Ale Cottage, Ireby

A tastefully renovated property in a quiet village located in the North Western fells of the Lake District. Equally convenient for the City of Carlisle, the Solway Coast and the Northern Lake District, there are plenty of places to visit. Tastefully modernised, this stone cottage is comfortable and clean with ample provision of appliances and extras, we were surprised at the volume of cleaning products left for our use. We brought our own alcohol based cleaners but these were only used initially since the obvious cleanliness gave us the confidence and comfort that we feared may not be evident. Whilst over and above our expectations in many aspects, there are some minor issues which are easily overcome...bring a torch for the dark nights as the steps up to the cottage are dark and would benefit from, say, solar lighting. If you struggle with steps, there are approx 17 to contend with to gain entry. The property Information Book is comprehensive and a ‘must read’ when you arrive (in the cabinet drawer in the lounge). Maybe the bedding duvets could be a higher tog rating or hadn’t been changed from Summer rating when we arrived in early October although we weren’t too cold and never felt the need to use the wood burner. Previous mentions re the sofas are correct...not that comfortable but, nevertheless, functional Overall, nothing would dissuade us from a return visit should the opportunity arise and we have no hesitation in recommending this cottage to others.

Beautiful cottage with all facilities ready for you - two bathrooms, dishwasher, tumble dryer, washing machine, wifi etc. But also the 'little' things such as cleaning stuff was there too so no need to go armed with washing up gear or washing powder. Spotlessly clean throughout. The garden is mostly enclosed but if you have young children or adventurous/older dogs it may not be as safe as you would want. Plenty of walks from the cottage and within fairly easy reach of the main Lake District villages and sights but situated in a very peaceful, quiet village that offers tranquillity a little off the beaten track. Pub next door and farm shop a short walk away but only 15 minutes to Cockermouth, which has some of the bigger shops and supermarkets plus a lovely selection of individual shops. For anyone with dogs or who love walking the choice is endless.

What an excellent cottage this is. It has everything you need and more. All of the rooms are cosy and spacious especially the lounge with its two cosy settees and a log/ coal burner for those relaxing evenings in. The kitchen has everything you need and the two bedrooms are very comfy and nicely decorated. We took our little dog with us and the added bonus whether you have a dog or not ,is the small local friendly pub 'Emily's Black Lion' next door that is dog friendly and serves delicious home cooked food in the evenings Wednesday to Sunday's. I personally recommend 'Emily's draught ale. This is a great cottage,ideally situated in a friendly village. It would be difficult to find a better one..

Ale cottage is extremely well equipped, myself, my husband and our 12 year old daughter and our two dogs stayed in this fabulous cottage for a week. We enjoyed lots of walks, cosy afternoons and evenings with the log burner on, there is everything you could ever need- I was able to wash our muddy clothes in the washer provided, you could enjoy either a shower or a nice soak in the bath, lots of books to read, plenty of room, the cream carpet was a bit of a worry having two dogs! Really enjoyable stay, lovely views, the bottle of wine & cake welcome gifts were a lovely touch! Will definitely stay again!

Ale cottage was a fantastic holiday home for me and my partner it is beautifully set up in every way and their was everything that you would ever need in side and more, the views are lovely and their are some fantastic walks so we are going back next year.

Have just spent a week in Ale Cottage, and was a little nervous beforehand, as it is next to a pub. No worries, the pub is closed! The cottage is kitted out with everything you could need, with a few extras on top.Tea, coffee, sugar, milk and cake on arrival. Tissues in the lounge and bedrooms, spare loo rolls, cling film, foil, liquid soap in both bathrooms, excellent quality furniture and fittings, and plenty of crockery and cutlery. I have stayed in many places that cater for 4, and you get 4 of everything, and only 4!, the cheapest quality furnishings as well. Not so here. The nearest shop is a 15 minute drive away, so it really is a peaceful location, but a good base for the Northern Lakes.

Excellent service The cottage was lovely, nice and cosy loved the log burner,as it was xmas the tree was a nice suprise. the location was a bit too quite for us but the awful weather didnt really help so we couldnt get about but we had a good chill out lazy holiday.The only downside was the pub next door was never open.

My partner and I shared a lovely week here. The house was an excellent base for exploring the lake district and Scotland, but be prepared to drive as there aren't many amenities nearby. The house was well equipped for cooking, entertaining yourself (there were boardgames and books), and there was a lovely wood burning stove that we made use of on a few occasions. All in all, we had a lovely holiday and would definitely recommend the cottage.

Summary: Wonderful views and a nice woodburning stove, but dirty in places and had noisy construction taking place nearby during our stay. Unfortunately, the cottage was a bit dirty here and there (kitchen, bed linen, cooking utensils), and the basement bedroom was musty so our clothing quickly smelled bad. The local people also do not seem to like that this cottage is rented, and we noticed they would walk/drive by and just stare up at the property which made us uncomfortable. Most frustrating of all was that the house opposite was having its slate roof replaced (we were not advised of this in advance). Us and our two young children were awoken early several times by the sound of power tools which is not what you want on your holiday. No phone service (3 or Vodafone) or wifi which was nice for peace and quiet, but something to bear in mind depending on your needs. We definitely overpaid because of the disturbance from the roof replacement, however the view from the cottage was fantastic and the wood burning stove was lovely.

Excellent base for a lakes holiday, cottage very comfortable and well equiped. Lots to do in the Keswick area.

The service from enquiry through to booking was excellent. The cottage itself was better than described. Superbly equipped, with everything from Scrabble, stories for babies bedtime to super comfy sofas and Sky TV! A really quiet village, we were a little concerned about the fact that there is a pub next door, but we didn't hear a peep for the whole week. Nicely located just a short drive from Keswick and the lovely walks near Bassenthwaite. Dodd woods a winner too. Will return next year (and pack less things as everything is there already!).

We had a lovely time at this property, it was of a very high standard the bathroom/shower room were of hotel standards. The kitchen was well equipped and had everything you would wish for. The beds were very comfy and we loved the outlook from the lounge. The locals were very friendly and as we're the publicans next door.

The cottage is excellent, comfy sofas and beds. The log fire made it so cosy. We had our border terriers with us and they loved it. It felt like home from home and better, no rules and a very relaxed atmosphere. The kitchen has everything you will need and more. We were very lucky with the weather and were able to explore the northern lakes around Keswick. Will be booking for next year for sure. 10/10