The Lodges at Artlegarth

If you're looking for your own private Eden, you might have just found it – well, Eden Valley in Cumbria anyway, which hereabouts amounts to the same thing. Jennie and Neil's six luxury log cabins – each with their own hot tub – sit in seven private acres of grounds at the foot of the Howgill Fells. They're just a mile's scenic walk away from the pretty village of Ravenstonedale, with the gorgeous, rolling Eden Valley on the doorstep, spectacular mountain views, and not one, but two, national parks to explore if you can tear yourself away.

These are high-end, luxury lodgings for sure – all six come with a private hot tub, which look out over fields and fells, spectacular sunsets and the deepest of dark skies. The self-catering lodges themselves are beautifully constructed in solid pine, and furnished in a contemporary-country chic style that's warm and welcoming. Kitchens and dining areas are not just an after-thought but spacious enough and fully equipped to rustle up anything from snacks, canapes and fizz to a full gourmet dinner for your family or group.

The three 'Bird' lodges (Curlew, Lapwing and Mallard) have a double, twin and a bunk-room, sharing one luxurious bathroom; the other three (Swaledale, Herdwick and Rough Fell – named after local sheep breeds, if you were wondering!) are substantially bigger, with three extra-large double rooms (two of which are en-suite), and one family bathroom. The bigger 'Sheep' lodges also tick many more of the 'luxury in the country' boxes – so think high-spec open-plan living with floor-to-ceiling windows and a real log fire, smart TVs, borehole-heating system, and gas barbecue for your personal use. They'll even book you an in-lodge spa treatment if you like.

There's plenty in the seven-acre grounds to keep families happy, from a woodland walk and play area to wildlife pond, bird-tables and even native red squirrels. It's a huge plus that the local village is just a mile away (down a quiet country lane or via a cross-country ramble), with a choice of two award-winning pub-restaurants by the river, plus art gallery, public golf course, play park and tennis courts. Best of all, you're perfectly sited for both Lake District and Yorkshire Dales national parks, so walking, cycling, country pursuits and wildlife-watching are all right on the doorstep. Kirkby Stephen is the nearest town, 7 miles away, with a vibrant Monday market and a train station on the spectacular Settle to Carlisle Railway.