Start the new year with a trip to the Lake District. The Great Barn on Ullswater enjoys stunning views over the lake and surrounding mountains in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Together with the main house, Waternook, The Great Barn sits on 27 acres of private grounds, with half a mile of lake frontage.
The building was converted from a 17th-century barn and retains much of its original character, with glass walls added to make the most of the natural light and landscape from its secluded location.
Inside, there’s a kitchen and lounge area, a minstrels’ gallery, a cosy snug overlooking the lake, and an outdoor terrace. Each of the four bedrooms has an en-suite bathroom, while Waternook can also be rented to sleep up to 20 guests. Self-catering is an option.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
But if that’s too much work after the chaos of Christmas, a chef, waiting staff and housekeeping are on hand so you needn’t so much as lift a finger. You can even arrange to be flown in by helicopter.
From £4,200 a week, theluxurytravelbook.com
A Sussex sanctuary
Hunker down from the cold in a cosy English country home in East Sussex, on the banks of the 500-acre Bewl Water. A long stately driveway takes you to the main entrance with old oak doors that open onto a spacious hallway of York stone, an elegant staircase and a galleried landing.
Through the French doors you can gaze across the lake from the covered seating area – or, for warmer views, nip back inside to the drawing room, which features an inglenook fireplace with wood burner. There is also a gun room with polished floors, exposed wood-beam ceilings, and a large open fireplace.
The dining room comes with a walnut table and the Travertine-tiled breakfast room has a glass atrium ceiling and leads onto the terrace. The house has eight bedrooms, seven of which have bathrooms.
From £858 a night, stayonedegree.com
Swiss luxury in Gloucestershire
This Alpine-style lodge in the Cotswolds, located just outside Cheltenham, sits amid mature gardens, trout lakes and sweeping vineyards. The large lounge opens out onto a terrace with spectacular landscape views. From here, you can read your copy of MoneyWeek over your morning cup of coffee, or at night gaze up at the stars from beside the fire pit.
The property comes with a fully equipped kitchen, three bedrooms – two of which have en-suite bathrooms – and a 200-year-old stone annexe, with its own wood-burning fireplace. The luxurious bathroom features a deep bathtub and a large walk-in shower.
From £912 a night, stayonedegree.com
-
Rightmove: UK asking prices hit record high but Britain enters buyer’s marketHigher property taxes are stifling the typically-busy spring selling season and buyers are benefiting from more choice, meaning sellers must price their homes more competitively
-
Inheritance tax reforms: government urged to rethink curbs on rural reliefsMPs want the government to delay changes to inheritance rax reliefs for farmers
-
Review: Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel – Ibiza, but not as you know itTravel The Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel is a sanctuary on the Balearic island, says Dan McEvoy
-
Review: Buckland Manor – a quiet stay in the CotswoldsTravel Buckland Manor is a true gem in the Cotswolds, hidden away from the crowds, says Matthew Partridge
-
Review: Andronis Minois and Andronis Arcadia – two Greek island idyllsTravel Andronis Minois on Paros and Andronis Arcadia on Santorini are two beautiful, authentic hotels on two different islands in Greece
-
Review: Shangri-La Le Touessrok – connecting with magical MauritiusTravel Sarah Lee soaks up the authenticity of Mauritius with the Shangri-La Le Touessrok and finds an unexpected connection with Mauritius.
-
Review: Shangri-La Paris – an ode to the world’s best foodTravel Natasha Langan enjoys fine French and Chinese cuisine at the Shangri-La Paris
-
Review: Constance Lemuria and Ephelia – two Indian Ocean idyllsRuth Emery visits Constance Lemuria and Constance Ephelia in the Seychelles for sun, sea and some of the best sushi she has ever had
-
Review: Cali, Mykonos – salute the sun in GreeceChris Carter engages in a sunset ritual of his own at Cali on the Greek island of Mykonos
-
Review: Trasierra – a yoga retreat in the Spanish hillsFlora Connell joins a yoga retreat at Trasierra, in the Sierra Morena mountains north of Seville
