Solstice

Solstice suits groups and families wanting space to spread out without compromising on comfort. Four bedrooms and four bathrooms mean everyone has their own facilities, while the ground floor opens into a single living area—kitchen, dining space and sitting room flowing together around a wood-burning stove. Large windows and glass doors face the water, and a decked terrace steps down to a garden and private jetty where you can access the lake directly.

The setting is quiet; the property stands within a nature reserve surrounded by countryside and freshwater lakes. The Jurassic Coast is nearby for days exploring the cliffs and beaches. A pub sits within a mile. Electricity, bed linen and towels are included. The house is non-smoking throughout.

Inside, the kitchen is properly equipped for cooking together, and there's a ground-floor bedroom as well as three upstairs, some with balcony access and water views. This is a place to settle in for a week rather than a base for rushing around—though the location makes it easy enough to do either.