Elm Tree House

Broughton Cross sits at the threshold of the Lake District National Park, close enough to the fells for walking but near enough to Cockermouth's shops and galleries for an afternoon out. Elm Tree House is a village property that sleeps 6 across three bedrooms: two king beds and a twin. The single bathroom upstairs has a bath and shower cubicle; a separate toilet on the ground floor is handy when the house is full.

The kitchen has a gas cooker, range, dishwasher and everything needed to cook properly. Patio doors open from the kitchen-diner onto the main living space—an enclosed back garden with a sitting area, garden furniture and room for children to move around. The lounge, centred on a decorative fireplace, has a sofa and a reading corner; a bookcase holds local guides and games. Essentials like bed linen, towels, heating and Wi-Fi are included. The house does not permit smoking.

Bassenthwaite Lake and the north-western fells are within reach; the Solway Coast National Landscape lies to the west. This works well for families wanting a base to explore Lakeland without being deep in the mountains.