Special Places to Stay - More than a bed for the night

Up a narrow lane from Coniston village (Donald Campbell fans: you drive past the Bluebird Museum), the old man of Coniston rises ahead and mossy dry stone walls and woodland surround you. This 19th-century cottage is one of three and is attached to Fay and Antony's converted barn; they're on hand for anything from chef prepared meals to a yacht charter and can meet you, or leave you to explore. Walk straight in to the bright white kitchen with painted floorboards, light oak surfaces, Belfast sink and shelves of pretty china and antique glass; views reach to the hills through sash windows with white Irish linen blinds. An all-white bedroom has a working black Victorian fireplace, a sweet window seat for gazing and your bed sports feather and down; there's a roll-top bath under the window and Liberty lighting, with a large en suite shower for more modest souls! A staircase from the kitchen leads to an elegant, simple sitting room with wood-burner, well stocked bookcase, flax linen sofa – and more views. Logs are on the house, fresh flowers fill the rooms and honeymooners are spoiled. The lakes await, but this is beautiful.