Virginia Cottage

Virginia Cottage is a traditional country cottage, best suited for couples. It is covered in flowers (Virginia creeper - hence the name), with roses at the door. Silverdale is a great area for walking - dogs welcome. It is on the Lancashire/Cumbria border and within easy driving distance of the heart of the Lake District.

Unlike most letting cottages these days, is 'personalised' with my books, pictures and bric-à-braq. It is something of a 'marmite' experience - you either love it or hate it, from the spiders in the bathroom to deer nibbling my plants (blast them - please shoo them away!)

The space
Inside you will find the original cooking range still in the kitchen-diner (it no longer has a flue so don't get over-excited about it!). In the sitting room there is flue-less gas stove (looks like a log burner) that is wonderful in the cooler months. There is full central heating throughout the cottage. Upstairs there is a kingsize bed in the large bedroom, and a 'small double' (4ft) bed that takes up most of that bedroom. Also on the first floor here is a shower room with shower, toilet, basin, washing machine and tumble drier.

The 'garden' comprises three very small patches of land. The most useful is the sitting area right outside the front door - it is a real sun-trap. There is a triangular patch of grass, which is pretty but useless, and a gravelled area next to the garage where you can barbecue if you really must! Wherever you are you will hear the birds chirping in the surrounding trees. If you are into biking then the garage is a good place for bike storage. There is a tap and hose - excellent for washing muddy paws (and feet I suppose!).

Viginia is best suited for couples, perhaps with a teenager or older adult. It is NOT suitable for children under 12, so they are 'banned' for their own safety. You will find that you can have a relaxing and enjoyable holiday in the picture-perfect village of Silverdale - the centre is only a five minute walk (well ten if you are a getting bit old and tottery like me!).