Floydsmam
June 2015
After searching for a rental that would permit two dogs I found Summer Cottage. A birthday treat for my best friend. The cottage is in wonderful surroundings , secluded with a private garden complete with a stream at the bottom. The accommodation was clean , but a little tatty , the sofa cushions have stains , the kitchen kick boards were loose, the garden table in dire need of a lick of paint.Bushes could trimmed back , weeding. Small details that could be rectified easily. Just cosmetic . Having said that. The kitchen is very well equipped for a rental, the shower was fantastic , and having two toilets to use is always a bonus. From the property there is a walk along to the end of the road which was ideal for doggys last walk of the night before bed - just remember to take a torch and beware of the low flying bats! During the day We took a left at the end of the road and walked along to , " Humphries Head." Although there isn't a path the motorists are exceptionally pleasant , will smile and wave and more importantly , don't drive round the roads like loons !! You are a short drive from Grange over Sands with some lovely little shops and a fine place to stop for tea and cake, and to pick up a lovely home cooked meal to take away for tea, " hazel mere."
The property is welcoming and warm, sitting in the garden watching the stream was very relaxing. It is such a shame that the property next door seems abandoned, the garden is in quite an advanced state of neglect and it kind of spoils the beauty of the place. Such a shame. Something else to be aware of if travelling with dogs. The end house has two dogs, an old looking lab type and a bouncy pointer type. Both dogs seemed to be free to roam the area, although would recall, if reluctantly, when the owner shouted. Unfortunately the same could not be said for an older man with a border collie. His dog came flying over to mine - a rescue Lakeland , who gets very distressed when other dogs approach in such a manner, and the man pretty much done nothing. We asked him several times to please get his dog away. He eventually harrumphed over to grab his collarless dog , told my friend to , keep her hair on, bloody rude, and dragged the dog away. This is the kind of information I find invaluable . You may be in a similar position , with a rescue dog , or a nervous dog. Being told to keep your hair on isn't really acceptable when all you are trying to do is protect, and calm your dog down . It might be worthwhile taking a walking stick out with you if you are concerned , always better to be safe than sorry .
So , in summary , lovely property, lovely area . Next door is a bit of an abandoned ramshackle, not something the owners of summer cottage can do anything about but be prepared for the jungle over the fence. Good walking ,nice pub within walking distance , " the pheasant" which is dog friendly and didn't feel at all like a local pub for local people, if you know what I mean. Comfy beds, comfy sofas, good shower, hot water, well equipped kitchen , excellent wifi . Nice balcony off living room . One inconsiderate , rude, local dog owner. Oh and check out is 10am prompt , and please, if you depart on a Wednesday , please put the bins out , we had nowhere to put our rubbish as bins hadn't been emptied .
