Tucked away in the hamlet of Torver, Cumbria is Ellis Howe, an 18th-century, detached, pet-friendly cottage in the Lake District. Perfectly located for a family of five's countryside retreat, the cottage offers beautiful, rural views to enjoy from a homely setting. Inside you'll find many original features including flagged floors, window shutters and exposed beams for a characterful atmosphere. A wonderful setting to enjoy family meals, the dining room is oak-floored with gorgeous views of Coniston Old Man and the surrounding fells. Set the table for five whilst the family chef prepares a hearty dinner in the kitchen, well-equipped for your self-catering stay, whilst the neighbouring utility hosts a washing machine. After long walks, rest your feet in front of the multi-fuel stove and snuggle up for a move on the Smart TV; you'll find lots of entertainment to choose from with a DVD player and selection of books, games, DVDs and CDs. For a quieter evening, choose a book and escape to the snug, or why not make the most of your peaceful surroundings? Outside you'll find a picnic table to dine alfresco and admire the views with a cold beer in hand; there's also a seating area to the front and a garden planted with roses, shrubs, bulbs and perennials. Head straight to the ground-floor shower room to freshen up after muddy walks or end the day with a relaxing bubble bath in the upstairs bathroom. Retreat to one of the three beautifully decorated bedrooms, a double, a twin and a single to rest up ready for a brand-new day of adventures. Discover the picturesque setting of Torver with the local pub The Wilsons Arms aswel as convenience store - Torver Deli to stock up on the essentials, whilst plenty of walks await in the surrounding countryside. Dramatic fells include Coniston Old Man, wild woodlands and wonderful Lake District walks, along with access to no end of stunning routes, from leisurely strolls to challenging ascents. Consiton Water is famous for its part in Arthur Ransome's Swallows and Amazons, with Peel Island being the setting for the 'Wild Cat Island' featured in the story; for more local culture, visit the historic Brantwood House museum and gardens, once the home of artists John Ruskin. Head to Coniston village for a traditional butcher, artisan bakery, charming tea rooms and classic Lakeland pubs, whilst the busier towns of Hawkshead and Windermere are within easy reach. For a quieter base for your Lake District holiday, secure your stay at Ellis Howe.

Torver is a small hamlet nestled in some of the most magnificent scenery in the Lake District, with a pleasant 14th-century inn and a 19th-century church built on the site of an earlier chapel. Torver boasts two terrific pubs, so you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to superb meals. Wordsworth's favourite haunt, it's now recognised locally as a starting place for exploring the neighbouring fells and the Duddon Valley, as well as a great base for visiting nearby Hawkshead, Ambleside, and Windermere.

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