About The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary is a converted Cumbrian slate cottage in Windermere, originally an old church school building. Located at the end of a private driveway off Ambleside Road, this two-bedroom property sits just 0.3 miles from Windermere village centre and one mile from Bowness.

The Lake District location puts you within walking distance of shops, restaurants and pubs. Windermere Lake lies nearby for boat trips and watersports. Bus stops are moments away for exploring Ambleside (5 miles) and Kendal (8.7 miles).

The cottage sleeps four across a king-size main bedroom with ample storage and a double second bedroom. The contemporary shower room features Villeroy & Boch fittings. Downstairs offers open-plan living with a William Ball kitchen, breakfast bar, two Stressless chairs and patio doors leading to a sunny patio. A separate cloakroom adds convenience.

Windermere village centre (2 minutes walk) provides supermarkets and transport links. Bowness-on-Windermere offers lake cruises and attractions. Private parking for two cars is included.

Perfect for couples or small families wanting a peaceful base near Lake District attractions. The Sanctuary combines period character with modern comfort.

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At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

✓Electric central heating
✓Electric oven with halogen hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, washer/dryer
✓Smart tv and dvd, wifi
✓Fuel, power, bed linen and towels included in rent
✓Private parking for 2 cars
✓Small patio with furniture
✓Sorry, no pets and no smoking
✓Windermere village centre within 0.3 miles

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The Sanctuary Attractions & Days Out

Explore the wonderful attractions and activities surrounding The Sanctuary during your stay. Find the best places to visit and things to do in the local area, all conveniently organised by distance and type. Charming villages to lively and exciting attractions - there's something for everyone to enjoy. Browse through our categories including attractions, walks & outdoor activities, shopping destinations and handy tips on getting around. Plan your perfect day out. Whether you're looking for family fun, romantic experiences, or pet-friendly adventures, this cottage provides an ideal base to explore Cumbria's fantastic days out. Click on any attraction for more detailed information including address, opening times and visitor tips.

Windermere Lake Cruises

Distance: 1.2 miles

LA23 3HQ

The World of Beatrix Potter

Distance: 1 mile

LA23 3BX

Orrest Head Viewpoint

Distance: 0.8 miles

LA23 1LA

Windermere Lakeshore Walk

Distance: 1 mile

LA23 3JH

Orrest Head Trail

Distance: 0.8 miles

LA23 1LA

Brant Fell Summit

Distance: 1.5 miles

LA23 3AE

Booths Supermarket Windermere

Distance: 0.4 miles

LA23 1DX

Windermere Village Shops

Distance: 0.3 miles

LA23 1AF

Lakeland Store Windermere

Distance: 0.4 miles

LA23 1BA

Windermere Railway Station

Distance: 0.5 miles

LA23 1AR

Bus Stop Main Road

Distance: 0.2 miles

LA23 1BA

Windermere Library

Distance: 0.3 miles

LA23 2EE

Windermere Lake Cruises

Distance: 1.2 miles

LA23 3HQ

The World of Beatrix Potter

Distance: 1 mile

LA23 3BX

Orrest Head Viewpoint

Distance: 0.8 miles

LA23 1LA

Windermere Lakeshore Walk

Distance: 1 mile

LA23 3JH

Orrest Head Trail

Distance: 0.8 miles

LA23 1LA

Brant Fell Summit

Distance: 1.5 miles

LA23 3AE

Booths Supermarket Windermere

Distance: 0.4 miles

LA23 1DX

Windermere Village Shops

Distance: 0.3 miles

LA23 1AF

Lakeland Store Windermere

Distance: 0.4 miles

LA23 1BA

Windermere Railway Station

Distance: 0.5 miles

LA23 1AR

Bus Stop Main Road

Distance: 0.2 miles

LA23 1BA

Windermere Library

Distance: 0.3 miles

LA23 2EE

Is The Sanctuary Right For You?

Discover why this cottage is ideal for different types of visitors

For Families

The Sanctuary works for families with older children who can appreciate quieter activities. Windermere Lake Cruises (1.2 miles) offers boat trips. The World of Beatrix Potter attraction (1 mile) entertains younger visitors. Bowness has arcades and ice cream shops. The cottage has no garden for play and steep stairs require supervision. Smart TV and DVD player provide indoor entertainment.

For Couples

This converted slate cottage offers couples a peaceful retreat with two Stressless recliners for relaxing evenings. The sunny patio provides private outdoor space for morning coffee. Walk to Windermere restaurants and cosy pubs within minutes. The king-size bedroom has ample storage. Contemporary shower room features premium fittings. Private driveway location ensures quiet nights while remaining close to Lake District walks and attractions.

Pet Friendly

The Sanctuary does not accept pets under any circumstances. The property operates a strict no-pets policy for all bookings. If you're travelling with dogs, you'll need to find alternative Lake District accommodation that welcomes animals. Many other Lakelovers properties do accept pets, so contact them directly to discuss pet-friendly options in the Windermere area.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Sanctuary

The Crafty Baa

Located 0.3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA23 1AF

Francine's Restaurant & Champagne Bar

Located 0.4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA23 1DX

The Lamplighter Dining Rooms

Located 0.3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA23 1AF

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Sanctuary

Does The Sanctuary have a hot tub?

No, this property does not have a hot tub. The cottage features a contemporary shower room with walk-in shower and Villeroy & Boch fittings instead.

Is The Sanctuary pet friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property. The cottage operates a strict no-pets policy for all guests.

How far is The Sanctuary from Windermere village centre?

The cottage is 0.3 miles from Windermere village centre, which is approximately a two-minute walk. Bowness-on-Windermere is one mile away.

What parking is available at The Sanctuary?

Private off-road parking for two cars is provided at the property. The parking spaces are located directly at the cottage on the private driveway.

How many people can sleep at The Sanctuary?

The cottage sleeps four guests across two bedrooms. The main bedroom has a king-size bed and the second bedroom has a double bed.

What kitchen facilities are included?

The William Ball kitchen includes an electric oven, halogen hob, microwave, fridge, freezer and washer-dryer. A dishwasher and stylish breakfast bar are also provided.

Is there WiFi at The Sanctuary?

Yes, broadband WiFi is available throughout the cottage. A Smart TV and DVD player are also provided in the living area.

What outdoor space does the cottage have?

A small sunny patio with outdoor dining furniture is accessible through patio doors from the living room. Note that drying clothes outside is not permitted due to land covenants.

Popular Stays Near This Cottage

Bowness-on-Windermere

The Sanctuary Reviews

We had a lovely stay and very much enjoyed the cottage.

Deborah

The Sanctuary is a comfortable cottage well located in Windermere for all the shops, amenities and public transport, yet quiet and peaceful. The new shower room is an improvement on the previous one. Just one suggestion, the cottage would benefit from a new cooker, the grill pan was missing and the shelves in the oven were unstable. We had a great week and would be happy to return again in the future.

Lovely cottage in a quiet setting but only a 5 minute walk to the centre of Windermere

A lovely cottage fantastically situated 5 mins from the centre of Windermere. Peaceful and very relaxing. We used it as a base to visit all the local villages and towns. Our only comment is that the cottage was incredibly dusty with several large cobwebs in most of the rooms,other than that it was very clean and incredibly comfortable. Some instructions on rubbish etc would be useful in the welcome book also

About our 6th stay. . it's a lovely cottage and very peaceful, but close to amenities. Very clean and comfortable. Good parking. Thank you.

Cheryl

Our second stay at this lovely cottage. We enjoyed wonderful weather and the property was well situated for access to shops in Windemere and local walks to the lake and Orrest Head. Very clean and comfortable. The addition of the Stressless chairs was a real plus. All the furnishings were good quality and the cottage was a very high standard throughout. If you book this cottage you will not be disappointed.

Had a lovely stay at The Sanctuary at New Year. Everything was perfect. Would definitely stay again. Thank you for the complimentary Prosecco. Regards Sue

Susann

Had a lovely stay at The Sanctuary at New Year. Everything was perfect. Would definitely stay again. Thank you for the complimentary Prosecco. Regards Sue

Lovely cottage really convenient for everything, car not required, will definitely stay here again.

Carole

We had a lovely week at the Sanctuary. The cottage was more spacious than the photos indicated and everything was immaculately clean. Location was great a short stroll into Windermere and the bus station. We went most places on the bus and left our car in the parking spaces provided.

Christine

We stopped here last September really enjoyed it so decided to stay for four ... We stopped here last September really enjoyed it so decided to stay for four nights for my birthday Again we had a lovely time, we even did things we didn't do before The sanctuary is very handy for the bus into Keswick Ambleside, and Grasmere and bowness but also a lovely walk into bowness It's handy for some lovely cafes, bars,restaurants and shops We wouldn't hesitate to book the sanctuary again sometime as it's a clean comfy and well equipped property and tastefully furnished

Lovely comfortable cottage. .

Louise

Impressed with standard of accommodation, photos don't do it justice. Open plan downstairs so does take a while to warm up, complete opposite upstairs. Location great, shops and restaurants short walk around the corner but nice and quiet at the cottage. We also walked down to Bowness and back, took about 25 mins each way. We went bank holiday weekend, very busy and car parks rammed everywhere. Would recommend The Sanctuary.

All very good

Great property good location ml

Arrived to find heating not working and radiator valves turned off. Tried to contact Sykes the only number available but no answer. Eventually contacted Lakelovers on Sunday morning with prompt response by engineer. Fault was low water pressure. Suggest heating should have been checked prior to arrival.

Samantha

Our second stay at the Sanctuary, in our opinion the best location in Windermere, just round the corner from Windermere village and a mile or so from Bowness and in a quiet spot The cottage is lovely and really is a home from home, the new bathroom is fantastic! The recliner chairs also a big hit after a long day walking, the private parking spot is amazing to get at the lakes, makes such a difference, thanks for another great stay

Excellent cottage in a good location.

Wonderful Cottage in a perfect location. Luckily for us The Sanctuary was available for the only week we had off in June. Situated in a quiet area of Windermere Village but only two minute walk into the center. The cottage has everything you could possible need to make it your home for the duration of your stay. Would definitely rebook if we ever come back to the lakes.

Lovely clean comfortable cottage. Good location.

Superb cottage. Excellent location and wonderfully quiet. This was our second visit to the Sanctuary and we hope to return. Very Minor point some smaller glasses tumblers would be useful.

Quite a narrow driveway for large carsSUVs but manageable with care, the luxury of 2 parking spaces is a real bonus. Set back in a quiet residential area and just a short walk into Windermere a lovely location and a well equipped, comfortable and spacious property.

This is an excellent property. It has everything needed for a comfortable self catering holiday. The cooking facillities fulfilled everything that we needed. The property is well decorated in neutral colours and the tv, dvd, wifi are all a good standard. Lovely large shower no bath but we do not use one. The patio at the rear is perfectly adequate for relaxation, with a dining table and four chairs. Our weather was a bit cool but we could imagine eating out there on a warm evening. The location is good, being only a 1015 minutes walk to Windermere town, where there is a Sainsburys, Coop as well as Booths which has a large car park. Due to Covid we were not able to eat out at the time that we were there but restaurantscafes a short walk away. Highly recommended

Super cottage, clean and well appointed. Excellent location. I think the booking fee charged is excessive. Humans do very little when booking online. You already make money from the owners.

Leave a Review

The Sanctuary, Windermere

About The Sanctuary

Need To Know

More Cottages With Hot Tubs You May Like

The Sanctuary Attractions & Days Out

Is The Sanctuary Right For You?

For Families

For Couples

Pet Friendly

Dining & Cafes

The Crafty Baa

Francine's Restaurant & Champagne Bar

The Lamplighter Dining Rooms

Frequently Asked Questions

Location Name

Popular Stays Near This Cottage

The Sanctuary Reviews