Bownessy’s Retreat

We stayed at Bownessy's Retreat in June 2024 for one week. I mistakenly thought I'd uploaded this review before now, having written it a few days after we got home but have only just found it in my notes, so humble apologies for the year long delay in posting. I hope people will find my review fair and helpful, whether a future guest at Bownessy's Retreat or the property owner. Short summary - A one bedroom ground floor holiday flat in a quiet, leafy location. Within walking distance of the marina at Bowness-on-Windermere and closer still to the shops, inc Co-op and Tesco Metro grocery shops - perfect for stocking up - and there are pedestrian shortcuts to the shopping streets (these include several steps). We couldn't fault the location and it makes a superb base for a couple exploring the Lake District. Now, the detail... The Good - Allocated parking directly outside the front door which is always a plus. The flat itself was clean and tidy. It is open plan with the kitchen, lounge and dining area being one big open space. Kitchen: Well-appointed with kettle, toaster, oven & hob, fridge inc freezer compartment, microwave and dishwasher. A tea towel, oven mitts, washing up liquid and scourer sponge were also provided. Lounge area: two large sofas, coffee table, small dining table with 4 dining chairs. Flat-screen tv with DVD player underneath with a choice of DVDs and board games in the cupboard. Shower room (no bath): wash basin, toilet, decent sized shower cubicle with electric shower, plus a cupboard to stow toiletries. A hand towel, 2 bath towels and floor towel were provided but we took our own bath sheets with us. Bedroom: very comfortable bed, which was clean and freshly made, a make-up mirror with shelf underneath and chair to form a small dressing table, a large wardrobe and bedside tables. Complimentary toiletries were also a nice little bonus. As we'd brought our own we left these sealed for the next guests. The Bad - the flats in this block are in no way soundproofed. In fact you're forewarned of this on the welcome pinboard in the kitchen. So much so that when the people from an upstairs flat went up and downstairs, they sounded like a herd of elephants and we could hear every single word being spoken in their hall. On one occasion, I felt the need to cough slightly and rustle a crisp packet so they realised they could easily be heard; the result of which was instant! There is a locked door (presumably it's locked?!) in the living room, painted to match the walls with furniture pushed up against it, so it's not surprising the sound travels so easily. The Ugly - We went out every day of our week long stay and on our return each day, we had to go straight in the bathroom to open the window and turn on the extractor fan to release the bad odour which had accumulated in there. The nasty smell seemed to come from the kitchen sink drain or upstairs toilets but was worse when people were staying upstairs. Luckily the smell seemed to dissipate fairly quickly once the room was ventilated. Because the bathroom window opens at ground level at the back of the property, we felt unable to leave it open during the day. Overall - The location is cracking, the price was very reasonable, especially for the time of year we chose to visit and the place is clean and comfortable. And the good points *do* outweigh the bad which is important to note. We just wish more care had been taken when converting this property, especially where soundproofing is concerned and something definitely needs to be done to improve the nasty drain smell. It's not nice. We have already recommended this place to others though, and we would choose to stay again in the future.

a year ago · via Google

Great price for location. The apartment is clean and has everything you need.

5 years ago · via Google