Harewood Barn

Wimbleball Lake sits on the doorstep, offering everything from kayaking and paddleboarding to hiking and cycling routes across the surrounding landscape. Harewood Barn is a converted property positioned to make the most of this: the open-plan living space looks out over the water and countryside, and there's enough room for six people to gather comfortably around the woodburner or spill onto the patio. Three bedrooms, each with a zip-and-link bed that can be configured as doubles or twins, are reached via separate staircases from the ground floor. Two bathrooms serve the property.

The kitchen is fitted for actual cooking rather than reheating—electric oven, induction hob, dishwasher—and there's a utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer tucked underneath. Wifi, heating, electricity, bed linen and towels are included; logs for the burner come as standard. Outside, the enclosed garden has a patio, furniture and a barbecue, while a heated store keeps bikes and wet kit dry. Three cars can park on the drive. One dog is welcome free of charge, though the property doesn't allow smoking. It works well for families wanting to base themselves near the lake, or for groups who need space to spread out indoors on rainy days.