Kingfisher & Otter Lodges - Luxury Lake District Self-Catering Pine Lodges in Limefitt Park

Kingfisher Lodge and Otter Lodge - Frequently Asked Questions

In order to help you decide whether Kingfisher Lodge or Otter Lodge are the right places for your holiday we have put together a list of frequently asked questions and our answers to them.

Where do the names Kingfisher and Otter come from?

Well, we were looking for names that summed up the lodges. On several occasions I have stood on the balcony watching the river and been startled by a flash of blue as a kingfisher has flown past. It is not an everyday occurence, but then again, our lodges are not everyday lodges! We toyed with the idea of calling the first lodge "Red Squirrel Lodge" when we had a long visit from our friend Rufus, but thought that Kingfisher made more sense given that the lodge is right on the beck. Ironically perhaps we have photos of red squirrels, woodpeckers and nuthatches at the lodge but we have never managed to capture a kingfisher on film. If you manage it please let us know! When we were thinking of what to call our next lodge, we heard that otters had been spotted in the beck, so it seemed logical to carry on the natural theme and name it after these amazing creatures that are gradually making a comeback.

Do you have a brochure?

Yes we do - you can download a brochure for Kingfisher Lodge in PDF format here or you can look at our comprehensive brochure on line here. Brochures for Otter Lodge are under development

If you need to get the Adobe PDF reader please follow this link

Where are Kingfisher and Otter Lodges?

The lodges are situated in Limefitt Park, Troutbeck, about 3.5 miles from Lake Windermere on the A592 between Windermere and Ullswater shortly before the Kirkstone Pass. Our lodges are situated right on the Beck - two of only a handful available for rental in such a stunning location

What facilities do the lodges have?

Gas heating and radiators throughout.
Open plan kitchen/diner/lounge
Kitchen - Gas cooker, fridge with freezer compartment, microwave, kettle, cafetiere, toaster, storage cupboards, cutlery and crockery, dining table and chairs (4 seats).
Lounge - sofa and 2 armchairs - all reclining, LCD TV, DVD player, Radio/CD player, IPod docking station, Playstation 2, coffee table, gas fire, board games, books & tourist information
French doors to decking with patio furniture and parasol
Double bedroom - Double bed, wardrobe, bedside cabinets
Twin bedroom - 2 single beds in Kingfisher and bunks in Otter, wardrobe, bedside cabinet
Bathroom - Wash basin / vanity unit, toilet, hip bath / shower, storage cupboard

Are they your lodges?

Yes they are privately owned lodges.

Do you accept dogs?

Yes - we will accept up to two well behaved dogs (apart from those listed as dangerous breeds).

Do you permit smoking in the lodges?

No. For the comfort of all our future guests we do not allow smoking inside the properties. An ashtray is provided for your use outside. Please be careful to extinguish smoking materials carefully. Wooden lodges and badly extinguished cigarettes are not a good combination!

Is the location suitable for disabled guests?

The lodges have steps up to the decking level so are not be suitable for people using wheelchairs. We have an access statement with more details here and here.

How do we make a booking?

First of all check out the Kingfisher Lodge availability page and Otter Lodge availability page

If your chosen dates are free then send in a booking request using the booking forms or call us on +44 (0)7502 459600 - please don't call us too late in the evening though.

If you wish to make a reservation then we will send you a booking form which we will ask you to complete and return with either a deposit of the full balance.

If your chosen dates are within 8 weeks of today, we will ask for the balance in full. If they are more than 8 weeks away we will ask you for a 25% deposit with the balance due 8 weeks prior to the start of the holiday.

Can we pay using debit or a credit card?

Yes - to make your booking as easy and secure as possible we now accept all major debit and credit cards. We make a small (2%) charge for the use of credit cards as a contribution to the extra cost of providing the facility

What is included in the price?

The price we charge is for the lodge not per person. Gas and electric are both included. Leisure passes to the centre at White Cross Bay are included free for all guests (this facility costs over £50 a week with other lodges). The only extra is a £35 laundry and cleaning charge which includes all bedding, bed linens, towels and tea towels. All beds have 4 season combination duvets so you will be comfortable whatever the weather.

Do you require a damage deposit?

As of November 2009 we no longer take a damage deposit. However, in making a booking you accept responsibility for any damage caused by you or any member of your party and agree to indemnify us in full for an loss that we may incur as a result. Please note that in the event that any Leisure Passes or keys issued are not returned at the end of your stay, then the cost of replacement will charged to you. Please treat the facilities & accommodation with due care so that other guests may continue to enjoy them. In the event that you notice damage in your accommodation please let us know immediately so that we can take the appropriate action. Accommodation will be inspected at the end of the holiday & you may be charged for any loss or damage found.

Can I get holiday insurance in case I have to cancel?

Yes - This type of insurance is available from many places. Please do make sure that whatever cover you buy is appropriate to your circumstances

Can you provide a cot and high chair?

Yes. We have a travel cot and high chair in the lodge and we do not make any additional charge for their use. We do ask you to bring your own cot bedding.

Do you have more than two lodges that you can rent us?

Yes - We have three lodges (you can find the other one here), although if we can't accommodate you due to a prior booking, or if you are holidaying with friends and need more than three lodges, we will do all that we can to put you in touch with someone who can. Just ask us and we will do what we can to help!

Do you accept bookings from young persons or all male/all female parties?

Limefitt is a family site which discourages young, single sex groups. As a rule we will choose not to take bookings from single sex groups or groups where all members are under 25. We reserve the right to vary this, and, if you feel it appropriate, please feel free to contact us to discuss this.

Why aren't you open during late January and February?

The park is within the Lake District National Park and has to close to comply with the regulations imposed by the Lake District National Park Authority. The park is open from 1st March until 15th January each year.

What time can we arrive at the lodges

We have arranged with our cleaners that the lodge is available from 3 p.m. on the day of arrival. Please do not arrive earlier or leave later than indicated or Gary and his team will not be able to do their jobs to the high standard that we have come to expect from them.

What time do we need to leave by?

The lodge is available until 11 a.m. on the day of departure. Please do not leave later than indicated as Gary needs to get access to be able to clean for the next guests.

Can I park next to the lodges?

Yes, there is parking for 2 cars beside the lodges. Other cars can be parked next to reception if necessary. The site has a security barrier which is locked between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

What facilities are there on the park?

On-site facilities include The Haybarn Pub and Restaurant, children's indoor amusement arcade and outdoor play area, shop/off licence and a launderette. There is a sports field, and a children's adventure playground and picnic area by the river pool. For more information visit this page.

Is there internet access available?

Yes - there is a free wireless internet connection that works in the lodge as well as up at the Hay Barn pub, and there is a chargeable internet enabled PC in the owners bar. If you have a Vodafone mobile data card you should be able to get 2G reception in the lodge. T-Mobile data cards will not get reception on the park as at April 2008. For other providers please consult their coverage maps.

What is mobile phone reception like near the lodge?

Vodafone is very reliable. Other networks are more variable - please consult network coverage maps for more details.

Are there any good pubs within walking distance?

Yes! As well as the on-site Haybarn Inn, we are very fortunate to have The Mortal Man and The Queen’s Head within a few minutes walk. They both serve great beer, have a wonderful atmosphere and serve first class food.

Could we buy a lodge at Limefitt too?

Yes, there are normally a variety of used and new lodges for sale. At the time of writing (July 2008) prices range form £85,000 to £250,000. If you are interested in buying a lodge please feel free to contact us. If you use us as a referral and we subsequently get a referral fee we will happily split it with you, making your purchase slightly less expensive. You need to do this before you speak to the park for the first time though.

Do you have any connection to South Lakeland Parks or the management of Limefitt Park?

No, we are private owners who rent out 2 lodges that we bought from South Lakeland Parks. If you wish to contact South Lakeland Parks please follow this link.