Originally phoned to book the Woolpack but offered Stanley House as it was a last minute booking for a Bank Holiday weekend - wow, what a find! Very helpful booking experience, totally flexible around room and check-in; all that was asked was that we ring an hour before arrival to be let in as property is unmanned gving complete independance but telephone connection is available if necessary.

Check-in was quick and stress-free. Room was spacious despite camp-bed. Clean and functional bathroom. Breakfast was delightful and off-menu combinations happily made. (Black pudding was lovely and fried eggs were perfect every day.) Reception rooms snug and comfy: lovely wood fire. Good guidance about local walks and excellent location near hills and the miniature railway. Drying room available.

Open kitchen and larder available rest of day. Local inns within easy walking distance with menus to meet all tastes. Wi-fi free and good enough to stream catch-up services and use internet at the same time.

Hope to be back soon.

Have just spent three nights at Stanley House in the Western Lakes and the whole stay was fantastic. Paddington & Harry were great hosts and gave us lots of advice about walks and the local area. We stayed on the 3 inns 3 dins promotion and the food in the local pubs was excellent. The whole area is much quieter than Ambleside and Windermere with less tourists making for a much friendlier stay where people really care if you are enjoying your stay. I would definitely recommend and will hope to stay again in the future........

First impressions are important and arriving at a locked door and having to be let in by a guest and tracking down the owner by phone was not a great start to our trip. The house itself has bags of character and is in a superb location in the heart of the hills, but it still has a bit of a hostel feel about it. The reception rooms were cosy with wood burning stoves and a good collection of walking books. The modern and tasteful dinning area was also very nice clean and breakfast freshly cooked in front of you on a range. The food was good quality if the portions were a little frugal by Lakeland standards. We had to keep asking for more than the tiny portion of butter that was allocated. Tea and coffe acilities provided in the rooms, but only one packet of biscuits (2) for two guests,which seemed a little mean. The rooms were clean, but we did find wine and tea stains on the bedding. The bath pannel was off as the owner had not had chance to fix it and there was a cracked window in the room. The rooms were large making them difficult to heat. We were often cold as was the water on occasions, but it was New Year. The staff were friendly and attentive and hapily provided packed lunches at a small cost. Overal the four star rating was a little generous and we have had better value for money in the area. We paid £110 for the room and felt like there should at least have been someone at reception on arrival. The George pub has closed and the nearest public house is half a mile away. The Boot Inn highly recommeded for originality and quality food at moderate prices. I think we would stay here next time as the rooms have been revamped better priced and the staff there were very hospitable. Their new years celebrations and fireworks display must have been by far the best in the county. Check out the waterfalls as they are well worth the half a mile walk.

Arrived at the accommodation with no one there but soon the owner came in and took us to the room, was impressed with the lounge with a real fire which was a real treat. Were given double beds for myself and kingsize for my friend even though we paid for single. Went to the nearby pubs for a meal, The Brook Inn and the other one just minutes away. Food okay in the pubs nearby but nothing special. Cooked breakfast was served in the morning with a good selection. Saturday it rained all day and got caught out and was soaked through and walked for 15 miles from hotel around to Wastwater. For reference park your car at Wastwater and walk fom there. Scenery was awsome and walks. There was a river running back of hotel which was soothing from bedroom. Log fire was excellent in lounge and we topped it up all the time. In all had a great time and thought it was great value for money with good facilties and would definitely go back. Reception no good for O2, apparently Three works. Harry will tell not to go to any other pubs except the one up the road? I wonder why? Maybe he has shares in them lol