The English Gambit

The English Gambit: Cumbria

Overlooking the calm estuaries of Morecambe Bay, this spectacular home boasts a litany of activities and an unbeatable location. The interiors are decorated in classic English style, with duck egg blue kitchen cupboards, grand fireplaces, and antique wooden furniture. Kids and grown ups alike will be in heaven here – on sunny days there’s a plethora of garden games, from giant Connect 4 and a garden chess set, to a pair of swings and a slide. Get everyone involved in a ping pong tournament, shoot goals in the netball hoop, or play a spot of badminton before firing up the two barbecues and enjoying an alfresco lunch on the deck. When it rains, fear not. Retreat to the games room for a round of pool, or curl up with a book in the plush sitting room while the kids play on the PS4. Your hosts pride themselves on their eco credentials – the underfloor heating is through a renewable ground source, and there’s a solar array on the roof providing the electricity.

Grange-over-Sands is a peaceful seaside town with elegant Edwardian architecture. The house is 150 metres from the Main Street, and within easy walking distance of a supermarket, local cafés, and some excellent takeaway restaurants. On sunny days, stroll along the banks of the estuary or walk seven minutes to the Ornamental Gardens for a picnic. The Lakes are easily accessible from the house – the southern end of Lake Windermere is fourteen minutes away by car, where you can practise a variety of watersports. On race days, drive eight minutes to the lively Cartmel Racecourse, and visit one of the top class restaurants in the town afterwards. Or head home and take advantage of the electric pizza oven for a pizza night on the verandah. There’s endless fun to be had here – we just hope you can squeeze it all in!

Home truths:
* The driveway can easily accommodate seven cars
* Full weeks can only be booked from Friday to Friday throughout the year
* Weekend and partial weeks can be booked, but not during school holidays
* The host asks to be respectful of noise after 10pm in the outdoor areas
* The ground floor and its bathroom is entirely wheelchair accessible – your host can provide a wheelchair and walking seat on request, as well as contact details for a local mobility scooter company
*All seven bedrooms can be made up as either doubles or singles on request
*Two additional guests can be accommodated on roll-away beds in bedrooms six and seven – please enquire if this extra capacity is needed