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
Best time to go
Weather in the Lake District is never guaranteed, apart from the rain (always pack waterproofs). Having said that, spring can be surprisingly mild and, Easter aside, less crowded. Summer, whatever the weather, is always busy; expect slow-moving traffic and full car parks. Autumn’s colours are ravishing and a good bet if you enjoy walking. Although winter can be wet and muddy – snowy, too – the area has a bleak beauty, and the cottage’s log-burning stove comes into its own.
Our top tips
Chances are it will rain at some point during your stay, or you’ll fancy a change from walking. Luckily, across the road from the cottage is the Langdale Estate – large wooded grounds with timeshare chalets and two hotels (more attractive than it sounds) – whose leisure centre is open to day visitors (for a charge). As well as a 20-metre pool, sauna and steam room, there’s a spa pool and fitness room; towels provided.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests