The Barn

Larger groups and extended families will find The Barn works well for a shared holiday. Five bedrooms sleeping twelve, four with their own bathrooms, means everyone can spread out without negotiating a queue in the morning. One dog is welcome if kept on a lead—the surrounding landscape is sheep country. Parking for four cars sits on site, and the whole property is yours alone.

The conversion retains period character: low beams, wooden floors and an inglenook fireplace with a working wood burner dominate the ground floor, where an open-plan living, dining and kitchen area gives the group somewhere to gather. Bedrooms range from doubles to singles; a cot and highchair are available. The kitchen has an electric range, dishwasher and two fridge-freezers. Oil heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi are included; there is a natural water supply from a borehole. A large courtyard with patio, garden furniture and barbecue (May to September) opens onto a paddock.

The coast lies two miles away. Wastwater, Ennerdale and Coniston lakes are each within 20 to 30 minutes' drive, and Muncaster and Ravenglass about five miles. A pub sits within walking distance. The small town of Bootle with shops and a café is a mile and a half away. No smoking throughout.