by Loughview House, Fort
Spectacular views are common in this comfortable home situated on the banks of Loch Loch on the outskirts of Fort William. In front of the house, the auburn slopes of Glenmore rise above the lake, with the Nevis Range – offering great hiking and skiing – only 15 minutes by car. The house sleeps six, with an open plan living space and outside decked area with a patio heater, making it possible to get outside and enjoy the views even on the winteriest of days. It is a great base for exploring the west coast. The village of Bridge of Spain – home to one of Scotland’s best restaurants, Corriegour Lodge – is only 10 minutes by car.
A week from £1,300; millhousecottages.co.uk
Lough Erne, Enniskillen
Slow down the pace before Christmas with a few indulgent days at the Loch Erne resort, staying in one of the pleasant turreted lodges on the edge of the lake. Delightfully luxurious, with Egyptian linens, rain showers and elegant living and dining areas overlooking the lake, a stay at the lodge includes full use of all the resort’s facilities, including the Thai Spa and indoor infinity pool. , sauna and steam. rooms and an excellent program of treatments. Surrounded by 600 acres of unspoilt countryside, the resort also features a 36-hole golf course and two restaurants.
From £164 per night; Lougherneresort.com
Stays Blyth Rise, Laxfield, Suffolk
Book one of the log lodges on the shores of Loch Blyth Rise and you enter a quieter and more peaceful world, with cormorants swooping past, carp skimming the water and the rich deciduous woodland gently rustling the leaves. . Adjacent to the living and dining area are two comfortable bedrooms, suitable for two couples (no children or dogs), with cozy blankets and an outdoor fire pit that makes it possible to sit outside even on winter days. A menu of spa treatments is available, built in the privacy of your lodge, and a path connects the site with the nearby village of Gortna Tra.
Three-night stays from £595; blythrisstays.co.uk
The Glass House, Ceredigion
Gather the gang for a birthday or special celebration at this beautifully designed home, with an open-plan living area with glass walls that provide front-row seats over the gentle curves of the Teifi River. Five bedrooms offer plenty of space for everyone, with a state-of-the-art kitchen, welcome bar and caterers for celebratory dinners (or to cover your entire stay). Cold water swimmers can take a dip in the Teifi, with walks from the door across the tranquil marshes of the Teifi Marsh Nature Reserve.
Four-night breaks from £289pp, based on 10 shares; uniquehomestays.com
Liming Lodge, Cotswold Water Park
Situated on Loch Windrush – one of 180 lakes that make up the 42-square-mile Cotswold Water Park – this three-bedroom lodge is ideal for a family break, with a huge range of activities right outside the door including boarding, canoeing and kayaking. water skiing, with tennis, croquet and boules for those who prefer to stay on dry land. On cold winter days there is a Smart TV, board games and DVDs in the cozy lounge, while the small decked terrace is a great spot for morning coffee. Cirencester, a short drive away, is ideal for Christmas shopping.
Three-night breaks from £595; watersidebreaks.com
Boathouse, Belford, Northumberland
Situated on the family-owned Middleton Hall Estate, the Boathouse is set in a wonderfully secluded location overlooking one of two private lakes. Elevated above the lake shore, floor-to-ceiling windows bring the sparkling water into the large living area, meaning you can be warm and cozy inside while still enjoying the tranquil lakeside views. Sleeping two, this is the perfect choice for a romantic few days away, with walks through the grounds, the chance to see otters glimmering through the water and the dramatic coastline at Seahouses and Bamburgh just a short drive away.
Three-night breaks from £595; middletonhall.co.uk
Riverside Hideaway, Newby Bridge, Cumbria
Situated on the banks of the River Leven, the southern outlet of Windermere, this comfortable two bedroom apartment makes a great base for exploring the Lake District at the quietest time of year. Bring bikes and canoes or kayaks, the house has safe storage for everyone, and a fire lounge to warm up after an hour or two on the water. Just 100 yards across the bridge, the Swan Hotel & Spa offers a self-catering alternative, while the Holte Spa is the perfect companion for great hikes across the Cumbrian Falls.
Three-night breaks from £403; lakelovers.co.uk
Portnellan, Trossachs
Portnellan, 90 minutes away from Glasgow, is a collection of lodges spread across a private Highland estate, set amongst the lochs and peaks of the Trossachs, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of southern Scotland. The price of the stay includes use of rowboats, kayaks, lake and river fishing. and a welcome package, with one, two and three bedroom options available, all with well-equipped kitchens, Egyptian linens and private balconies to take in the views. Despite the remote feel, there is a cluster of good pubs in the area and a well-stocked village shop at Crian Lair, two miles away.
Four-night breaks in a two-bed lodge from £782; portnellan.com
Waterside Lodge, Bodiam, Sussex
This chic, Scandi-style bolthole, all white walls and light blonde wood, is the perfect base for a weekend out with friends, and the two bedrooms offer spacious, comfortable accommodation. Located on the Oastbrook Estate and vineyard, there is a hot tub overlooking the pond on the outside deck, with a log burner to cozy up in front of after a swim. Bodiam Castle is within walking distance and the vineyard offers tours and tastings by pre-booking, while The Curlew in Bodiam is a wonderful former coaching inn that offers modern Welsh cuisine.
One week from £972; originalcottages.co.uk
Lakeside Lodge, Thetford, Norfolk
Located right next to the lake on the owner’s private estate, this hand-logged lodge is the perfect getaway for two, with a large glass-walled deck area offering stunning views across the water. The lodge is compact but comfortable, with a well-stocked kitchen and one double bedroom. The pretty village of East Harling is nearby, home to the excellent Nags Head (nagsheadharling.com), which offers delicious home-cooked pub dishes for a night out from self-catering. Take walking boots and bikes to explore Thetford Forest, or walk from the lodge door.
Three-night breaks from £332; sykescottages.co.uk
