Duckling Cottage is an original stone-built cottage on the prestigious Pullwood Bay Estate near Ambleside in the Lake District, Cumbria. Set among a small group of stone cottages at the estate entrance, it sits within over 51 acres of shared grounds and offers direct access to half a mile of private Windermere lake frontage. No hot tub here, but the setting more than compensates.

The estate grounds are genuinely special. Walk to the lake shore in minutes. Guests have swum and paddle boarded directly from the water's edge. Wildlife spotted on site includes deer, rabbits and birds. A private jetty is available for launching dinghies, canoes or kayaks with prior arrangement. Walking trails lead directly to Ambleside, Hawkshead and Wray Castle.

The cottage sleeps 4 across two bedrooms. The king-size bedroom features exposed beams and elegant rooflines. The twin bedroom has two 2'6"-wide beds with pretty décor and low beams. One contemporary bathroom with bath, shower cubicle and WC. Open-plan living with a wood burner-effect gas stove and Smart TV. Fully fitted kitchen with electric oven, gas hob, microwave, dishwasher and washer/dryer.

Hawkshead and Ambleside are both 3.5 miles away. Brockhole on Windermere is 5 miles. Grizedale Forest mountain biking trails are 6 miles. Wray Castle (National Trust) is reachable on foot via estate walking trails.

Duckling Cottage suits couples, families or friends wanting proper Lake District access without the crowds. Lakeside walks from the door, incredible Windermere views and a beautifully equipped stone cottage make this a genuinely hard booking to beat.