The Lake District is known to have inspired writers from William Wordsworth to Beatrix Potter. With a stay at this lake house, you'll likely be inspired yourself. This home is literally perched on Lake Windermere, complete with a jetty that's yours and yours alone – unbeatable access if you're a keen kayaker. From the outside, the grey stone cottage has the feel of another era, a pre-industrial world of pleasant pastures and calm waters. But step inside and you’ll be treated to all the home comforts you’d expect of a modern, rural home, with coloured walls, lake-inspired prints, a wood-burner and sumptuous sofas. But you'll probably want to luxuriate outside on the terrace for dinner, or perch on your private jetty and dangle your feet into the cool waters. When you’re up for exploring, you’ll find the home is set on the 5000-acre Graythwaite Estate – a fabulous spot for hiking, hillwalking, cycling and fishing. Plus, a stay here comes with access to the shared indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, table tennis room, children’s play area and 2.5-acre trout fishing lake – all just a ten-minute drive away.

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