Set on a riverside estate that was once owned by William Wordsworth’s son, this eco cottage makes for an idyllic break in the Lake District. It’s all about lacing up those hiking boots here with country paths over hills and fells and a riverside walk taking you into Ambleside in twenty minutes. Just beyond the garden, a set of stepping stones take you across the River Rothay and into the land that’s inspired poets for centuries. The cottage itself has some cool eco-credentials – walls crafted from local slate and stone, a water supply fed by borehole and underfloor heating and a wood-burning stove providing the warmth. The curved facade has been designed to blend into the surrounding fells. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the open-plan living area and bedrooms invite the trees and fields inside and at the end of the day, an egg-shaped soaking tub is ready to soothe tired muscles in the master ensuite. The real bonus here is the patio, surrounded by the tranquillity of countryside vistas and the perfect spot for a morning coffee or evening drink.

Home truths:
*There are dedicated private parking spaces for two cars at this home
*Beds cannot be reconfigured, so make sure the setup suits your group
*It's over a mile to the nearest shop, so having a car is recommended
*This home welcomes children over the age of ten, unfortunately no infants
*There is a river at the bottom of the garden so children should be supervised at all times
*The master ensuite only has a bath with a hand-held shower, those that enjoy a stand-up shower will have to bag bedroom two or be ok with sharing