Cutcliffe Chambers, Webbery Manor Estate,
North Devon
Anyone for a spot of tennis? Stay at Webbery Manor Estate and you can impersonate John McEnroe all day long at the on-site court, mind your language though! Tucked away in the hills above the Taw and Torridge estuaries, the roof garden boasts views that stretch across to Lundy Island. And there’s plenty to gaze at inside too. The rooms have an Edwardian feel about them, decorated with duck egg-coloured armchairs, ornate chandeliers and antique vases. Squint and you could be in Downton Abbey.
What’s nearby?
The charming riverside town of Bideford is a short drive away and joins the 30 mile-long Tarka Trail Cycleway as it journeys along from Bideford to Torrington. Travel a little further north towards the coast and you’ll across Westward Ho!, the only place name to use an exclamation mark and a very pretty seaside town indeed!
South Lodge, East Yorkshire
Resting in the grounds of Kilham Hall and surrounded by pristine green lawns is the 19th century South Lodge. Perfect for a country escape with the family, kids will love splashing about in pool or bumbling about on the tennis court while you’ll find it hard to leave the comfy four-poster bed or whirlpool bath.
What’s nearby?
The patchwork hills and poppy fields of the Yorkshire Wolds are on your doorstep and the historic houses of Burton Agnes and Sledmere are also very close by. Cravings for fish ‘n’ chips and bracing sea air can be fulfilled by popping to Bridlington or with a day trip to Scarborough with its award-winning beach.
Fishermans Cottage, South Devon
This 18th century nautical treasure couldn’t complement the harbour town it peers over any more if it tried. With blue-striped furnishings, cotton boats sailing across cushions and blinds and a kitchen decorated with pastel-blue bunting, you can almost smell the salty sea air from inside. The rooms boast harbour scenes neatly framed by the large windows while the views from the roof-top garden stretch out to sea.
What’s nearby?
On Brixham Habour sits the Golden Hind, a replica of the famous Tudor ship used by Sir Francis Drake with five fascinating decks to explore. And while we’re on the subject of sea vessels, how about hopping on a ferry from Dartmouth to Greenway, the former holiday home of Agatha Christie.
Craigside, Cumbria
Perched on a wooded-slope, Craigside has a cosy alpine-lodge feel to it both inside and out. The ensuite bedrooms are decorated with folksy wallpaper bearing trees and there’s handsome oak furniture dotted throughout. Step outside and you’ll be greeted by a sweeping stretch of grass offering views of glistening Windermere peeping through the trees that surround the cottage.
What’s nearby?
Windermere is a few minutes away so hire a motor boat and explore England’s longest lake. And if you fancy a bite to eat or a little shopping trip then the bustling town of Bowness with its romantic restaurants and boutiques is less than two miles away.
Lendal Tower, York
What was once a defense tower is now a luxurious hideaway on the banks of The River Ouse. Over 700 years old, its restored chambers are packed with original features like low timber-framed ceilings, handsome wood panelling and an arched cove where a flat-screen TV now sits. Climb up to the roof garden and feel like royalty as you look across to York Minster and then onto the rest of the historic city – queue the urge to wave like the queen.
What’s nearby?
The gothic York Minster and The Shambles – voted Britain’s prettiest street – are less than 10 minutes away. For all things Viking, check out the JORVIK Viking Centre where you can dig for relics and experience life as a Nordic warrior.
To find more charming and unusual holiday cottages in England visit: cottages4you.co.uk
Blogger: Katie Rowe, Copywriter
London born. Hooked on grand architecture, the Kent coast, music festivals, flea markets, macaroons, roaming the V&A and cats.
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