Birkby Lodge

There’s a calm, Scandi feel to the interiors and a huge picture window so even if the rain is tumbling outside you’ll feel happy and warm indoors. Settle on a comfy sofa or chaise longue and watch out for rare red deer, greylag geese and over 30 different bird species. You have private access to the river Esk for long picnics, incredible swimming, having a bash at fly fishing, or simply dozing in one of the hanging chairs with a gin and tonic. It’s a grand spot.

The kitchen is well kitted out with a range cooker but there’s also a suspended grid over the firepit and a roomy deck with morning sun on one side, dreamy sunsets the other. Long-distance hikers can stride out in any direction and probably not meet a soul all day; there is a pub and a shop in Eskdale Green which also stocks walking gear and maps.

Return to your well-designed house with indoor fresh air and no draughts or cold spots. Gaze at a myriad of stars as night falls.