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RGUABLY the best thing about the Tarka Holt lodges in Grange-over-Sands is their location at the heart of the beautiful Lake District.

A stone’s throw from Windermere, they’re in prime position to see all this incredible area has to offer.

We were staying in one of the luxury lodges up for sale. On arrival our host told us ‘we were talking big money’ and with a price tag of £198,000 this was indeed the case.

The spacious lodges are on Haven Holiday Park - which is a bonus if you’re looking for a family break with lots of activities on offer.

To get to our lodge, we followed a staff member in a golf cart through the main caravan park to the Tarka Holt area.

Our home for the weekend was set back from a manmade lake, close to a nine-hole golf course and surrounded by curious swans.

So perfectly manicured was the setting, it was hard to believe we were at the heart of the wild and wonderful Lake District.

We were also handed a ‘privilege card.’ An owner’s perk, it gives you 15% off in bars, shops and restaurants and half price sports and leisure activities.

You have access to a ‘residents only’ pool and spa area, and you make your way through the main campers’ restaurant to get there.

Perfect if you prefer to feel ‘exclusive.’ The pool facilities included a steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi.

We also tried a Segwaying lesson whizzing down the park’s trails with enthusiastic, energetic and expert instructors.

Other activities include kayaking, canoeing and there’s a gym too. There’s also an arcade. We tried bowling until the alley stopped working.

Away from the park, and Winderemere is a short drive away and a great spot for a day out.

We also headed to National Trust property Sedbergh Castle.

The Strickland family - associated with the house since 1239 - still live here, making it one of the longestinhabited country houses in the UK.

But the highlight for us was the gardens, especially the incredible Japanese maple garden.

Our guide Mike Hornung was really informative and brought the history of the estate to life for us.

Nearby Fell Foot Park, where you can wander by the lake, was also a highlight. And a stroll round Cartmel made for a relaxing afternoon.

Back at the lodge there were two bedrooms, a kitchen, bathroom and lounge area, with high ceilings and large french doors.

Prices range from £196,300 to £270,000 depending on the specification and how close you are to the lake.

But they also come with a set of rules. Owners can’t move full-time into their lodge, which will only be available from March to December.

They’ll also need to be off-site for ‘at least 48 hours every 60 days.’

Those considering taking the plunge are also warned this isn’t an investment - it’s a ‘lifestyle choice.’

And if you do go ahead, you aren’t buying the land - just the right to occupy a pitch - and so you have to abide by the park rules.

But it does buy you a very easy holiday destination, you can rent it out too, and every family we saw looked like they were having a great time.

The on-site shop is really handy to pick up basics.

For breakfast we headed to the Owners’ Lounge bar and restaurant which is set on the lake’s edge and enjoyed a hearty full English served with a friendly smile. The Pheasant Inn, Flookburgh Road, Allithwaite, Cumbria, LA11 7RQ Family run free-house which is ideal for both locals and tourists. To book here, call 015395 32239 Website: thepheasantinnallithwaite.co.uk/ Hazelmere Café & Bakery, 2 Yewbarrow Terrace, Grange-overSands, LA11 6ED Some of their food has been featured in numerous national food magazines and newspapers and the cakes are not to be missed. To contact the café, call 015395 32972 Website: hazelmerecafe.co.uk/ The Pig & Whistle, Aynsome Road, Cartmel, Cumbria, LA11 6PL A friendly country pub and bistro serving real food in the picturesque village of Cartmel. To book here, call 01539 536482. Website: thepigandwhistlecartmel.co.uk/