Bay Tree Cottage is a converted 17th century schoolhouse in Windermere, Cumbria. Sitting next to St Mary's Church, this two-bedroom period property has been updated with a modern interior and contemporary furnishings while keeping its authentic Lakeland architecture. The west-facing enclosed garden is perfect for al fresco dining and the open-plan living and kitchen area has reclining sofas, a breakfast bar and patio doors leading straight outside.

Windermere town centre is walkable from the front door. Lake Windermere is a gentle 10-minute stroll away with footpaths leading directly from the cottage. Orrest Head and Queen Adelaide's Hill viewpoint are both on the doorstep. Leave the car on site and walk almost everywhere.

The cottage sleeps four across two en-suite bedrooms. Bedroom one has a king-size bed and Bedroom two has a double. Both feature quality finishings and local art. There is also a downstairs WC. The kitchen has an electric oven and hob, dishwasher, fridge-freezer and washer-dryer.

Nearby: Windermere town (walkable), Bowness-on-Windermere (1.5 miles / 5 mins), Hill Top - Beatrix Potter's farmhouse (5 miles / 15 mins), Ambleside (4 miles / 12 mins).

Bay Tree Cottage suits couples or families of four who want a well-located Lake District base. Arrival touches include a bottle of Prosecco and essential basics a genuinely thoughtful start to any break.