Our top lakeside cabins for relaxing by the water

Ramble through ancient woods on the miles of the Jubilee Trail that crosses at the top of the country lane, then come home to lie on the suntrap deck and slide into the lake whenever you get too hot.

The chance to stay in the middle of a Site of Scientific Interest is rare, so the off-grid space draws its water from the lake with solar power and gas taking care of lighting, cooking and water heating. Any sense that this is “roughing it” is dispelled by the smart, understated style of the interior and the swish kitchen space, an aspiring chef’s dream. All this looking out upon the tranquility of the lake and the sea of greenery on your doorstep.

Here you can lounge on the deck and watch the anglers cast lazily into water, keep an eye out for the bright flash of kingfishers, or plan hikes into the gentle hills of the South Downs National Park. Di and Alistair also happen to have a microbrewery in the barn so you can try out some extremely local beer while at the lodge.

It’s so encompassed by nature that a tree even grows straight through the deck. Whether you simply sit and watch the lake, try a bit of fishing on The Lodge’s private jetty garden or even head to the coast for a beach day trip. There's also a separate lake just opposite to the Lodge which is the perfect place for a spot of wild swimming.

From the cabin's lonely spot on the wooded banks of the river Eamont to the salmon swimming upstream, life here on the edge of the Lake District is slow and wild. Hike or bike the trails around Edenhall Estate or set up for an afternoon of fishing. Spot passing deer and meandering pheasants as you smoke the day’s catch over the BBQ and, post supper, you can stargaze in the hot tub.

Inside, it’s simple and cosy: comfy armchairs, a log burner, a well-equipped kitchen, luxury wetroom, two bedrooms and, just for good measure, a wrought iron staircase spiralling up the third bedroom in the eaves! There’s even high-speed WiFi, not that you’d know it by how far away from everything you’ll feel. The Lake District demands hearty exploration too or, at the very least, idle contemplation.

A tranquil, flooded quarry, surrounded by the countryside’s varied seasonal hues take centre stage. Simple comfort, peace and privacy reign, owners Rupert and Fran are keen to leave you to it, so they show you round and leave after unlocking and unveiling the shipping container and then the lake, the countryside, the whole world, are yours and yours alone. Huge vistas of moorland lead out from your door, inviting you on walking trails to nearby tors or day trips to either Cornish coast.

The only impact you’ll have on the countryside during your stay is when you rent the rowing boat and drift around the lake or shock the wild ponies as you stride back in the nude from the piping hot shower behind the main space after a wild swim. As night falls, the landscape fades but the stars take over, with Bodmin’s Dark Sky status affirmed by a heavenly display.

From the tip of its cool reciprocating roof to the bottom of the bathtub dropped into one of the two decks, this is an architectural wonder nestled into a wildlife oasis that will amaze and delight you even while it totally chills you out. Then it’s down to the cabin itself to discover the steam room, the outdoor fireplace and the spring-fed pond. From the kitchen deck a few yards from the cabin, the long jetty calls to you to take a running jump into the refreshing swimming water.

The deck right outside is where you can bathe year-round in hot water thanks to the sunken tub. Stepping inside isn’t the end of the wonder, with a huge bed, modern kitchen and comfy lounge space generously styled. Even the blind over the skylight is cool and everywhere you go the sweep of windowed doors means you never leave the landscape behind.

Surrounded by lofty hills, billowing tree canopies, aside a five-acre lake bedazzled and fringed with emerald life – just a glance from a window or the French doors is enough to refresh and rejuvenate. Outside is the patio, where the landscape will tempt you out for every meal, cuppa, or spare moment – and if you brought your fishing rod, you can choose between feeding the trout, or the trout feeding you. When the sun drops behind the hill range and it becomes log-burner-o’clock.

Brighter days will tempt you outdoors, to explore the sights of the estate, or only slightly further afield to the many beaches just a short drive away: Woolacombe, Morthoe, Ilfracombe and many more. You’re in between several AONBs at Mayfly Cabin, so whether you’re looking for adventure on surf, or on turf, you’re in the best place you could be.