Dovecot Cottage, Cumbria

Find a quirky hidden gem nestled in the charming village of Grasmere, famous for being shortlisted by Hollywood moguls as one of the properties for Bilbo Baggins' house in the popular Lord of the Rings franchise. This one-of-a-kind listed building is perfect for a unique romantic retreat among stunning countryside landscapes throughout the Lake District. Make your way through lush greenery comprising tall trees, spacious lawn and a lovely private seating area right outside the property, the perfect spot to indulge in the idyllic surroundings with your other half as you sip on a glass of wine, there’s also exterior stair access to the first-floor bedroom within the cottage. Feel automatically at home as you step foot into this eccentric abode, resembling the inside of a yacht through intimate oak beams, tile floors and interesting recess cubby holes. Settle in for the night, snuggling up in front of the toasty woodburning stove as you grab a blanket and hop on the plush sofa for a quiet film night. Resting behind is a gorgeous dining table where you can tuck into a tasty meal during a memorable candlelit evening date night, prepared from the well-equipped kitchen, offering all the amenities needed for your stay. The bedroom is the star of this property, featuring the original dovecote entrance into a wood-filled space, with sloped ceilings and modest bedroom space where you can cosy up with your other half on a frosty winter’s night. Treat yourself to a luxurious soak in the Victorian-style roll top bath, a perfect way to start a lazy Sunday morning before venturing out to the delightful surrounding areas of Grasmere and the Lake District. Grasmere is one of the few places in the UK where you can still find red squirrels and you can often spot these delightful creatures when staying at the cottage. The owners support the Grasmere Red Squirrel Group with a donation for every week the cottage is booked. The village centre is just a short stroll away, home to several handy shops and local pubs where you can take a break from the kitchen and dine out for some hearty pub grub. Adventurers will delight in the chance to challenge themselves to a climb up Fairfield Peak, reaching 873 metres of height, this stunt is not for the light-hearted, however there’s also an array of leisurely walking trails if preferred. Those looking for a chilled-out day of exploration can discover Alcock Tarn, an easier route with rewarding panoramic views of breath-taking landscapes. Spend a day rowing a boat on Grasmere Lake, take amazing pictures at Loughrigg Fell, or be wowed by the views from Silver How. Easedale Valley is a charming spot to relax on a Sunday afternoon, offering the chance to enjoy a picnic on a sunny day or enjoy a winter ramble in the frost around Rydal Water. Dovecot Cottage is a beautiful cottage filled with quirky features, ideal for a romantic escape to the lakes.