Hazelnut Cottage is a 17th-century stone cottage sitting right in the centre of Ambleside in the Lake District, Cumbria. Original exposed beams and a wood burner-effect gas fire give it a genuinely cosy feel. It sleeps four across two bedrooms and two bathrooms. This is a proper Lakes base not a remote retreat.

Ambleside is one of the Lake District's most walkable towns. Shops, restaurants, bars, a cinema, tennis, mini-golf and an indoor climbing wall are all within half a mile. Windermere's shores are just 0.5 miles away. Walking and cycling routes start from the front door.

Two bedrooms one double and one spacious twin both feature original beams. Upstairs there's a fully tiled bathroom with a P-shaped bath and powerful shower. The ground floor has a walk-in shower room for added practicality. The kitchen-diner has an induction hob, oven, microwave, dishwasher and separate laundry area.

Stock Ghyll Force waterfall is 1 mile away. Stagshaw Gardens (National Trust) is also 1 mile. Windermere lake cruises are bookable at the shore, 0.5 miles from the cottage. Hill of Oaks is around 4 miles south.

Hazelnut Cottage suits walkers, cyclists and small groups wanting a central Lakes base. Guests return and it's easy to see why.