Sandhaven

Walking through Sandhaven, you enter a house built in the early 1900s with the proportions and detail of a grander era. Nine bedrooms spread across two storeys mean groups of 24 have real space to themselves. Ground-floor rooms have wide access doors, useful for those with mobility needs. Two bathrooms serve the property, with one ensuite. Bed linen and towels come as standard; heating and electricity are included.

The interior reflects the owner's interest in heritage—antique furnishings and period features fill the rooms, though this is a place meant for actual use rather than viewing. A kitchen with an Aga lets you cook properly. Downstairs, a big screen for films, board games, a fire pit outside, a BBQ, trampoline and swing occupy the grounds. River swimming happens on the property itself; wetsuits are provided. Parking fits ten cars. The Solway Plain spreads out around you, and the coast lies within a mile.

Nearby are Hadrian's Wall, the Lake District, and the Scottish Borders—all within reach for day trips. The cathedral city of Carlisle is close by, as are local pubs. No smoking inside the house. This is a working gathering place for large families or groups, not a museum piece.