Unbelievable Storrs Gate House: Windermere's Hidden Gem Revealed!
Unbelievable Storrs Gate House: Windermere's Hidden Gem…Maybe? (My Confessions & Some Serious Spa-ing)
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups. I've just wrestled my way back from the supposed haven that is Storrs Gate House in Windermere, and honestly, I'm still trying to untangle the threads of my experience. It was… well, let's just say it was a rollercoaster, a rather luxurious, slightly wonky rollercoaster, but a rollercoaster nonetheless. Let's unravel this beast, shall we? Get ready for a messy, honest, and possibly slightly unhinged review.
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- Title: Storrs Gate House Review: Windermere Luxury - Spa Bliss or Tourist Trap? (Honest Reaction)
- Keywords: Storrs Gate House, Windermere, Lake District, Hotel Review, Spa, Luxury Hotel, Accessible, Wheelchair Accessible, Sauna, Pool, Restaurant, Spa Review, Lake District Hotels, Unbelievable Storrs Gate, Lake District Spa, Romantic Getaway, Family Friendly, Accessible Room
- Meta Description: Unfiltered Storrs Gate House review! Discover the good, the bad, and the unexpectedly delightful (and the slightly frustrating!) aspects of this Windermere hotel. From the breathtaking views to the questionable parking, I spill the tea (and maybe a few tears) about my stay!
First Impressions & Getting There (The "Ugh, Parking!")
The brochure promised a fairytale, and honestly, pulling up to Storrs Gate House, the building did look pretty darn impressive. Stone, imposing, all that jazz. The Lake District itself is stunning, obviously, but the getting there part… well, let's just say my trusty satnav seems to enjoy sending me down roads that are smaller than my grandmother's shoe. And the parking? Oh, the parking. They boast "Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]," which is technically true. Technically. But navigating the narrow little entrance and the slightly chaotic arrangement once you are in the car park… I'm just saying, if you're claustrophobic, bring a therapist. Or a very, very small car.
(Emotional Moment: The sheer frustration of circling the car park, praying for a space, nearly made me turn around and flee back to civilization)
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But They Try, God Bless 'Em)
Right, so, they tout "Facilities for disabled guests" and "Elevator." That's a good start, and they do, indeed, have them. The accessibility, however, felt… patchy. Some areas seemed well-considered, like the lift access to most of the rooms, but others felt like an afterthought. The pathways could be a little wonky for anyone in a wheelchair (this is where my experience falters - I'm happy to have a reader provide more informed information!). Plus, I stumbled upon a step or two that seemed to exist purely for the joy of tripping people. They try, bless them, but more consistent attention to detail in accessibility would go a long way.
Rooms: Cozy & Comfy, But… (The Case of the Missing USB Ports)
Okay, let's talk rooms. "Non-smoking rooms" - check. "Soundproof rooms" - mostly, although I did hear a particularly enthusiastic seagull at 5 AM one morning (Lake District, gotta love it!). The bed was delightfully comfortable – "Extra long bed" - a definite plus for a tall gal like myself. The bathrobes were plush, the complimentary tea was a lifesaver after those parking travails, and the "Free bottled water" was a welcome touch. "Internet access – wireless" (Wi-Fi [free]) was great!
BUT… and there's always a but, isn't there? Where were the USB ports?! In this day and age, I needed my phone charged, my tablet charged… I felt like I was living in the dark ages, scrambling for outlets. One small gripe within a mostly positive experience.
(Quirky Observation: The "Alarm clock" was a charming antique… which I promptly failed to understand how to set. Luckily, I managed to sleep in.)
Spa Time! (My Heaven & My Hell - Mostly Heaven Though)
Now, this is where Storrs Gate House shines. The spa! The "Pool with view"! The "Sauna," the "Steamroom," the "Spa/sauna"! Oh my god, the spa. If you're looking for pampering, this is your jam. I dove head(and entire body) first into the chaos.
- Body Scrub & Wrap: I opted for a body scrub and wrap. The therapist was a miracle worker, kneading the stress out of my shoulders (thanks, car park!) and slathering me in fragrant potions. I emerged feeling like a newborn, buttery smooth, and smelling like a tropical island. Pure bliss.
- Pool & View: The swimming pool! Listen, the "Pool with view" is accurately described. Infinity pool with the stunning Windermere Lake peeking through the windows. It was serene, quiet… and utterly Instagrammable. I may or may not have taken a million photos. I spent more time in the water with the view, completely lost in thought, than actually swimming.
- The Finicky Sauna & Steam Room: Okay, I didn't love them. Too hot, too cold, kept switching. That's not the spa's fault, more just my personal temperature preferences.
(Emotional Reaction: This spa experience was life-changing. Pure, unadulterated joy. I may or may not have considered never leaving.)
[Additional Spa Amenities] Fitness center, gym, foot bath, and massage weren't included, I'm assuming you would need to schedule a dedicated session, and you're welcome to do so!
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Food, glorious food! (But Beware the Quirks)
Storrs Gate House offers a solid range of dining options. "Restaurants," "Bar," "Coffee shop" - all present and accounted for. The "Asian cuisine in restaurant" was a nice touch, a welcome change from the classic English fare. Their "Breakfast [buffet]" was decent, though I’m not a breakfast person so the "Asian breakfast" felt a little odd. The "Poolside bar" was fantastic for grabbing a quick drink. "Happy hour" was a highlight too!
But… the "A la carte in restaurant" had some issues. The service could be a little slow, and there was a strange incident involving a soup that arrived lukewarm (a serious crime in my book). The "Room service [24-hour]" was a lifesaver at one point when I was feeling utterly exhausted.
(Messy Rambles: I ordered a very specific soup, and the waitress came back with a completely different soup in a soup bowl! I sent it back. It tasted terrible!)
Things to do: Relax, relax, relax! And Maybe Explore a Bit…
Storrs Gate House is primarily about relaxation. "Ways to relax" are absolutely their strong suit. There's not a wealth of organized activities, though, which is fine if you're happy to chill. The immediate area offers walking trails, of course, and the concierge were helpful in finding restaurants and activities to keep you entertained.
But, if you are into the "Meeting stationery" and the "Seminars" offered, the "Meeting/banquet facilities" might be a good option.
(Opinionated Language: This place is perfect if you want to do absolutely nothing but bliss out in the spa and stare at the lake. If you're looking for an action-packed adventure, look elsewhere.)
Cleanliness & Safety: Reassuringly Clean (And They Take It Seriously)
In these times, safety is paramount. Storrs Gate House scores points here for their "Anti-viral cleaning products," use of "Hand sanitizer" everywhere, and the "Staff trained in safety protocol." They've implemented the "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter" with a decent amount of space between tables in the restaurant and some rooms. They even offer "Room sanitization opt-out available" and the use of "Sterilizing equipment", which is a nice touch.
(Strong good reaction: I felt very safe and protected during my stay.)
Services and Conveniences: Hit or Miss (But the Staff are Wonderful)
The "Concierge" did a great job, always helpful. The "Daily housekeeping" kept the rooms immaculate. "Cash withdrawal" was a boon. "Luggage storage" was appreciated, and the "Elevator" was absolutely essential. But… some of the extra services seemed unnecessarily complicated. For example, the "Invoice provided" was a lengthy ordeal.
For the Kids & Pets (Potentially a No-Go?):
I didn't see any pets. The ad says "pets allowed". Therefore, I'm assuming they do. The ad also said "Family/child friendly" and "Babysitting service," so, while I don't have personal experience, it seems they're geared toward families.
Overall Conclusion: A Gem with Some Grit (Worth the Trip, Mostly!)
Storrs Gate House is a beautiful hotel in a stunning location, offering a luxurious escape with its emphasis on spa experiences, in-room amenities, and incredible views.
The parking situation is a minor nightmare. The accessibility could be improved,
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your clinical, perfectly-planned travel itinerary downloaded from some soulless AI. This is me in the Lake District, trying not to trip over sheep while simultaneously trying to find my inner Wordsworth (spoiler alert: still looking). Prepare for beautiful chaos.
Storrs Gate House, Windermere, UK - A Messy, Honest, and Bloody Lovely Adventure: (Attempting) A Schedule
Day 1: Arrival, Awkwardness, and a Lake That Makes You Want to Cry (in a Good Way)
- Morning (ish): Fly into Manchester. (The flight was delayed. Naturally. Airport coffee tasted like sadness. My luggage, however, arrived, a small victory!) The drive? Absolutely gorgeous, rolling hills bathed in that ethereal English light. Made me all emotional… until I realized I'd forgotten the adaptor for my phone. Cue internal screaming.
- Afternoon: Arrive at Storrs Gate House. Oh. My. God. The view. The lake… Windermere, you magnificent bastard, you're breathtaking. Seriously, I nearly choked on a biscuit (digestive, of course) just from the sheer beauty. The house itself is… well, it’s charming. A little faded glory, a lot of character. Perfect. I'm already imagining the potential for scandalous affairs in the library with these gothic windows.
- Afternoon (late) / Early Evening: Wandering and Wondering. A quick stroll along the lake. The water's like a liquid mirror, reflecting the sky. I swear I saw a swan wink at me. Or maybe I was just punchy from the journey. Found myself awkwardly trying to chat up a very English gentleman in a tweed jacket who was feeding the ducks. He gave me a very polite, very British, "Good day," and then promptly ignored me. Well, that's charming. I could spend the rest of my life in these woods.
- Evening: Dinner at the house, a casual affair, a lot of laughter with my companion, and (thankfully) the discovery of a decent bottle of wine in the fridge. Trying to plan for the days ahead, but I quickly realized that rigid plans don't work for me. This is going to be one of those vacations.
- Bedtime: The quiet of the room is the best part of the day, I can go to sleep or sit at the window watching the stars and remembering every piece of history, every anecdote, every feeling of my life.
Day 2: Boats, Burns, and a Badly Timed Ice Cream.
- Morning: Boat trip on Windermere. I swear, the wind was trying to steal my hat, and my hair looked like a bird's nest after the ride. The scenery, though, was something else. Islands dotted around, the sound of the engine as we sailed, the crisp air… pure joy. And I only almost fell overboard once.
- Lunch: Aiming for a picnic, but the rain had other ideas. Scrambled indoors for lunch. Found a cute, little tearoom, had a scone with clotted cream and jam. Pure bliss. The conversation quickly descended into a debate about the best way to dunk a biscuit. Crucial stuff.
- Afternoon: Visited Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's house. Absolutely delightful, even if the hordes of tourists did make me a little claustrophobic. The tiny rooms, her sketches, the stories… pure magic. And yes, I bought a Peter Rabbit tea towel. Don't judge.
- Afternoon (late): Ice cream break. Epic fail. The ice cream shop was packed. It started to rain as soon as I ordered. Got a huge splodge of ice cream on my new jumper. I looked totally pathetic. And felt totally defeated. Went back to the hotel to recover.
- Evening: Dinner in Bowness-on-Windermere. Tried to find a fancy restaurant (I was determined), but most of them were booked solid. Settled for a perfectly okay pub meal. Still, listening to the locals, warm, and lively, and having a good, deep conversation about life (and the various failings of ice cream cones) was lovely.
Day 3: Climbing, Conquering, and (Almost) Crying at Wordsworth's Grave.
- Morning: Decided to be all adventurous and attempt a hike. Chose a relatively easy one, or so the guide book claimed. Lies. It was tough, the hills are really steep. I was huffing and puffing, my legs were screaming, and I seriously considered turning back. But. The. View. At the top. Unbelievable. The entire Lake District laid out before me - mountains, lakes, everything. It was one of those moments where you feel genuinely small, but also utterly connected to everything.
- Lunch: Picnic. Finally, a success! Sandwiches, some weird local cheese, and a flask of tea. Sat on a rock, overlooking the world, feeling like I had to pinch myself to make sure it was real. The clouds were thick white, the air was clean and crisp. I felt as though I was the only person alive.
- Afternoon: Visited Dove Cottage, Wordsworth's home. Honestly, I got a little weepy. Walking in his footsteps, seeing where he wrote his poetry, the simplicity - it was profoundly moving. The power of words can move you in so many ways.
- Afternoon (late): The church where Wordsworth is buried. Stood in front of his grave, and burst into tears. No, it was real. I'm a mess when it comes to art. Just a complete, beautiful, hot mess overwhelmed with emotion. The feeling of the place, the history, the weight of so much talent - it was overwhelming.
- Evening: The house. Tried to read a book. Didn't work. Took a long, beautiful bath and went to bed early.
Day 4: Rain, Reflection, and Regrets (Mostly Minor Ones).
- Morning: Rain. Proper, unrelenting Lake District rain. Spent the morning huddled inside, reading, and drinking copious amounts of tea. This is what I came here for.
- Afternoon: Visited Hawkshead. Adorable village, cobbled streets, and more literary connections. The rain had stopped, leaving everything glistening. I bought a ridiculously expensive hat from a quirky little shop, and I don't regret a thing.
- Afternoon (late): More wandering. Found a cozy pub (again), got a pint, and sat by the fire, people-watching. I'm terrible at this, but I love doing it.
- Evening: Dinner at the house, I made the most terrible dish I've ever tried. But it brought us together and made us laugh (more than I ever have about food).
- Bedtime: Trying to come to terms with the fact that my trip is ending. Feeling bittersweet. I could stay here forever, but alas, real life beckons.
Day 5: Departure and a Promise to Return.
- Morning: One last walk by the lake. The sun was trying to peek through the clouds. Said goodbye (for now) to Windermere. The lake was calm, and somehow, it made me feel content.
- Afternoon: Drive to the airport, more delays, and a flight back home.
- Evening: Home. Jet-lagged, exhausted, but my heart completely full. I am already planning my return.
Final Thoughts:
This trip hasn't been perfect. I've been lost, I've stumbled, I've eaten bad ice cream, and I've probably looked like a complete idiot on multiple occasions. But it's been real. And it's been utterly, gloriously wonderful. The Lake District, you’ve captured my heart. I'll be back. And next time, I'm bringing a better hat. And an umbrella.
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Unbelievable Storrs Gate House: Your Burning Questions (and My Unsolicited Thoughts) Answered!
Okay, so *what* is Storrs Gate House anyway? Like, actually?
Alright, alright, settle down. It's not a laser-shooting death ray, disappointingly. Storrs Gate House is basically this gorgeous, historic building right on Lake Windermere. Think Victorian vibes, sprawling gardens, that kind of thing. It’s now been split in to multiple homes/apartments. It sounds fancy, and well, it is. Or at least, was. My friend, Sarah, used to live there. Or, well, lived in *part* of it. That’s the rub, isn’t it? Like, are we talking a mansion? An apartment? A glorified garden shed? It’s complicated.
Here’s the deal (and I'm not a historian; just a nosy person): It used to be a pretty swanky single dwelling. Now, it's divided. And frankly, some of the 'divisions' are… less than ideal. Like, I once saw a washing line strung up near the original front door. It nearly made me weep. The ironies. But when it’s good, *it’s good*. The lake views? Heavenly.
Is it... private? Can *I* go there? (Because I’m picturing myself sipping champagne…)
Ooh, Champagne dreams, eh? Unfortunately, you can’t just waltz on in. It’s PRIVATE. Unless you know someone who lives there, OR maybe, if you’re very, very good at charming people (and maybe have a conveniently placed bag of biscuits for their dog), you *might* sneak a peek. I wouldn't recommend the sneaking, though. The owners, rightfully, guard their space. Imagine. I do sometimes.
Sarah *did* have an open house thingy once, and I got to wander around, feeling like royalty. That was… *something*. Actually, it was the best part. God. It felt… unreal. Like stepping back in time, but with… slightly nicer bathrooms (praise be!).
The Lake Windermere views– really that spectacular? Is it worth it or am I just in for disappointment?
Look, the views are… well, I'm going to say it. **LIFE CHANGING.** I'm not being dramatic. Okay, maybe a *little*. But seriously, Windermere is stunning. And from Storrs Gate House? It’s magnified. The water sparkles, the boats glide, the sunsets… oh, the sunsets! I once saw a sunset from Sarah's window that turned the entire sky a shade of orange that I’d never even *dreamed* existed. I swear I shed a tear. A proper, involuntary tear. It was *that* good.
So, yeah, it's worth it. Unless you're allergic to beauty. Then maybe stay home. Seriously, it's picture postcard perfect, every single day. I’d live in the garden shed for that view – assuming the shed had Wi-Fi, obvs.
Tell me about the *history* of the place! I want to feel all fancy.
Right, history… I’m not exactly a history buff, more like a "slightly-interested-in-anything-that-isn’t-laundry" buff. But I *know* it’s old. Very old. Victorian, for sure. Probably built by someone incredibly wealthy who definitely didn’t do their own dishes. There's probably some scandalous tales in there; affairs and all that. I'd wager there was a secret room, a locked diary, possibly a ghost. It’s *that* kind of place.
It’s connected to Storrs Hall which is also beautiful, but Storrs Gate House is just a little… *more*. More intimate, somehow. Look, I should probably Google this properly. But trust me, it’s got *story*. Someone should write a book. I would *certainly* read it.
Is it expensive to live there? Like, laughably expensive?
Okay, I’m not going to sugarcoat this one. Yes. Probably. Laughably expensive is a fair assessment. Unless you're a millionaire, which, let's face it, most of us aren’t. I saw the house prices around there, once. My eyeballs nearly popped out. It's a "dream home" situation for most of us. A very, very distant dream. But hey, we can dream, right?
I overheard someone at Sarah's party (the rich one, obviously) talking about the upkeep costs. Let’s just say, it involved a small country's GDP in a bad year. So, yeah. Expensive. But, oh, the smug satisfaction... *sigh*.
What's the best thing about Storrs Gate House, in your opinion?
Hands down? The feeling. The *vibe*. It’s got this… I don’t know… *presence*. It’s like stepping into a different world, one where your worries melt away (until you remember your bank balance!). And the lake. OH, THE LAKE! I already mentioned the sunsets, right?
But look, beyond the views and the history, it's just… *magical*. It's a place where you can almost *feel* the past whispering. It’s a place you can't help but fall in love with. Even if you can't afford a postage stamp, let alone a flat. It’s a small price to pay for the sheer, unadulterated beauty. Seriously. Go look for yourself (from a distance). You won't regret it.
Any down sides? Surely it's not *perfect*.
Okay, okay, okay. Here’s the messy truth. It's old. And old buildings… well, they have problems. Damp? Potential for creepy crawlies? Constantly needing renovation? Probably. One can assume. I saw a few cracks, but the owners probably have people for that.
And the division of the house into apartments isn’t necessarily ideal. Imagine the arguments with the neighbours. The questionable parking. The occasional noisy dog barking… it's life, really. But… I'm nitpicking. The upsides still outweigh the downs. Massively.
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