Harrycroft

Harrycroft is a five-bedroom house designed to sleep 11, set in Westmorland and Furness just above Grasmere village. The property has been substantially reworked inside, combining period bones with contemporary fittings. Four bathrooms serve the five bedrooms, meaning guests aren't queuing in the mornings; bedrooms vary between kingsize, double and single beds across two floors, with three of them opening onto outdoor space—French doors from ground-floor rooms lead to the garden, while upstairs a bedroom opens to a balcony. One of the bathrooms contains a jacuzzi bath.

The ground floor centres on a large kitchen-dining room fitted with a gas cooker, electric hob, dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer. A separate living room has a woodburner and Sky Sports; there is plenty of seating spread across the house to suit different moods. The enclosed garden includes decked terraces with furniture and a barbecue, though a small beck runs along the bottom boundary. Parking for up to five cars sits on the property. Wi-Fi, electricity, bed linen and towels are included; heating is gas central. One dog is welcome.

Grasmere itself—described by Wordsworth as exceptionally lovely—sits a quarter mile downhill, with shops, pubs and restaurants easily reached on foot. The house suits groups and extended families looking for somewhere to gather without feeling cramped, with enough separate spaces to give people room to themselves when needed.