Yew Tree Farm, Coniston

Our best holiday yet! Just returned from a truly relaxing and wonderful week at Yew Tree Farm. We normally go for modern properties but were drawn in by the fact that this used to belong to Beatrix Potter, the location and the idea of having a hot tub to relax in after a long walk! The place just feels so inviting and relaxing, and sitting watching the birds from the dining room table was such a great way to start the day! We used the main bedroom and the bed was super comfy, showers were fantastic, plenty of hot water and the double bath was also wonderful. We loved being on the farm, with the friendly cats and dogs. Hosts Jon and Jo were lovely, we also booked the Herdwick Experience run by Jo and totally recommend it, sitting in a field in the sunshine with a sheep happily sitting beside you was an amazing experience. Also you can buy beef and lamb onsite as Jon runs a butchers and it tastes delicious. Although we already have other holidays booked with Sykes for this year, we are now looking ahead to next year to see when we can return to this amazing place!

We had a really lovely time at Yew Tree Cottage thank you. . The cottage is situated in an area of outstanding beauty . We enjoyed soaking up the Beatrix Potter Experience! We did struggle with the fire in the lounge all week as it was difficult to keep it going..once lighted. We cooked a roast but struggled with the utensils as some were broken .. when we arrived there was dog poo left on the wall by previous guests as you walked to the hot tub which was disappointing Think cleaner needs to check the area before change over . The best part of the holiday was taking part in the Herdwick Experience.. Thank you so much Jo! We plan to return.. A big thank you so much for a memorable holiday ..

This is our 3rd visit to YewTree Farm and we will be back. The beds are really comfy and showers, bath and towels are great. Always lots of hot water and towels which actually dry you. Jon and Jo are fabulous hosts, always there if you need them but otherwise unobtrusive. Only one small comment re cleaning, whoever cleans the property should maybe dust a little more, especially tv cabinet and sky box etc which was thick with dust. Will not stop us returning though as the place is just magical and the meat from heritage Meats is always delicious.

Yew Tree Farm is noting short of magical. Absolutely quintessential English farm cottage retaining its historic charm and character in a breathtaking setting. The fact that it is still situated on a working farm only adds to the experience. Jo and John, the farmers, were wonderfully hospitable, including a welcoming note and bottle of wine. The various farm dogs and cats, particularly Tom the blackandwhite cat, took us in like family. Very convenient to the local village of Coniston, which has all the essentials we needed an outstanding independent wine shop, Bottles & Brews a coop for all grocery needs several excellent pubs and a petrol station well stocked with firewood for the two open fires. Then also very easy drive to nearby Ambleside, Grasmere, and Windermere, and a beautiful trek farther afield to Keswick. Also convenient to several nearby fells Holme for an easy warmup and, of course, Old Man of Coniston. I must also recommend nearby Graythwaite Estate for archery and clay pigeon shooting. Our guide, Simon, was absolutely delightful and great with our children. Cant recommend him enough. Already looking forward to a return visit.

It was a dream come true to visit Yew Tree Farm. It is more beautiful than anticipated. We were very comfortable in the cottage. Plenty of room for the two of us. The accommodations were very cozy. The farm is stunning. Loved watching the sheep and enjoyed the cats and dogs roaming about. Memories to treasure. Thank you.

Overall the accommodation was lovely. We were very disappointed with the WiFi strength as it was very intermittent and kept cutting out. My ptnr joined us for the break and had to work during the day, this proved very difficult for him due to the poor wifi. We also couldnt use it to watch anything on the fire stick which we took with us as a back up just incase the sky tv which was advertised wasnt up to standard. The sky tv was rubbish, you needed a pin to access anything decent to watch which was not available in the property, we asked the owners who work and live on site and they had no clue and werent really bothered. So the evenings were pretty boring with two teenagers who were only able to watch eastenders or come dine with me. The property is advertised as having WiFi and sky tvwhilst this is true the services are not of a suitable standard to be able to use them effectively. Also whilst I appreciate the property is part of a working farm it was a little unsettling and disruptive being able to hear the owners conversations as if they were in the next room as theyre property was attached to the main bedroom. Overall was lovely and picturesque but by no means perfect

Superb beyond words! John and Jo were wonderful and everything about the cottage is perfect.

Top notch holiday cottage, atmospheric, loved the creakyness, brilliant location, The taxidermy was not to our modern taste particularly with 2 vegetarians in our party! We have been to the Lakes many times but never stayed anywhere as special as Yew Tree Farm, we feel privileged to have stayed there.

Privileged to stay in this authentic seventeenth century farmhouse, albeit with the benefit of modern plumbing! And the Belted Galloway and Herdwick Jon sold us were delicius. Lovely hosts. Thank you.

What a beautiful property set in a stunning location with a short drive to local amenities. The cottage is spacious and full of character, if you like anything Beatrix Potter related you are going to love this place. The kitchen is well equipped, the beds are extremely comfortable, all bedrooms have their own bathroom and the hot tub is wonderful, we enjoyed our stay so much we have booked again for the winter, thank you Jon and Jo for a lovely stay.

We absolutely loved our stay at Yew Tree, wonderful house in a great location. Thank you for the lovely wine and flowers x

We had the best time. The house was warm and comfortable, especially the king 4 poster bed, we slept so well. Jon and Jo were friendly and welcoming. We went on a few walks, the one from the farm to Coniston was spectacular, a must do for anyone staying over. We loved the old worldliness of the 17th century floors, staircases and the antique furniture. The flowers, wine and milk left for us were very welcome. Having a break from our busy, busy lives was really appreciated, we couldnt have picked a more perfect place to stay. Ben the weather was kind.

This an enchanting property that has every charm and character of the Lake District. The extra touches of a beautiful bunch of flowers to greet you as you arrive, down to a pint of milk in the fridge after a long drive is really appreciated. Anyone who stays here will feel thats its a perfect choice and a wonderful location. I highly recommend the Herdwick experience, I learnt so much and found it incredibly interesting and to get to cuddle up close the Herdwicks is an unforgettable experience. I felt incredibly sad leaving but Im taking with me precious memories and will definitely will book to stay again. Thankyou.

We had a great stay we loved the house and Jo and Jon were lovely we loved house ... We had a great stay we loved the house and Jo and Jon were lovely we loved house as it was great for our older dogs they loved their fenced in garden a great holiday had by all of us

A couple of baking trays for the oven need to be added as there was no way of cooking food in the oven without wrapping the shelves in foil to use as a form of tray also a few more mugs would have been appreciated. Otherwise we loved our stay at the Farm. We bought some meat from the on site butchery to bring home which was lovely. Great friendly farmers at the farm. We would love to go back sometime, thanks.

Magical home and location. Wonderful walks straight from the door. Friendly hosts. Definitely wish to stay again! A large bowl to serve salads etc in would be welcome in an otherwise well equipped kitchen. Thank you for a wonderful stay!

We stayed at yew tree farm just before Christmas with our grandchildren, we all had a fabulous time and the walk into conniston from the cottage was beautiful. The cottage itself was picture perfect,and set in the most wonderful position.

We have had an amazing three nights at Yew Tree farm. Jo and Jon were really friendly and welcoming. The cottage is amazing, packed with character. It was lovely and warm on a night after a nice dip in the hot tub, so peaceful, a great place to recharge the batteries. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

We had a fabulous stay and loved the experience of staying at Yew Tree Farm. There was everything we needed to enjoy our family weekend and thank you so much for the wine, flowers, milk and card.

A lovely stay in the most photographed cottage in The Lakes, very atmospheric property definitely feels like you walking in Miss Potters footsteps. Clean and comfy beds, and constant hot water. The meat from Yew Tree farm shop was delicious and we really enjoyed doing the Herdwick experience it was very informative and great to cuddle the Herdys who were super friendly. A perfect place to stay if you want the experience of going back in time has the decor of the property is very olde world.

The cottage was amazing and it was such an experience staying somewhere so old. John and Jo were very welcoming and gave us lots of tips on all things local. It was also lovely having bird feeders right outside the window, we saw birds weve never seen before. Yew tree cottage was a great base to explore from, as a family we walked along footpaths to Coniston, and we were within easy reach of Hawkeshead, Ambleside and Windermere by car.

A magical place with lovely people. Have never had a more relaxing break. Produce from the butchers was fantastic. Love the fact its so dog friendly. Looking forward to going back in December.

A great dog friendly cottage on a working farm with lots of character and charm. Jo and Jon the resident farmers are very friendly, welcoming and showed us the farm animals. Easy check. Relaxing walks from the front door. We enjoyed the hot tub in the evenings. Good showers and lots of hot water. Beds also very comfy. I would recommend this cottage.

This cottage is a beautiful, characteristic and historical home that our family were very happy to spend our New Year in. We enjoyed watching the birds on the feeder every morning! The beds were so comfy and the kitchen was equipped with all the necessities. Within the most beautiful surroundings and the lovely quaint village of Coniston within easy access. We have a very relaxed week and enjoyed the hot tub!

We spent Christmas at Yew Tree Farm, its an incredible experience, as its a Grade 2 listed building, set in the most beautiful scenic area and also a working farm. I felt privileged to be able to stay in such a historic building. Inside its decorated in William Morris wallpaper, with creeky floors and beams and wonderful old furniture. The bathrooms, all three of them are well equipped with strong pressure showers and one has a wonderful huge bath. Three bedrooms, two with four poster beds, and one twin have crisp white linen and heavy duvets all of exceptional quality. Theres a well presented dining room, which I dressed for Christmas with paper chains and fairy lights. There was a Christmas tree provided and little Christmassy touches throughout. The living room with an open fire was cozy and comfortable and you could almost feel the history of the place. Every attention to detail with lamps and fittings all appropriate to the building. There was a secure stone walled private garden, where my Schnauzer dog played and around the side of the property a hot tub which was the perfect place to spend an evening. The kitchen has everything you could need to prepare a full Christmas dinner or any other meal you may care to make. The property is well situated, for walks and close enough to visit Ambleside and Hawkshead. The owners work and live on site but are busy, and you really only see them about their jobs, though it was nice to know they were about if we needed them. I would recommend this accommodation to anyone looking to stay in a place both beautiful, and full of charm.

The house was gorgeous! Exactly what we expected, in the most perfect location. It is a farmhouse and has every farmhouse feature, love it! Jo and John made sure everything was ready for us on arrival and the hot tub was cleaned and ready for use within the first 24 hours. .

Fantastic holiday cottage with bags of heritage on a working farm Jon & Jo Watson the perfect hosts. Its our fourth visit surely that says enough.

We're going back again. So much character and charm that we cannot resist. John and Jo were excellent hosts and made us very welcome. Would highly recommend the onsite butchery as well.

The decor and layout and quality of the place was excellent but it had an overwhelming failing. The heating system did not work properly and as a result I had to leave after only 3 days because it was too cold to stay in

Disappointed there was dog hairs over the carpet in the room and we had to hover it on the first night because we had a nine month baby with us. Also disappointed that the hot tub was not ready for use on our first night. Fridge seemed very small for a house that sleeps six. The barbecue was small, and we had to clean it before we could use it.

We absolutely loved our stay in this property steeped in history. The scenery is phenomenal and John and Jo were perfect hosts.

Absolute splendid holiday cottage was like living in a museum stepping back 300 years. Great location to tour the lakes, with great walks on the door step all outstanding. John and Jo were the perfect hosts, nothing too much trouble. Highly recommend the Heritage meat sold on site meat like you've never tasted before!! Highly recommend.

We had a great stay, ideal location, so atmospheric and ideal for those who like to travel back in time and imagine themselves living in another reality like I do. I wish I'd brought period costume with me but there was sadly no room in my case. Also my 14yr old brought me back to reality when the WiFi kept turning off and there were no instructions as to the location of the router. All it needed was to be turned on and off. Previous families have suggested updating the guest information book but I notice this hasn't happened yet. This would save guests having to bother the tenants. For anyone reading this it's next to the switch for the lamp on the landing behind the magnificent chest. The tenants were very helpful and friendly, very busy people but happy to help even when in the middle of a workshop. Also they do have bus loads of tourists like us attending on occasion so do look out for friendly Americans requesting to use the loo. Maybe a sign on the external toilet door for those guests would be helpful? Although, we were happy to oblige by allowing them to use one of the 3 bathrooms in the cottage as had no idea what alternatives there were beyond the flower bed or a bush! Also you never know when you might get caught short yourself! My only other point of concern was the abundance of fruit flies in the kitchen. This must surely be a season thing? The cottage kitchen was very clean. The cottage is by a stream may be irrelevant!? and I note the mesh on the front door of the tenants cottage. Perhaps such a measure might be considered at Yew Tree, although may spoil the old world charm for photos, would potentially stop the appearance of 20 dead flies in your wine. We made sure food was covered and the bin emptied at least 2 times in the week but still every morning it was fly armageddon in the kitchen and the hoover came out. The beds were really comfy, loved the large bath and the hot tub was fab after an evening swim in Coniston water or a long walk. All of this added to our adventure in the Lake District and I feel very grateful and privileged to have been able to experience such a special place with all its quirks and charms.

A wonderful, friendly reception from the owners John & Jo & ALL their dogs, cats & Herdwick sheep! . The fascinating18th century farmhouse provided very comfortable beds, efficient showers & very clean & cosy living rooms. We were also blessed with superb weather! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay & would also recommend John's Heritage meats, Jo's lovely artwork & found the staff at HeartoftheLakes most courteous & helpful.

An excellent property, full of charm and character. Well equipped with everything you could need for a fabulous stay. The hot tub was great after a long walk and the decking area perfect for a meal outside. We bought meat from the farm shop which was excellent and made use of the bbq facilities. The owners were very friendly, were at hand if we needed anything and we were made to feel very welcome including our dog. Can't wait to visit again!

We had a really excellent time, thank you for your hospitality. It was a pleasure to meet you both and experience the farm, the sheep in particular, and the house seems just a small part. We hope to be back again one day, I am sure we will.

Good morning The location was stunning and the house beautiful. The facilities were as described. Beds very comfortable. The only misfortune was one toilet was broken and not able to be fixed in our weeks stay.