Bellegrove Cottage

Ullswater's eastern shore holds this semi-detached cottage on a private drive, where 52 acres of woodland and fell back onto the property. Bellegrove has its own stretch of lakeside frontage across the road, with permission to fish and space to launch small boats. The setting draws roe deer, badgers, foxes and birds to the grounds; a stream runs through the garden, and the sense of isolation is complete despite being just 1½ miles from Pooley Bridge's shops and cafés.

Four bedrooms and two bathrooms accommodate eight guests. Ground floor holds a living room with Freeview TV and a kitchen equipped for full self-catering, opening to a dining space. Upstairs, bedrooms comprise one double with a single, one double alone, and two more singles. The large lawn has seating areas; parking for four cars is on site. Heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and wifi are included. The property does not permit smoking.

Walking, fishing and wildlife-watching occupy most visitors, though windsurfing, sailing, golf and pony trekking are available nearby. Penrith's supermarkets lie seven miles away. There is an unfenced stream in the grounds and the water comes from a spring; families with very young children should note these features of the landscape.