Among the best things concerning the gloomier, colder months of the yr, you will agree, is walking past a comfy house at night and catching a glimpse inside through open curtains – the spirits lifting as you imagine what it may be prefer to live there.
Little Nut Cottage within the minuscule village of Elterwater within the Lake District is a primary candidate for such winter-window lusting.
Peek through the lounge window to behold a hygge wonderland – an expensive L-shaped sofa, a wood-burning stove, a basket of logs, an armchair, a picket beam and the plumpest of cushions strewn hither and thither.
Book in for a stay, as I do with Oliver’s Travels, and you may discover that slate-smothered Little Nut Cottage (listed as ‘The Little Cottage‘ with Oliver’s Travels) delivers on the promise – it’s enchantingly cosy while you’re inside, too. And from top to bottom.
Ted books in for a stay in Little Nut Cottage with Oliver’s Travels (which lists it as The Little Cottage) – and finds that it’s ‘enchantingly cosy’
A few of Britain’s most eye-catching landscapes are right on the doorstep of the cottage, reveals Ted
The cottage has an ‘invitingly farmhouse’ kitchen that is ‘filled with all of the mod cons’
Endearing detail: An embroidered cushion with a cute owl toy
That L-shaped sofa is nigh-on unattainable to extricate yourself from, it seems, partly because of those perfectly plump cushions.
And the kitchen round the corner is invitingly ‘farmhouse’ and filled with all of the mod cons, with a special mention to the ingenious hinged compartment underneath the sink for storing dishcloths and the like.
Upstairs there are two beautiful, luxurious ensuite bedrooms, one made up as a twin during our visit, one with a four-poster double bed.
There are fabric headboards, fabric blinds, pillows embroidered with cute animal figures – and pockets containing little animal toys – and the ensuite for the double room comes with a standalone tub. Each feature walk-in rain showers.
Ted describes the comfortable sofa within the lounge as being extremely difficult to rise up from
Upstairs within the cottage are two ‘luxurious’ bedrooms. Pictured is the four-poster double
Dreamy place to sleep: The luxurious bedrooms feature fabric headboards and fabric blinds
The double room comes with an ensuite featuring a standalone tub (above)
Back downstairs we discover that even the utility room is cosy.
I say utility room – this one has delusions of grandeur.
It’s housed in an annexe – separated from the primary constructing by a path – and features its own country-style kitchen cupboards, a sink, a padded banquette and boot warmers, in addition to a washer and tumble dryer.
Steps on the back lead as much as a garden and a hot tub – but during our blustery November visit, we remain holed up indoors.
Then there’s the placement – it’s incredible, with a few of Britain’s most eye-catching landscapes right on the doorstep. This can be a world of windswept crags, dramatic valleys, gushing rivers, dreamy lakes, chocolate box hamlets, lost ruins and lost cell phone signals.
A couple of miles to the east are Ambleside and lake Windermere, simply to the north idyllic Grasmere, and to the west the magnificent Langdale Pikes, with England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike, just beyond.
And let’s not forget the inviting Britannia Inn right round the corner, which deploys local ales, and fodder including top-end fish and chips, to a jovial crowd.
The cottage proves to be an exquisite base for my chum and me while we try and cycle up a few of Britain’s most outrageous hill climbs, comparable to Wrynose Pass, which lies around five miles away.
Little Nut’s hygge feng shui greatly aids recovery – mentally and physically.
And daily it’s an effort to depart – since the snuggle is real.
The cottage has a beautiful garden and a hot tub, though Ted is not in a position to make use of those during his blustery November visit
The cottage’s utility room (above left and right) has delusions of grandeur. In addition to a washer and tumble dryer, it features its own country-style kitchen cupboards, a sink, a padded banquette, and boot warmers
Slate-smothered Little Nut Cottage is positioned in Elterwater (above), with the Langdale Pikes lying just beyond
The Langdale Pikes look good regardless of the weather. This picture was taken near Blea Tarn summit
TRAVEL FACTS
Ted is hosted by Oliver’s Travels. Little Nut Cottage (listed as ‘The Little Cottage‘ on Oliver’s Travels) sleeps 4 across two bedrooms/two bathrooms. From £1,479 for a three-night stay or from £2,365 for per week. 4 and five-night stays also available out of peak.
PROS: As cute as a baby squirrel, as cosy as a 15-tog duvet, well-equipped, incredible location, luxurious.
CONS: Ideal as a base for exploring the Lake District, but not ideal when you’re averse to semi-remote locations. There’s good Wi-Fi on the cottage, but very poor cell phone reception.
Rating out of 5: ****
Avanti West Coast
Ted uses Avanti West Coast to succeed in the Lake District from London, travelling between London Euston and Oxenholme Lake District. Fares available from £30.90. Visit www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk.
Lake District
For more on the Lake District visit www.visitlakedistrict.com.
The Old Stamp House restaurant
Click here to read Ted’s review of ‘the world’s best restaurant’ – in Ambleside.
Video
Video shot on the Insta360 One RS camera, which comes with two lenses – a 360 lens and an everyday 4K lens.
