Thimble Cottage, Pennington

Thimble Cottage is a converted stone barn in the Lake District village of Spark Bridge, Cumbria. Original features include exposed timber beams and thick stone walls that tell the story of this building's agricultural past. The barn sits in peaceful countryside with open views across fields and woodland.

The setting is pure rural Lakeland. Rolling fells rise in the distance. Sheep graze in nearby pastures. This is proper countryside living with footpaths leading straight from the door.

Inside you'll find two bedrooms sleeping four guests. The main bedroom has a double bed whilst the second offers twin singles. There's one bathroom with a shower. The living space features an open-plan kitchen and dining area with comfortable seating.

Coniston Water lies 4 miles north (10 minutes' drive) for watersports and lakeside walks. Grizedale Forest (3 miles, 8 minutes) offers mountain biking and sculpture trails. The market town of Ulverston sits 6 miles south (15 minutes) with independent shops and cafes. Furness Abbey (9 miles, 20 minutes) showcases medieval ruins.

Thimble Cottage works brilliantly for couples seeking a rural retreat or small families wanting genuine Lake District countryside without the tourist crowds.