Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I? Do you? When? What? And how?
Here are a number of questions we are frequently asked about our big luxury houses in the Lake District. Hopefully they'll help answer your query if not, please email and we'll be happy to send you an answer to any relevant question.
Can we check in early/Can we have a late check out?
Unfortunately, our houses are usually fully booked. They’re large houses and need the full 6 hours between 10 am and 4 pm to clean thoroughly. Therefore we can’t offer either early arrivals or late departures.
The booking confirmation says I can pick the keys up at 1.30pm, but I'm told I can't access the house until 4pm?
We make the keys available from 1:30 pm so you so can pick them up early, get everything sorted and be ready to go at 4 pm, you’re welcome to park at the houses from 2 pm but our housekeepers will need until 4 pm to get the house ready for you
Can we leave our cars at the property after we leave?
You’re welcome to leave your cars while you walk down to the village for breakfast, however we need them moving before 12pm in readiness for our incoming guests.
We have more than 4 dogs can we bring them?
Unfortunately 4 dogs is absolute maximum.
Do you allow weddings?
We have taken the decision not to allow weddings at any of our houses – sorry.
Can we hire a hot tub at Orrest Head House?
All of our houses on The Terrace feature hot tubs. We do not allow them to be used at Orrest Head House or Cottage.
Do you do 2 night weekends?
Our cleaners are only contracted on Fridays and Mondays, which are our changeover days, you’re welcome to leave the house on the Sunday, but the break will run to Monday 10am when the cleaners come in.
Can we start our break on any other days than Friday or Monday?
Our cleaners are only contracted on Fridays and Mondays, which are our changeover days. Of course you only have to use as much of that time as you want but you’ll still have to pay for the full break.
Do you give a discount if I book more than one property?
Yes we we offer different discounts depending on which combination of properties you are interested in. Please get in touch and we’ll email you a quote.
Do the properties have barbecues?
Yes, all our properties have barbecues however, our cleaners are not contracted to clean them, we rely on our guests to leave them in good condition.
Can you help me oganize caterers?
Yes, our manager can put you in touch with a number of our preferred caterers once you’ve booked.
Can you organize a mid-week linen change?
Yes, our manager can organize a complete linen change for you at any time during your break. There is a charge, which varies from house to house, please ask for a price.
My online delivery will arrive before I do, can you help?
We regularly receive online deliveries for our guests, we’re happy to store them in the house, but we can’t take responsibility for the accuracy or quality of the product.
Do you accept hen nights?
We’re very happy with “up-market hen nights” in all our properties EXCEPT Oakland Hall, which is in a quiet residential area and therefore is not an appropriate venue for a hen night.
Do you supply towels?
Yes we now supply towels, complimentary soaps and shampoos in all of our properties.
Do the properties have wifi and is there a charge?
All of our properties have their own wifi connection and router,. There is no charge however we would really like you to like us on Facebook in return (if you’re on it).
Can the twin beds be made up as doubles?
Yes some of our single beds can be pushed together and made up as super kings. Unfortunately the wooden bed type of bed cannot be made up as doubles. If if you would like a super king set up please ask Liz. We do need to know at least a week before arrival as we may have to redeploy bedding to achieve your wishes.
How many parking spaces are there per house?
Parking is tight at the Terrace and the number of available parking spaces varies from house to house, 5 to 6 cars per property. If you do bring more cars than those allocated there are free spaces locally, the nearest are on Thwaites lane (behind Lakeland). To find Thwaites Lane turn right out of The Terrace then Thwaites Lane is the next right hand turn (opposite Orrest Head House). It is vital that you do not park in another house’s parking space, it causes friction and isn’t a great way for anyone to start their break. Thank you for your understanding. There is ample parking if you have booked Orrest Head House, Orrest Head Cottage or Oakland Hall.
Can you organise flowers, a barman or afternoon tea on arrival for me?
Liz our manager will endeavour to help your organise anything to help make your break even more special. Please email Liz and she’ll give you a quick answer to whether what you want to do is achievable.
Can I put banners/photographs up in the houses?
One thing that really upsets us is when people sellotape banners/photos to our walls, it tears the wallpaper and leaves awful scars, Blu-Tack is not much better it leaves greasy marks. If you must put up banners pleas tape them to the glass on our pictures, mirrors on on fixtures that won’t be damaged after you leave. We appreciate your understanding.
Are there any board games or cards at the houses?
We have now removed all games from the houses as unfortunately the pieces were constantly being scattered to the four winds or going missing , which was frustrating for us and even more so for the next guests.
Are the properties suitable for disabled guests
We do not have any ground-floor bedrooms or any specific disability-friendly features. The houses do all have large doors for better access and some of the houses have downstairs toilets. But guests in wheelchairs may find access difficult.

