, milk, bread, tea, coffee and local goodies. We hired in the Rowley Estates’ recommended caterer, Lynn Hilditch catering, using the dinner drop off service on the Friday and Lynn and her team for a waited banquet in the main dining room/ Great Hall on the Saturday. Lynn delivered a stunning 3-course meal, including 30-day aged sirloin steaks and slow roasted lamb shanks. The food and service was magnificent and Lynn and team cleared up absolutely everything by the time we had finished our desserts. Perfect. The weather was great and we enjoyed drinks on the archery lawn and gardens in warm sunshine on the first night. There is a lot to do locally, including a number of fell walks and a lovely (if slightly pricey village bakery and cafe) plus a nice local pub which seemed to only open in the evenings. Melmerby Hall is a magical place where a large group can live like lords and ladies, recreate memories and enjoy a level of sophistication and splendour that is hard to recreate in modern venues and settings. Our group had a brilliant weekend and plans are afoot to make it an annual or bi-annual weekend in the Lakes. We booked through Kate and Tom’s but once set, we received outstanding communication and customers service from owner Christine Rowley. We received useful e-mail marketing with helpful local events, ideas and suggestions which helped us to get the most from our stay. I can’t think of a single negative about our stay – my only advice would be to take care driving into the hall and estate – the arched entrance is a snug fit for bigger cars. On the whole, Melmerby Hall is magical and a perfect venue for group celebrations and weekend escapes. 5-Stars

What a wonderful birthday weekend we have just spent at Melmerby – the Hall is amazing, the setting sublime, and we really appreciated how cosy and warm we were in such a big house. The kitchen is so well appointed, the bathrooms spotless, and the reception rooms and bedrooms extremely comfortable. Thank you also for the lovely welcome basket in the kitchen, and being so dog-friendly. Saturday saw the whole family enjoying riding with the lovely instructors at Bank House Equestrian centre, and the day was topped off by a fabulous meal in the superb dining room, provided by Lynn Hillditch and her excellent team. The exciting games of hide and seek were endless! An unforgettable experience, in a delightful setting !

Our family had a wonderful Easter weekend,the hall had a great relaxing atmosphere which together with the gardens (lawns) and aided by the superb weather gave our athletically minded family a great playarea. Badminton croquet,cricket,soccer,egg and spoon races and most of all for the oldies relaxing

A beautiful house for a weekend away with family to celebrate a 60th Birthday. It was very clean and well appointed. The welcome pack was exceptionally good. The whole experience was wonderful we hope to stay again.

Wow. Wow. Wow! Absolutely fantastic place to stay! We have just visited Melmerby Hall & Stag Cottage for a long weekend to celebrate my 50th Birthday! The house is exceptional in every way – such a warm and welcoming place, extremely comfortable and perfect for our large party of adults and children. Also being pet friendly it was great to be able to take the dog with us as well. He loved the big grounds and we had easy access to the walks in the surrounding hills and fields. Would also like to give a plug for the local Shepherds Inn (not on Trip Advisor) but a great place to dine and only a few minutes walk from the Hall. Thank you very much for your hospitality it was enjoyed by all.

The location of this property is amazing, beautiful gardens , great family friendly huge place for everyone to enjoy, its the ideal property to kick back and relax. Would highly recommend a visit for a long weekend break.

Another great time at melmerby , everything about it is fabulous . A great sociable kitchen for large groups , we will definitely be back , thankyou .