Pet friendly holiday cottage, sleeps 2 - Windermere, Cumbria

This idyllic cottage, just 3 miles from the shores of Lake Windermere, is the perfect bolthole for couples looking to switch off from the humdrum of everyday life. There are numerous walking routes from your front door leading to beauty spots such as Wansfell (7.5 miles) and Stock Ghyll Force (6.5 miles). After a long walk, return for a sundowner in the property's pretty courtyard garden.

The picture-postcard stone cottage has an open-plan layout and has been decorated in a contemporary style. On the ground floor, you'll find a lounge/kitchen/diner, where you can unwind after a day exploring the Lakes. Rustle up delicious dinners for two in the sleek kitchen area, before sitting down at the cute dining table.

After dinner, sink into the plush sofa to watch a film on the Smart TV. In summer, throw open the French doors to the garden to let a gentle breeze flow through the cottage. Completing the ground floor is a stylish bathroom with an indulgent free-standing bath.

Steep, open-tread stairs lead to the mezzanine floor, which houses a cosy double bedroom set under the eaves. Outside, the walled patio garden is a real suntrap, and is a lovely spot for an al fresco meal on a warm day. The area is a haven for walkers, with a wide variety of routes from waterside strolls to exhilarating fell climbs.

If you're looking for a walk with a view, then Orrest Head (2.5 miles) overlooking Windermere is a must. There are a number of towns and villages dotted around the shores of Windermere, including Ambleside and Bowness-on-Windermere, offering a great selection of independent shops and eateries. One way to journey between them is via the iconic steamers, which majestically glide across the lake.