ELTIPS AV R T

I’m notoriously grumpy in the winter. Like a bear with a sore head, I long to hibernate until it’s all over and spring emerges.

So when the chance of a few days in Cumbria came up, I can’t say I was jumping for joy.

To me, a mostly wet, cold, rainy destination wasn’t going to cut it compared with Canaries sunshine.

But I found there are few things better than evenings wrapped up in front of a fire at a luxurious cottage as a cold front rolls in.

My family and I were lucky enough to stay in a sprawling long house just outside Appleby- inWestmorland, in the Eden Valley, 25 minutes from Ullswater and its famous steamers.

The owners of Glen Bank have managed to blend traditional features with contemporary style – underfloor heating, wood- burning f i res and rainforest showers.

It’s so tastefully done that original beams and comfy cottage sofas don’t seem at all out of place beside sleek bathrooms and modern appliances.

The house hosts up to ten people. The five bedrooms are decorated with sumptuous cushions and duvets their pets to the house and there’s even a doggy shower with warm water in the spacious grounds. It is one of the most gorgeous cottages I’ve ever stayed in. Like extras from a Michael Bublé Christmas video, the family and I spent hours playing old-fashioned games, eating great local food and watching films in what was the perfect antidote to the dark nights. L Like a warm hug, this is a place tha that makes you never want to step ou out the front door, but with two youF IF young kids there was no choice. you want to eat First stop was Lowther Castle. We out make sure you book spe spent an enjoyable day following a a table because pubs and tra trail around the ground before the restaurants are full of tourists ch children tackled a fantastic wooden and walkers. We lost out two nights a adventure playground. running by just popping in to pubs. The castle is now little more MAKE sure you plan your days out than a facade with outer walls but properly – journeys can take longer it retains a sense of grandeur, and than you think on the country roads. the gardens are stunning. TAKE a trip to the Rheged Centre There’s a fantastic cafe on site near Penrith. It’s a lovely little o offering delicious lunches and complex where you can pick up ho homemade cakes. local food, art and crafts, A After a long day the kids fell into enjoy lunch and even bed exhausted as the hubby and I see a film. while tasteful artwork adorns the walls. There is plenty of room not to get under each other’s feet with a huge lounge, library, well-equipped kitchen with breakfast table and an orangery for group dining.

On arrival, guests are treated to a welcome basket full of local goodies including freshly baked bread, walnut cake and fudge.

Dog owners are welcome to take enjoyed a few glasses of vino in front of the log burner.

The next day we headed to Treetop Trek at Brockhole in the Lake District.

We all had fun bouncing on giant t rampolines suspended between trees, h high among the canopies.

None of us could stop l laughing as we attacked e each other with giant inflatable balls and whizzed down slides in sacks.

Desperate to make the most of the cottage, Theo, eight, Nathan, six, and I decided to have a day in while Dad Jamie headed for his own adventure off-road driving at the Graythwaite Estate on the shores of Lake Windermere.

CBA Events operates clay-pigeon shooting, bushcraft and archery activities. But if you’d much rather be on the water you can opt for canoeing, paddle- boarding or sailing.

While I didn’t fancy motoring a 4x4 up a hill, the other half came back happy, if a little dishevelled, from his experience.

He told me I missed out on the most incredible views.

As our fantastic break came to an end and I shut the door on what would be the house of my dreams, the sky might have been grey but I didn’t miss the sunshine at all. FACTBOX: Book Glen Bank cottage for four nights from January 15, price £ 1,345 for 10 people. See www. ruralretreats.co.uk.