The cosy club
There’s a certain magic to winter. From the crunch of leaves underfoot to glittering blades of grass dusted in frost and hills shrouded in a thick cloak of mist, it’s a magical, mystical and utterly enchanting time of year.
Winter is a season for long crisp walks punctuated by hearty pub lunches, for thick blankets, heavy duvets and lie-ins, for quiet afternoons spent beside a roaring fire, and for stacks of buttery crumpets and endless cups of tea. In short, ‘tis the season to slow down and to really rest.
From Hansel and Gretel-like hideaways and cheery cottages to fire-warmed cabins, many of our holiday homes come into their own during winter. So, this month we bring you our pick of the cosiest and most enchanting cottages for the season. Complete with roaring fires, deep bathtubs, snug sitting rooms and AGAs there’s plenty to find comfort and joy in.
Cosy Cabins
If waking up to the sight of frosty sheep-dotted landscapes, bathing under the stars or toasting marshmallows over the firepit while hugged in thick blankets sounds like your idea of an ideal wintery escape then a stay in one of our bijou cabins such as Wagtail in the Northumberland National Park, The Railway Carriage near Melrose or The Showman’s Wagon near the legendary Hadrian’s Wall is just the ticket. Warmed with underfloor heating or wood burners and fitted with luxurious bathtubs for long soaks after a windy walk, each is full of character and charm, even on the coldest of days.
Hansel & Gretel Cottages
Think of winter in Britain and it’s likely you’ll conjure up an image of a small countryside cottage with twinkling lights, plenty of charm and a puff of smoke curling from its chimney. Surrounded by tidy gardens and mature trees, cottages such as South Lodge, Park End and Rowchester West Lodge deliver the fairytale experience, which is only enhanced by their utterly enchanting – and extremely comfortable – interiors.
Snug sitting rooms
One of the joys of being on holiday is having the time – and the opportunity – to hunker down for a cosy afternoon indoors. If you want to properly unwind, then soothing interiors, crackling fires and snuggly sofas are all important ingredients. Dark paintwork and low lighting also help to create a warm and relaxing winter mood. Many of our cottages have sitting rooms and snugs replete with laidback charm, though those at The School House, Broadgate House and Cairnbank House are a few of our winter favourites.
Hearth of the home
When there’s a chill in the air there’s nothing quite like curling up next to a roaring log fire. During the winter season, enjoying a slow afternoon relaxing and watching the flames dance in the grate is one of our preferred activities (especially when accompanied by tea and cake!). If you’re also lusting after a little fire-watching, then look no further than the stylish hearths at Bughtrig Cottage, Garden House and Honeystone House.
All the range
Bringing comfort and joy to the kitchen with its ambient heat, a range cooker is a luxurious and very welcome addition to any holiday home come winter. Whether you dream of cooking up a tender casserole in a cheery red AGA like that at The White House, want to toast crumpets or dry your clothes on a Redfyre in Appletree Cottage or wish to warm up with a glass of red in hand next to the stylish black AGA at the newly launched Number One Clayport Street many of our holiday homes have wonderful range cookers.
Beautiful bathtubs
There are few things that beat sinking into a hot bubble bath on a cold day. Warming, pampering and utterly relaxing, a good soak is the ultimate way to unwind. Whether you like to relax in heady perfumed water while listening to the rain pitter-patter overhead, you enjoy reading your book in peace and quiet, or you enjoy plotting your next adventure while surrounded by a mountain of bubbles, we have just the tub to suit your bathing style. Dip your toe into our collection of dreamy tubs with Lakeside Edward’s copper beauty, Stable Cottage’s red rolltop number and the deep free-standing tub at The Stables at Brinkburn.
