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Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

Hot tub

Washer

Pool

Barbecue grill

Outdoor space

Kitchen

Explore the area

Ambleside, ENG

Ambleside Pier14 min walk
Rydal Mount5 min drive
Wray Castle8 min drive
Manchester (MAN)107 min drive

Most relevant reviews

10/10 Excellent

A wonderful property. Cosy, comfortable and stylish in an excellent central location. You are on a winner if you stay he...

Ian M.

Sep 15, 2023

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Separate dining area

Garden

About this property

BODEN HOWE, HOUSE WITH EXCEPTIONAL VIEWS, LEISURE FACILITIES, PARKING

BODEN HOWE is perfectly situated on a peaceful, elevated terrace with uninterrupted views over Ambleside and fells. There is no vehicular access to the property but this adds to the uniqueness of the house. Outdoor seating is provided both at the front and rear of the house and ample parking is available nearby. A complimentary leisure pass is provided for use at the Salutation Hotel less than 100 yds away. Private parking for three cars (two securely) is located 100 mtrs from the house. Boden Howe is stylishly furnished and maintained to a high standard by its local owners who are on hand should you require their services at any time.
Short breaks (minimum of 4 nights) are available during Low Season as are enquiries for last minute availability throughout the year.

Property manager

Helen Metcalfe

Languages

English, Spanish

Amenities

Pool

Hot tub

Kitchen

Washer

Free WiFi

Outdoor space

Hot tub

Kitchen

Washer

Pet-friendly

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Ambleside

This holiday home is located in Ambleside. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Windermere and Ullswater. Travelling with kids? Consider Treetop Trek and Holehird Gardens. Kayaking and power boating offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and cycling nearby.

View more Holiday homes in Ambleside

Ambleside, ENG

What's nearby

Lake Windermere - 14 min walk
Ambleside Pier - 14 min walk
Rydal Mount - 5 min drive
Wray Castle - 8 min drive
Grasmere Lake & Rydal Water - 10 min drive

Getting around

Windermere Station - 12 min drive

Restaurants

‪Ambleside Tavern - ‬9 min walk
‪Royal Oak - ‬6 min walk
‪Ambleside Tap Yard - ‬10 min walk
‪Rothay Manor Hotel - ‬13 min walk
‪The Lily Bar in Ambleside - ‬5 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Does BODEN HOWE, HOUSE WITH EXCEPTIONAL VIEWS, LEISURE FACILITIES, PARKING have a pool?

Yes, this property has an indoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is BODEN HOWE, HOUSE WITH EXCEPTIONAL VIEWS, LEISURE FACILITIES, PARKING pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at BODEN HOWE, HOUSE WITH EXCEPTIONAL VIEWS, LEISURE FACILITIES, PARKING ?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at BODEN HOWE, HOUSE WITH EXCEPTIONAL VIEWS, LEISURE FACILITIES, PARKING ?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is BODEN HOWE, HOUSE WITH EXCEPTIONAL VIEWS, LEISURE FACILITIES, PARKING located?

This family-friendly Ambleside holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Ambleside Climbing Wall and Lake Windermere. White Platts Recreation Ground and Rothay Park are also within 15 minutes.

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Ian M.

15 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Home away from home

A wonderful property. Cosy, comfortable and stylish in an excellent central location. You are on a winner if you stay here.

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jacky A.

29 July 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ambleside

Lovely home, great views. Ambleside is the perfect place to stay in the Lakes District.

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Catherine J.

12 June 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic views

Enjoyed the large kitchen, views, great shower and super soft sheets. Beds were comfortable, cottage was very cozy.

Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anita M.

31 Jan 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely perfect!

We traveled to England in early January from the USA to spend time with family we hadn't seen since the pandemic started. Our goal was to base ourselves in Ambleside and have family members come and visit us there. Our logistics worked beautifully and the house exceeded expectations. We've already booked in again for next year. The house is beautiful and looks exactly like the pictures. The view from the house is wonderful and the house was extremely comfortable. Helen, the property owner was easy to reach and had thought through every possible detail of what someone might enjoy in a stay. Little details like having multiple keys so that we didn't need to coordinate when we were going in different directions, beautiful coffee mugs, every kitchen gadget you might possibly need, wonderful linens. The decor was beautiful and we loved finishing our day in the cozy lounge. One of the things we particularly liked was the location. It was a two-minute walk into the center of Ambleside which made it possible to run out for baked goods in the morning and to stroll to restaurants in the evening. After two years of not traveling this was the perfect experience.

Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dan R.

30 Aug 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Location

Lovely house in a perfect location; very central with all Ambleside has to offer on the doorstep but nicely positioned above the town centre. Car parking a huge bonus. Very clean and well equipped. Owner very helpful and communicative.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Andrew B.

31 July 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely home from home, great location.

This is probably the best property we have stayed in in Ambleside. The layout of the house works really well both practically and for relaxing. The house was beautifully presented and very well equipped. It location is excellent and the garden a lovely bonus, we made extensive use of the patio for relaxing and eating. The garden might not work so well for small children or older people. We would highly recommend this house and would definitely stay here again,

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Andrea M.

22 Mar 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic short break in Ambleside

The property is gorgeous and the location is excellent with stunning views. We don’t want to leave and will definitely come back.

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

louise b.

11 Feb 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous Stay

loved the house, very comfortable. Had a little trouble finding it , but neighbours were very helpful!. Was lovely to be able to use the spa after a days walking. Will definitely be coming back.

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2020

8/10 Good

Jill N.

25 Aug 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Holiday house rental in Ambleside

Lovely clean and nicely equipped house. Very convenient for centre of Ambleside town. Parking is not ideal and the steepness of the slope to reach the property makes access exhausting unless you are very fit. Lovely views over the town and surrounding hills from the house. It worked for us with a 19 month old but a toddler of running around age would not be able to use the garden which is exceptionally steep. This is an ideal house for young fit people or very fit walkers. The house could benefit from a tumble dryer, as it was difficult to dry things sufficiently on just a clothes horse. Otherwise a very well appointed house right in the heart of the town, but away from any traffic noise. Very friendly owners.

Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Lucie K.

25 July 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Erstklassige Unterkunft

Tolle Lage, komfortable Ausstattung und sehr sauber. Die Vermieter sind überaus freundlich und hilfsbereit. Jederzeit wieder!

Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Gary W.

24 Apr 2019

Excellent property, great location, stunning views

Our family of 5 stayed in this property for a week over Easter. On arrival after a long journey we found a delicious home made cake and easter eggs for the children, as well as tea, coffee, milk and soft drinks. So thoughtful. The property itself is excellent, in great decorative order and very clean. Its well laid out, and had everything we needed so a real home from home. The garden areas are pretty and well tended. The town is literally a minute's walk away, with all the amenities you would expect and a great selection of restaurants - we tried an Italian, Thai and Japanese - all very good. We made great use of the family Spa membership in the Salutation Hotel, again just 1 minute's walk away, using the gym and lovely swimming pool/hot tub facilities most days. What we loved most though were the views from the property, which really are incredible, we never tired of them...so much so we barely watched TV at night. We are hoping to return again next year!

10/10 Excellent

Shaun N.

10 Mar 2019

Immaculate home , central location ,

We had a great 4 days at Boden Howe with my folks , the location could not be better overlooking the town of Ambleside and the mountains . The spa / pool passes were a welcome bonus . Thanks to Helen for her prompt and friendly responses and assistance

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kim N.

24 Feb 2019

Gorgeous house in perfect location

Immaculate, comfortable, extremely well equipped holiday cottage. Plenty of space and amazing views of Ambleside and the surrounding fells. Having the spa membership was great. Helen and Steve were very helpful and quick to respond to any queries. Would love to stay again.

8/10 Good

Margaret O.

10 Feb 2019

Beautiful comfortable house

Beautiful house in super location. Every detail thought about and very comfortable. Two minute walk to shops and restaurants. Only slight negative, car parking is also two minutes walk away, no problem if the weather is fine.

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Claire B.

12 Apr 2018

Wonderful cottage and location

Our second stay at Boden Howe with its winning combination of clean, comfortable and well-equipped cottage and use of the lesiure club facilities at the hotel next door. Boden Howe is a cut above many cottages we have stayed in with its high quality furnishings and equipment. The views over the fells are lovely and the village is literally on your doorstep. Plenty of great walking from the door, from strolls around Rydal Water to the Fairfield Horseshoe (12 miles, 8 Wainwrights). This house is a big hit with our three teenagers due to the use of pool, gym and hot tub next door and the good WiFi -and they can go out and about on their own in Ambleside to the football ground, mini-golf etc. Excellent service from Helen and Steve. We will definitely return. Highly recommended.

10/10 Excellent

Ruth B.

20 Mar 2018

Another fantastic week at Boden Howe...

We have stayed at Boden Howe on two occasions and could not recommend it more. Perfectly situated in the centre of Ambleside with a raised elevation giving beautiful views over the town itself and the hills beyond. The house is appointed to the highest of standards and equipped with everything you need for a family week away. The added bonus of the passes to the spa and pool at the Salutation Inn really made for a fantastic family holiday. We are already planning our next visit!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

janet d.

14 Nov 2017

Fabulous view, great location

This was our second stay at Bowden Howe, which indicates how much we like it. Comfortable accommodation with modern, well equipped kitchen and bathrooms. Wonderful views over Ambleside and to the hills beyond. Right in the town centre, so handy for restaurants and shops. Will definitely book again.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Penny S.

8 Oct 2017

Close to mainstreet shops and easy access to walks

Very clean and well maintained older home with modern amenities including bathrooms and kitchen. 3 story home with lots of space and sitting areas. Lots to see around Ambleside and walks to do. Lots of great restaurants and supermarkets very close by. Host communication was fantastic and more than willing to assist in any way. Wifi available. Central heating to house was excellent. Overall a fantastic stay in Ambleside and would recommend this high quality property.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Gemma B.

24 Apr 2017

Immaculately clean and superb central Ambleside location

Thank you so much for our stay at Boden Howe. We had a superb week and this was much to do with the house where we stayed. Upon arrival there was a lovely lemon cake to welcome us. The house is in an unbeatable location for access to all the shops and restaurants in Ambleside which with 2 young children was ideal for us. The parking worked out really well and saved all the hassle of having to park on the street. When we arrived we had expected it to be much further than it was from the house to the car and whilst up a steep hill, it is really only a very short way to the house. The house was immaculately clean, much more so than anywhere we have stayed before. The added bonus was having access to the hotel swimming pool nearby which we used twice after going for long walks in the morning. The kids just loved being able to use the pool. Overall, we would definitely recommend this house. We have since got a new puppy which means sadly we won't be able to stay here again, otherwise we would have rebooked in a heartbeat.

Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Charlie B.

7 Apr 2017

Couldn't have been better

This place is a gem and is a perfect base for both walking in the nearby fells and driving further afield. (The parking turned out to be one of the best features although this was not apparent before we got there.) The owners have covered absolutely all the bases in the remodeling and every detail is perfect. Our visit included sunny warm days as well as rainy cold ones. The house is just big enough to provide private spaces for several people, and it is close to many amiable pubs and the (free) Salutation health club and pool. Since the house is on an elevated terrace, you are greeted by stunning views every morning. In our case, some of the peaks were snow-covered for a few days which made it seem like some 19th century magical place. You have no excuse not to get in shape here, with many options for drinks and supper after exercise. The owners were extremely welcoming and treated us like old friends. After a month in this place, we felt like we were a little bit a part of English village life in one of the best places in the world.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Caroline R.

13 Feb 2017

Immaculate home in great location

Would definitely recommend this property. It is well maintained, well equipped and in an excellent location for all the amenities of Ambleside. Customer service was excellent.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Richard L.

22 June 2016

Perfect in every way...

From booking Boden Howe to vacating the property, we were completely satisfied with both our accommodations and our interactions with our hosts. The home is thoroughly updated and impeccably maintained yet retains its Cumbrian charm. The water is hot, the showers are strong, the beds are comfortable, the environs are quiet despite the in-town location (everything is in walking distance), the WiFi is fast, the kitchen is well equipped, the views are amazing--in sum, pretty much ideal. The parking space, which is a short distance from the property, has the advantage of being safely out of the way of competing traffic--easy in-and-out. We didn't use the spa passes that are included. A few caveats (but not criticisms): while the washing machine works fine, there is no clothes drier. A drying rack and an outside clothes line are provided; the pathway from the street to the residence is quite steep, and the unit has 3 floors--so guests who find steep climbs or stairs difficult to negotiate will be challenged here. The Metcalfs are friendly, experienced proprietors. We found them completely accommodating, earnest, and welcoming. Based on our June 2016 stay, one couldn't find a better arrangement or a better locale from which to explore the region.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2016

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Judith D.

18 Mar 2016

An excellent cottage in a superb location

My husband, daughter and I stayed at Boden Howe for 3 nights and all wished we could have stayed longer. The layout of the cottage is good with the dining table in the front window so you can take in the views at mealtimes and also the lounge is on the first floor so you can sit and watch the world go by. A two minute walk takes you into the town - a torch is an advantage when walking back in the dark. There is plenty of crockery, cutlery and cooking equipment for preparing meals and a dishwasher for afterwards! Use of the spa at The Salutation Hotel is an added bonus. The beds are comfortable and having two bathrooms is a plus point. I would definitely recommend Boden Howe to friends and hope to return. We all loved everything about this cottage!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Melanie D.

13 Nov 2015

awesome views, very comfortable house

Boden Howe was a lovely place to stay. Parking, although not directly 'onsite' was less then a 5 min walk away and was easy to get in and out of town. The house is a 5 min walk to the bus stop for easy access to the rest of the Lake District. 20 min walk to the Ferry. Plenty of nice pubs and restaurants in walking distance as well as supermarkets to utilise the well equipped kitchen. views from all 3 levels were superb as we watched the fog come in and out or the airforce plans zoom past or even walkers ascend the hills opposite

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

15 Apr 2015

Fantastic Property!

Boden Howe is a beautiful house, very homely and immaculately clean. With stunning views from all three floors, and just seconds from the centre of Ambleside, this really is the ideal holiday cottage. Every room is well decorated and the beds are extremely comfortable. The bathrooms are very modern (lovely showers!) and the kitchen was well equipped. The leisure facilities at the nearby Salutation hotel are a welcome treat after a day out walking (in our case braving the wind and rain!). We had a thoroughly enjoyable stay and would definitely choose to stay here again next time we're in Ambleside.

About the host

Hosted by Helen Metcalfe

Boden Howe was purchased by my parents in 1961 and where I lived until 1977; my parents continued to live there until 2007 and the property has subsequently proved to be a popular choice for holidaymakers ever since. Boden Howe is one of four terraced houses originally built and occupied by my forebears.

Why they chose this property

Rather than relinquish Boden Howe in 2010 we lovingly refurbished the property and are passionate about providing guests with everything they require for a memorable holiday in Ambleside.

What makes this property unique

Boden Howe is located in an unrivalled location overhanging the village and boasting exceptional views of the surrounding fells. There is no vehicular access to the property but this adds to the unique tranquility of the house. Private parking is provided for three vehicles (two may be garaged) a matter of yards away with adequate additional space for bikes, etc.
A well maintained sloping garden includes an attractive patio area with a glorious westerly aspect.
Perhaps the jewel in the crown is the complimentary leisure pass membership to The Salutation Hotel and Spa which is a cherished facility for many returning families.