Dove Barn

From the cottage you look out over the garden and lawns to a newly planted orchard of traditional Cumbrian apples – spring will be heralded with much blossom. There is room for all in the long, beamed sitting room with a large bay window at one end and the kitchen at the other with plenty of comfy seating in between. On rainy days this will be a lovely spot for sitting with a book in front of the wood-burner, planning your next outing.

The kitchen is sleek and geared for proper cooks with plenty of prepping space, a large electric and gas stove and an oven big enough for entertaining. You eat at a round table in the bay window and on summer days you can fling open the door and bring the outside in. A welcome hamper includes ground coffee, a bottle of wine and fresh flowers.

Amble to the local pub, The White Horse, for excellent food, stride the rolling hills, sleep peacefully in well-dressed beds with prettily tiled bathrooms.