Middle Cottage is an 18th-century terraced cottage in Portinscale, just 2 miles from Keswick in Cumbria. This chocolate-box property sits in Beatrix Potter countryside with original features and handcrafted woodwork throughout. Local artwork decorates the walls. The cottage offers a peaceful village setting with a cafe, pub and hotel nearby.

Portinscale sits 0.5 miles from Derwentwater's shoreline. Footpaths lead across the fells and towards the lake. Two marinas provide water sports including kayaking, canoeing, sailing and fishing. Keswick offers restaurants, shops, a museum, family-run cinema and Theatre by the Lake.

The cottage sleeps 4 guests across 2 bedrooms. The king-size room features built-in storage and a dressing table. The twin room has full-sized single beds with limited floor space, making it best suited for children. One bathroom includes a shower over the bath. The open-plan lounge, kitchen and diner features a wood burner, timber beams and French doors. The kitchen has a built-in oven, induction hob, dishwasher and washing machine.

Theatre by the Lake (2 miles, 6 minutes), Derwentwater (0.5 miles, 2 minutes), Keswick Museum (2 miles, 6 minutes) and Whinlatter Forest Park (5 miles, 12 minutes) are nearby.

Middle Cottage suits couples and families with children. Off-road parking for two cars and an enclosed garden with raised decked seating make this a practical base for exploring the Lake District.