Watson Cottage

Watson Cottage is a converted barn in rural Cumberland, set within a 48-acre private estate in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The property sleeps six across three bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. All three rooms have zip-and-link beds that can be configured as either super-king or twin singles, and each comes with a television and iPod dock. The bedrooms on the ground floor are accessed via three steps; the third bedroom sits upstairs in the main living area.

The first floor opens into a generous living space with a woodburner and patio doors onto the garden. The kitchen has an electric oven, gas hob, dishwasher and washer-dryer, making it straightforward to self-cater. The property includes heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and wi-fi; logs for the woodburner are also provided. One dog is welcome here, though must remain on a lead as sheep graze the surrounding countryside. The enclosed garden has a patio, furniture, a barbecue and a private hot tub for six.

Walking into nearby Castle Carrock takes roughly an hour on foot; the village has a country pub with home-made food. From the grounds you can also reach Gelt Woods, Greenwell, and Carrock Fell, which offers views across the Lake District towards Scotland. The private spring water supply is the sole utility that differs from mains connections.