Bakers Yard Cottage, Grasmere

Oh dear goodness. Where to start with this property.!!! The bathroom, absolutely disgusting. Black mould on the tiles and the grouting around the bath. Tiles falling off the walls and the bath panel broken along the bottom. The area under the sink.... black???. Cobwebs aplenty upstairs, the kitchen worktops filthy and when I opened the microwave there were insects creeping about inside. There was a dustpan and brush in the kitchen which I wouldn't have risked touching, it was filthy. We were absolutely gutted when we arrived and had hoped that the same concerns raised by previous guests had been addressed, they hadn't. This property needs a thorough clean and bathroom replaced.

Staying in the property as I write this. Please, please, please sort out the bathroom. Sealant is black moulded, tiles are falling off the walls, bath panel is broken at the bottom, fittings are loose and unstable, flooring is a very tired linoleum. Without any shadow of doubt it needs to be replaced in entirety. The bathroom has been reported by many guests over, at least, 18 months and nothing has been done to address the problem. We were assured by Lakelovers that the matters had been rectified, no they have not. I see that the cottage is owned by a business and no host or individual is contactable, Lakelovers are only an inadequate go between. The remainder of the cottage is acceptable. We would have moved, or just returned home, however, it was not practical to do so. Please replace that bathroom.

The access to the parking spot is only suitable for a Fiat 500 or equivalent so we had to find alternative parking for our medium size Ford for the week, at extra expense. Frankly, the standard of the let was appalling. Unlike every other holiday let we have been to there was no welcome folder, to explain what’s what with appliances, tv, cooker, shower etc. just random scraps on a pin board. The bathroom was really shabby with broken tiles and leaking shower screen. The kitchen area is clearly a throw back to the 60’s, the milk shelf fell out when we opened the fridge door and the utensils were an assorted muddle. This let is clearly a prime example of property is which the owner has shown no interest at all for many years and is best avoided if you want value for money. Remember, Sykes can only put right what the owner is prepared to pay for.

The positive of this cottage is the location; perfect for exploring Grasmere itself. That’s it. The cottage is dirty, dated and in desperate need of some TLC. The bathroom has broken tiles, rotten boards next to the bath and the black mould on the shower screen is disgusting. Bedrooms are dated and the bedding didn’t smell freshly laundered. There are thick cobwebs in the lampshades. The pillows are stained so probably best to bring your own. Living area is dated; Numerous lights do not work. Cupboards in the kitchen are sticky. Grout on the tiles is black around the oven and sink areas. The skirting boards are thick of dust and the fly swatter has dead flies in it. I would have thought booking with a company such as Sykes Cottages I’d have been guaranteed at least a clean cottage but sadly not. It could be lovely with just a good deep clean and some TLC. Mrs Hinch would have a field day in here!