Boathouse at Knotts End

Surrounded by the very best of the Lake District, the Boathouse at Knotts End is a 150-year old luxury boathouse which comes complete with its own private jetty. This unique Chic Retreat is the ideal honeymoon hideaway, and the perfect spot for a romantic getaway for two at any time of the year. Once part of the Leeming Estate, it sits on Lake Ullswater in Cumbria, a 15 minute drive from the town of Penrith.

Backed by acres of deciduous woodland and overlooking a sweep of private lake, the Boathouse at Knotts End has been decorated in the style of a small boutique hotel. Its slate and sturdy English oak is in keeping with the property's natural stone exterior, creating a luxurious and authentic atmosphere.

Nonetheless, the boathouse has been thoughtfully appointed for modern living. The slivers of flat screen technology (due to lack of reception there is no SKY, digital tv or television stations, however there is a DVD player so guests may bring along their own DVDs) bring the small boutique hotel's interiors bang up-to-date.

The Boathouse's kitchen comes complete with a fridge, dishwasher, fan oven, ceramic hob and a combination microwave oven with grill; there's an outdoor barbeque for warmer months. Le Crusset crockery, Villeroy & Boch glassware and kitchen utensils are provided, as well as a Nespresso coffee machine. 

Guests can enjoy dining indoors or al fresco at a teak table on the terrace by the jetty, on the balcony or at the picnic table on the lake front. Teak loungers with comfortable bespoke cushions are located on the terrace, where guests are invited to soak up the sun's rays and the views over the lake. 

With just one double bedroom, the Boathouse at Knotts End was made for romantic weekends and makes a great alternative to a boutique hotel. It is light and airy, with a queen-size bed decked out in 600 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, feather pillows and duvets. Waffle cotton bathrobes and fluffy towels are provided too, of course, alongside covetable Aromatherapy Associates products. The Boathouse at Knotts End's balcony offers sweeping views of the surrounding fells, the ideal setting for incurable romantics.

There's plenty to do here, especially for outdoorsy types. Choose from swimming and sailing on the lake, exploring Cumbria's many hiking trails, and fishing. After a long day, the sitting room is stocked with board games to wind down, and there are many guidebooks to peruse.