Following the recent assessment, on the 21st March 2002, under the English Tourism Council (ETC) Quality Assurance Standard,  Huddlestone Cottage and The Hayloft has been awarded a rating of

4 Star Self Catering

The Quality Assurance Assessment Report has been compiled following a recent assessment.  We invite you read the independent assessment for yourself!

LOCATION AND EXTERIOR     The properties, adjacent the owners home offer a very good external appearance, planned repainting of window frames and re-staining of the wooden door to the Hayloft will further enhance. A peaceful location is enjoyed in a rural hamlet within the North Cumbrian fells, clear views across open countryside are enjoyed. Garden areas are very well planted and tended creating a very good first impression on arrival. New borders are currently being prepared. Very good car parking space is available, with good provision of exterior lighting.

MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY      Booking and pre-arrival information are handled, along with all management procedures by the owners, a professional attitude taken. The brochure presents well and offers clear detail. Web sites and new advertising ideas are also being developed. Tourist, house and emergency information is well provided within the property, all remains well presented.

A personal welcome is offered with hot drink supplies provided and a Cumbrian Afternoon Tea offered with home made scones and cakes. Lighting the fire and leaving side lamps on adds to the welcoming impression. Each property offers very good space for the number of guests accommodated. Thoughtful provision of useful accessories adding to guest comfort.

Standards of housekeeping and cleanliness are found to be maintained to the previously recorded high levels throughout both properties. Particular attention to detail and sound cleaning procedures evident.

LIVING AND DINING AREAS - CORRIDORS AND STAIRS      A very good standard of decoration offered throughout these areas, with thought given to relief adding interest for the guests. Good use of colour noted throughout. Adding character is the retention of exposed beams and stone wall features. Furniture of a very good standard with comfortable easy seating and matched occasional pieces. New sofas have been provided for both lounges since the last visit. Soft furnishings and fabrics co-ordinate well creating a very good visual appearance. Stripped wooden flooring is well maintained. Very good provision for heating, radiators are thermostatically controlled and lighting is well placed. The open fire in the Cottage adds to both heating and ambience.

BEDROOMS      Bedrooms are also very well decorated, colourful stencils adding to the overall very good effect. Rooms are of a good size allowing furniture to be placed to increase ease of use and access. Furniture of a good standard, the older pine pieces presenting very well and are in keeping with the style of the properties. All remains well maintained, good storage and surface space offered. Matched hangers present well in wardrobes and drawers are lined. Floors throughout are polished wood with colourful rugs adding to comfort levels. Soft furnishings, curtains and fabrics of a good quality co-ordinate well. Well presented, comfortable good quality beds with fresh complimenting linen and protectors in place to both mattresses and pillows.

BATHROOMS      Facilities are well provided in the Cottage with a bathroom and a separate shower room offered. All facilities are of a good size, allowing ease of movement and access to offered facilities. Very well decorated throughout with decor in a very good condition. Tiling is well maintained adding to the overall impression. Fixtures and fittings of a very good standard are also well maintained. Flooring of a good standard, the sealed cork tiles offering a warm finish. The very good provision of lighting, heating and ventilation add to comfort in use.  Freshly laundered towels are included in the letting price.

KITCHENS      Kitchens are open plan to lounge and dining areas, all being very well decorated with well finished tiling to splashbacks completing. Dining furniture and fitted units are of a very good standard. Cushions or seat pads would add comfort to wooden dining chairs. Both cottages offering a good sized kitchen work area with ample storage and work space. Wooden flooring is continued from lounge areas. Very good lighting and heating provision noted, along with specific ventilation. Kitchen equipment and electrical appliances are well supplied, good quality items being well maintained. The provision of crockery, cutlery and glassware is very good, as is the provision of kitchenware. Items of a very good and durable quality supplied. Attention is given to cupboards and drawers with all being tidy and very well organised further adding to ease of use.

REPORT SUMMARY      A peaceful and rural location is enjoyed by these two very well presented and appointed cottages. Benefiting greatly from the personal attention of the owners, who living on site are available should a query arise. The continuing and on going attention to maintenance ensuring standards remain consistent. Both properties offer high standards of cleanliness and are characteristic and well equipped, offering a very good standard of most comfortable holiday accommodation.

Other Inspection Reports

June 2006    Mar 2004    May 2003    December 2000    November 1999