Lovely Lakeside Living
It is a commonly aired desire to ‘be by the sea’, but what if the seaside is too far away, too expensive or too crowded when you're searching for unique place to stay? What if you are yearning for a taste of waterfront living but you’d rather go somewhere further inland, more affordable and (quite possibly) more peaceful?
If that sounds like a familiar conundrum then a lakeside holiday will be, quite literally, a breath of fresh air! Rippling blue waters framed by lush greenery, diverse birdlife swooping over small bobbing boats, secluded wild swimming spots and banks on which to picnic - you’ll find all of this and more at these gorgeous waterside One Off Places - unique cottages and unusual places to stay, all on the water.
Staying in the UK
The UK is dotted with exceptionally beautiful lakes, not least within the famous (and aptly named) Lake District.
Why not begin at Silverholme an elegant manor house on the shores of Lake Windermere, with beautiful gardens and private access to the water’s edge. There are 5,000 acres to stroll around, and anglers can enjoy the 2.5 acre private lake stocked with fish. Light, spacious and stylishly furnished, this is a sensational setting, perfect for groups of friends and family celebrating special occasions.
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Or perhaps you might want to head to the beautiful and expansive Ullswater and to the gorgeous retreat that is Waternook. Set within a private waterfront estate in the Lake District National Park, Waternook comprises two luxurious residences with an array of carefully curated concierge services on offer. Dating back to the 17th century this is now the ultimate holiday residence, with characterful bedrooms, elegant lounges and terraces overlooking the lake.
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For a bit of romance, what better place to go than Blackbird Houseboat, a luxury houseboat for two on a private fishing lake in Devon. Formerly a traditional canal boat, it’s been totally refitted to create a luxurious living space for two, complete with a bankside bathhouse with an elegant roll-top bath. It's located at the far end of the lake, ensuring total privacy for couples looking for a romantic retreat.
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Or you could consider this offgrid retreat in Wales, Dalarwen - a lakeside cottage tucked into a southfacing hillside with conifer and oak woodland behind it. Once the homestead of a large hill farm, the cottage is reached along a near-deserted Natural Resources Wales road and it is the ultimate in off-grid group holiday accommodation. Water from a private spring and electricity generated by solar panels, and with no phone signal, wifi or near neighbours for distraction so you can really escape into the peace and tranquillity of your rural setting.
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Exploring Europe
But of course, lakeside living is not the preserve of the UK, and you only have to take the short hop over the Channel and beyond to find more lakeside offerings.
At the more diminutive end of the scale is the Woodsman’s Cabin in France's Dordogne. Peaceful, off-grid and run on solar power, the cabin is a soul-soothing spot where you can bathe, bird watch and just ‘be’.
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And if you head further into Europe you will find no shortage of further waterside options.
This glamping site on the shores of Lake Pirkdorfer See in Austria offers treehouses and tents for accommodation, swimming and boating on site and options for biking, hiking and good old-fashioned family fun all round.
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Last, but by no means least, is Quinta do Barranco da Estrada, a boutique hotel in the Alentejo region of Portugal. Complete privacy, delicious food and wine, utterly committed staff and sensational lake views - this is a place to treat yourself.
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Or maybe rather than lakeside, you'd like to be by a loch, or on a beach - all this and more can be found on One Off Places - use our Ideas and Inspiration page to whet your appetite.