Description Of Property

We have tried to make Bracken Howe the best possible Lake District experience for larger groups – more like staying at a friend’s country residence than hiring a holiday let.

As you step into Bracken Howe you will quickly appreciate it is a property of genuine character, quality and elegance. Modern, but with many of the original elegant Victorian features retained and restored. High ceilings and large rooms reinforce the feeling of spaciousness. There is a large lounge with views of the hills and an open fire.

Our policy of constant improvement has included replacement of the beds in all five bedrooms with new high quality Vi-Spring or Hypnos mattresses. Two of the bedrooms include romantic four-poster beds with views over the fells.

The policy of ensuring good quality furniture and fittings to enhance your holiday experience is also reflected in the remainder of the house with: Orla Kiely toiletries provided (hand wash, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion) an Aga cooker (gas and electric dual fuel), Villeroy and Boch cutlery, Denby tableware, Raymond Blanc pans, Meile white goods, Multiyork furniture, Naim and Bose audio systems, to mention a few.

If the weather is poor, you can relax by watching a film or live sports event on the curved screen 55″ Samsung TV with sound system and the full Sky TV package including BT sport. The value of being able to watch a football match or other live sports event or gathering around together of an evening to watch a Sky movie has been commented on by many previous guests.

The quality of the property and the facilities on offer are independently assessed by ‘Visit England’  and Bracken Howe was awarded its highest Five Star Gold rating.

Bracken Howe was built in the early 1880s as a property of Victoria elegance and sophistication. Modernisation has taken place mindful of maintaining this original character with many period features including original woodwork, servants’ bells, the roll-top bureau, grandfather clock, two four-poster beds, leadlight skylight with stained cathedral glass and the clover leaf occasional table. The original geometric Victorian tiled floors in the hall is a feature of the house as is striking pitch-pine staircase.

Outside you can enjoy the garden which gives panoramic views of Loughrigg Fell over which the sun sets. There is a large garden dining table and comfortable chairs where you can enjoy a quiet drink, an al fresco evening meal or perhaps a BBQ.  Alternatively, perhaps enjoy a (plastic) glass of wine or champagne while relaxing in the external hot tub, which is available all year.

There is also a raised outdoor seating area and table on a raised decking area as you enter the garden from the dining room.

Lighting is available so the garden and hot tub may be enjoyed in the evening.

Please note there is a river running the far side of the field about 50 metres from the house which maintains the privacy of the area but young children must be supervised at all times.

To summarise, using the words of another guest: “An elegant house of a bygone era with every modern facility and convenience.”

Interaction with guests

Whenever possible we try to be on hand to greet guests but 4-6 weeks prior to arrival we contact guests and provide them with additional information including the key safe code so they can let themselves into Bracken Howe. This is especially useful if guests arrive late in the evening.

On the hall table, there are folders containing numerous contact numbers for events and facilities and in case guests experience any difficulty.

Guest access

• The house is about 200 metres level walk from central Ambleside.
• There is off-road parking for up to 5 cars.
• Secure bike storage is available upon prior request in the summer house.
• Guests have full access to the house other than the cellar which is used for storage.
• The property has a detailed access statement that can be provided upon request. Bracken Howe is not suitable for wheelchair users as there are steps at both entrances and there is no downstairs shower room.