The Elterwater Hideaway, Elterwater, Ambleside, Lake District, UK - Explore & Book
"Follow the unpromising-looking lane around the back of the pub in tiny but popular Elterwater in Langdale and you find this tucked-away cottage. In typical Lakeland style – a former quarryman’s cottage – with slate walls, four-square sash windows and pretty trellis porch it looks charmingly traditional. Step inside, however, and not only is it staggeringly smart and stylish – huge sofa, original artworks, expensive diffusers – but, somehow, bigger. The living space comfortably fits a chunky dining table, while there are two spacious bathrooms for the two double bedrooms. A clever designer’s eye has been at work: that of London-based Katharine Pooley, as much in demand in the Middle East and southern France as the UK for her elegantly sumptuousness style. This is certainly sumptuous for a humble cottage – indulgent marble bathrooms, for instance – but it’s also practical, warm and welcoming with lots of natural materials such as wood, wool and leather. It’s the attention to detail that’s a giveaway. Weary walkers (and dog-owners) will appreciate the underfloor-heated utility room, and there’s a phenomenally well-equipped kitchen for creative cooks. With its central location in the Lake District National Park, it's perfect for exploring local fell-walks, jolly Ambleside, Wordsworth’s Grasmere and Windermere’s lake cruises, then return to soak in the hot tub. Highs In the heart of the Lake District National Park it’s ideally placed for bagging a few Wainwright fells, exploring colourful towns and discovering the eponymous lakes Classy, immaculate, high-end design with luxurious touches and excellent attention to detail that nevertheless feels welcoming and restful A superbly equipped kitchen; even the fussiest cook will feel at home Feeling of privacy despite being in a popular, touristy village, and with a garden that’s scarcely overlooked Lows Only one room for eating, relaxing and chatting so everyone needs to be a) tolerant and b) tidy The bedrooms, while beautiful, are bijoux Children need to be well-behaved or constantly monitored; plenty of lovely objects just waiting to be knocked over The hefty damages deposit may add a slight tension to your holiday, particularly if you’re accident-prone" - Helen Pickles
