Lowbyer Manor Country House

DISAPPOINTING ROOM. Our group consisted of 8 people, 3 double rooms and 3 single, which were booked 6 months in advance. On arrival we found the extractor in the bathroom didn't work leaving the bathroom full of condensation the whole stay. The towel radiator didn't work either as the controls had been removed. The radiator in the bedroom was put on for a couple of hours the first night but after that there was no heating whatsoever so we had to use wet towels for our 3 night stay. In the bedroom there was signs of damp where a mini dehumidifier had been left. We told the ower (Jim) and he actually said "yes that room is damp"! What was even worse was when we went to bed, that also felt damp. As we had booked well in advance we assumed (wrongly) that all the rooms were occupied and as we were with a group of friends didn't want to find alternative accommodation. It was on our last night when we realised our group were the only peope staying in the hotel and they could have moved us to an alternative room. It is beyond us why we were given a damp room in the first place. We ate at the hotel the first night and the food was very good but as the menu was limited decided to try elsewhere in the village. Jim said as we were not staying to eat the bar would close at 7pm on the second night. The owners do not stay at the hotel overnight so if anyone is a lone traveller this may be quite disconcerting and something to consider before booking.

We have just returned from a 4-night stay on a Writing Retreat at this wonderful place. Janice and Jim are superb hosts, making us feel so very welcome. We felt like house guests rather than visitors. Nothing was too much trouble. But this is not just for writers. With the pretty town of Alston on the doorstep as well as the Pennine Way, this is a great base for exploring. We particularly enjoyed browsing through the local indie shops - so refreshing compared to high street chains. Our room was airy and very comfortable. The power shower was a joy! The lounge has a cosy open fire and comfy seating. Being on a retreat, all meals were provided. These were superbly prepared by Janice and her small team. We couldn't have asked for more. We had an amazing time. Thank you Janice, Jim, Anna, Clare (our tutor) and to our fellow writers. We arrived as strangers, but left as friends. Hope to return soon.

Lovely characterful Manor House Lovely characterful building right near the Teasdale Steam Railway Museum. Very nice room with comfortable bed and good shower. The restaurant was closed when we arrived but we were recommended a couple of places that we could get a meal in the Town within walking distance so this was not a problem. Breakfast was possibly the best ever tasted all served by a very friendly, smiling lady.

Best on C2C. EXCELLENT We stayed here half way through our C2C cycling trip and loved it. We will definitely be booking to stay again. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming and the bedroom was very comfortable. We loved the bar and the upstairs residents lounge was excellent. Breakfast was by far the best of the trip.

Friendly. Friendly with tasty breakfast. Huge bed. Good value for money.

Breakfast didn't start until 8 and service was slow. We were told by the company organising our trip that packed lunches were available from the hotel, but when we enquired, we were told we would need to go into the town - about a mile round trip! The next result was that we did not have time for this before our prebooked taxi turned up. We also had to walk into town each evening for a meal, although we were told that evening meals might be available. After a long tiring walk from Dufton it would have been great to have been able to eat at Lowbyer Manor.