Following the recent assessment, on the 18th November 1999, under the national key Scheme,  we are pleased to confirm that the Classification and Grading for Huddlestone Cottage and The Hayloft remains at

4 Star - Highly Commended.

The Quality Assurance Assessment Report has been compiled following a recent assessment under the National Key Classification and Grading Scheme.  We invite you read the independent assessment for yourself!

EXTERIOR      The Cottage and The Hayloft are very sympathetic conversions of a disused barn which adjoins the owners property.  A very good and well maintained external appearance offered.  Good use of trellis with climbing plants by the doorways gives privacy to both host and guest.  Gardens close to the property are well tended, seating areas and barbecues are offered.  Beyond the garden the grounds are natural and mature, with levelled grassed areas with more seating and a water feature.   The plans for 2000 are to continue the work planting an organic vegetable garden where guests will be able to select vegetables for their own use.  An excellent location, in a small rural hamlet enjoying excellent views over the valley to the fells.

MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY      All booking and advertising procedures are handled by the owners, a husband and wife team.  The brochure is colourful and well produced.  Very good presentation of tourist, guest and emergency information in each property.  An excellent personal welcome is offered to all guests, a welcome basket is prepared with fresh eggs, local bread and biscuits and the local paper, along with the necessities to make a hot drink on arrival.  Both cottages offer very good space for the number of guests accommodated.  very good personal touches and extra accessories offered.   As discussed the standards of housekeeping are indeed excellent, bathrooms are pristine, giving the impression that the guest is the 'first to use the facilities', kitchens too show great care and attention.

LIVING AND DINING AREAS      Both cottages offer very good decorative standards throughout.   The painted walls showing the exposed beams and stone features to very good effect.   Care has been taken with furniture, all pieces are of a very good quality and chosen for their style, to be in keeping with the property.  Easy seating is comfortable.  Lighting and heating very well provided for.  The cottage has the addition of an open log fire.  Stripped wooden floors complete the 'rustic' country cottage effect.

BEDROOMS      Bedrooms are decorated in a similar style to the living areas, with the addition of stencilling adding further colour.  Furniture all in a very good condition, placed for ease of use.  Noted the use of matching coat hangers and linings to drawers.  Very good quality beds are well dressed, fabrics are co-ordinated, curtains are lined with good drape.  Protectors are fitted to both mattress and pillow on all beds, with electric blankets being a useful extra.  Very good quality linen in place.

BATHROOMS, WASHBASINS, WC's      Bathrooms are all of a good size and very well finished.   Tiling is of high quality, all being excellently maintained.  The Cottage has the addition of a second facility, this being a ground floor shower room with a level access shower, this being most useful for any infirm or elderly guests.  Cork tiled flooring in a good condition gives a warm and easily maintained finish.  Very good provision for lighting, heating and ventilation throughout.

KITCHENS      Both kitchens share space with lounge diners.  Dining facilities are very good.  Kitchens are well fitted, using units of a very good quality.  Ample work and storage space is provided.  Lighting and ventilation is well provided for.  Flooring is as living areas.  Equipment and appliances are very well maintained, each kitchen having a washing machine with a tumble drier available in the utility room.  Very good quality, colourful crockery and ample glassware offered.  Noted the provision of stainless steel pans and utensils.  As mentioned good to see the excellent organisation of kitchen cupboards and the very high standards of cleanliness here.  The utility room is also used by the owner, a spare fridge, freezer and the dryer are readily available, guests are given the key.  The room can also be used to store bicycles etc.

GENERAL      Two well decorated and very well appointed cottages offering a very good standard of holiday accommodation.  The proprietor strives to maintain the highest standards in all areas.  The continuing work to the grounds will further enhance when complete.

Later Inspection Reports

Mar 2004    May 2003    March 2002    December 2000