Reviews

We recently had a fantastic last minute stay at the Birch retreat. Communication pre arrival was brilliant and it was lovely to arrive to a full welcome package of local food and all the essentials that had been very thoughtfully put together. Birch retreat was really well set up and everything had been thought of, including print outs of maps and instructions for local walks. The setting is lovely with great views and we really appreciated how the huts have been set up so you have your own secluded section of the woods, compared to similar types of rentals where there are multiple set close together this was unexpected and a feature we really appreciated.

Our recent stay was outstanding Such a well equipped and clean cottage well appointed with views over the fells.Even our dog was well catered for with added extras.A great short break approximately half an hour from the Northern Lakes but could easily have stayed longer.

We spent 2 nights at the Birch Retreat. Before we arrived Christine forwarded really helpful information about the area and what was on. We arrived to a fridge full of very welcome and tasty provisions. The shepherds huts are stunning set in their own wooded landscape. We enjoyed early nights sat around the log burner and switching off. Melmerby is lovely and the people we met were all extremely friendly and welcoming. I would definitely recommend a stay at the Birch retreat if you’re looking to get away and switch off. Thank you to Christine and her team for hosting us.

Super lovely hut – so cosy and comfy and we had everything we needed. It was super easy getting settled and very helpful and kind hosts. Listening to the stream in the morning was perfect, I’d like to come again.

Amazing little shepherd’s hut to accomodate 2 people. Much to my surprise there’s wifi too for those who want to stay online. The location is really quiet and it’s close to the lakes. The air quality is great, and it has all amenities that’s needed to have a calm country holiday. The owner even left a little breakfast package to us, which is another touch to provide an unforgettable experience for the guests.

We shared a lovely four days in Larch Retreat and will definitely be back. Genuinely no notes, the place was amazing with brilliant views, so calm and peaceful and great to sit around the fire and watch the stairs. Everything had been thought through from a welcome hamper when we arrived and then even small sheets of paper to score scrabble. One of the most thoughtful stays I’ve ever had on Airbnb and location was it was brilliant to get around all the lakes. Christine was a brilliant host and we can’t wait to stay again!

Maple Retreat is a beautiful, peaceful escape set within the stunning Rowley Estates grounds. The surroundings are gorgeous, and the location is perfect for hiking or using as a base for motorcycle touring.
We had a small issue, but Christine handled it quickly and professionally, which made us feel truly looked after. She was warm, attentive, and made our stay feel special.
A lovely retreat in a perfect setting, we left refreshed and already thinking about returning.
The small gifts on our arrival was a beautiful gesture, thank you Christine.

My partner and I could not recommend Melmerby Hall enough!
After lots of time searching online for the perfect venue for our intimate, period drama themed wedding, we finally came across Melmerby Hall and it ticked all of our boxes. We were able to accommodate 16 guests (plus 2 toddlers) for an incredible price and the venue itself was stunning.
We initially had a virtual tour with Joanna due to some scheduling challenges on our side during the venue hunt. She was so so lovely and walked us through the whole house and facilities. We booked both Melmerby Hall and Stag Cottage immediately after being blown away by it’s charm and the care that has been put into keeping everything looking really tidy, especially given the age of the property.
We then liaised with Joanna to have a couple of in person viewings – one to double check we were happy with the venue after booking and the other to confirm what we needed to bring with us on the day to make sure we had adequately decorated etc. During both viewings, Joanna was amazing, really friendly and accommodating, and very patient answering our questions.
Between our initial booking and the date of the wedding, Joanna and Christine reached out multiple times to make sure we were all up to speed with what was available during our stay and any other logistics we needed to nail down.
When we arrived for the wedding weekend (we stayed Friday to Monday), the house was beautiful – incredibly clean and well maintained, and it’s charm once again blew us away. All of our guests commented on how amazing the house was and were very impressed by both the welcome hamper and the toiletries provided. I, personally, don’t think I’ve ever slept in a bed as comfortable as the ones at Melmerby Hall!!
We spent some time adding our own decorations to the venue on the Friday night, and are really happy with how our own decorations worked with the flowers and period pieces already in the house.
On the wedding day, Heather came to support with the registrars and was absolutely lovely.
Overall, I couldn’t recommend the venue enough!!! It was truly perfect!

Had another fantastic stay here, very relaxing and peaceful with a very nice welcome pack

Hi, we can’t think of a single thing you can do to improve, this was our second time at Elm and the shepherd’s hut has everything you could ever want or need. The welcome basket of food etc is very generous and great quality. We love that there is 3 different areas for sitting outside and the privacy and tranquillity of the area. So sorry we can’t help with any improvements but keep on doing what you’re doing.