Benson Hall Cottage, levens, nr kendal, levens, The Lake District, la8

We have stayed many times at Benson Hall.The accomodation is old fashioned but always very clean and more than adequate.The owners are very helpful.We take our dogs and they have a fantastic time playing in the large garden and enjoying all the walks that can be had from the door.We will return again.

I booked the cottage on price, only £350 for a week in august. The cottage description is accurate, no internal photos available on any of sites it is listed on. This is because the cottage is very old-fashioned. The accommodation is basic, there are two double bedrooms and a single (this room is very small and has a small bed not suitable for an adult or older teenager), the bathroom does not have a shower, the hot water is by immersion heater which has to be switched back on again frequently to ensure sufficient hot water for a family of 5. There is a small lounge with a two seater settee, two upholstered easy chairs, dining table&chairs. Although advertised as sleeping 7 this room alone does not accommodate 7 people comfortably. The kitchen is very small, sink unit, cooker, washing machine, one other "fitted" unit, one freestanding wooden 1950's cupboard/unit and a pantry. There is only one work surface in here. Very limited for a "self catering" week for up to 7 people. Downstairs there is a second lounge with a sofa bed. The main fault with the cottage is that there is a damp fusty smell everywhere but particularly in the second lounge which is partially below ground at the back as the plot slopes and I imagine no damp course. I appreciate that the very very basic state of the accommodation is refelected in the price which is substantially cheaper than any other accommodation available at this time of year and that the cottage itself is old and in need of complete renovation. You certainly get what you pay for and although we had a nice week in the Lakes the accommodation did detract from the experience. The cottage served its purpose for a cheap week away but we thought the accommodation was below a basic standard for a rental cottage.

After seeing the bad review I felt I should write something. We stayed over Easter 2010 and had a lovely time. Although the cottage was old fashioned it was still very charming and very good value for money. I would definitely go back again.