Oak Lea

Oak Lea comes ready for a self-catering stay. The kitchen has an electric cooker, dishwasher, microwave and slow cooker, so cooking for four is straightforward. Bed linen, towels, wifi and heating are all included. The cottage holds two bedrooms—one double, one with twin singles—and a bathroom with a shower over the bath.

The layout spreads across two floors. Downstairs, the living and dining room has a TV, DVD player and an open fire. Upstairs are the bedrooms. Outside matters as much as in: there's a large garden with a patio and seating areas, a locked gate leading down to a lower section by Comb Beck, a bike store, and parking for two cars. The property is entirely yours; no other guests. No smoking indoors.

The cottage sits at the edge of Whinlatter Forest near Thornthwaite, where the road ends and the ascent begins. Walking and mountain biking start at the door. A pub is within a mile. One well-behaved pet is welcome.