Remarkably Charming Cottages in the British Isles

Cottages can offer a comfortable way to explore popular locales. In the beloved Lake District, rustic Low Strawberry Gardens sits just feet from Windermere, England's largest lake. The cottage, which sleeps up to four people, comes with shared jetty access to the lake and plenty of nearby fishing. Amenities are charming but basic, and there are no electrical outlets in the house.

Price range: Approximately $627 to $1,479 per week, depending on time of year.

What better way to experience the magic of the Isle of Skye than by staying in a traditional thatched cottage with sea and island views. Beaton's Croft sits at the northern end of the island, about five miles from the nearest town. The house sleeps two (though the beds aren't suitable to guests more than six feet tall). The cottage's location puts guests in prime hiking and kayaking territory and is also close to the mystical faerie glen.

Price range: Approximately $394 to $788 per week, depending on time of year.

In Ireland the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow sometimes turns out to be a cottage. Shamrock Cottages, which has been operating for 32 years, lists this secluded County Donegal house with ocean, lake, and mountain views. Situated in the northwest corner of Ireland, the cottage sleeps six and is within an easy drive of the beach, many golf courses, and the town of Dungloe.

Price range: Approximately $467 to $1,006 per week, depending on time of year.

Some National Trust properties are central enough to be a home base for city stays. Rose Cottage, on the outskirts of Bristol, feels like a rural escape but is only 20 minutes from the city center. Part of a cluster of nine cottages on a green, the cozy space includes its own private garden and two upstairs bedrooms that can sleep up to three people.

Price range: Approximately $586 to $1,479 per week, depending on time of year.

There are also options that stretch the definition of "cottage" to larger spaces fit for groups. Scar House, a 17th-century stone farmhouse, sleeps up to eight people. Set next to a Quaker graveyard, the house has modern amenities (a dishwasher, for instance) while retaining original touches such as stone-flagged floors and an inglenook fireplace.

Price range: Approximately $835 to $2,425 per week, depending on time of year.

Cottages may conjure up scenes of cozy leisure, but choose right and you'll be well positioned for adventure as well. Carrick-a-Rede Cottage in Northern Ireland delivers a sitting room complete with an open fire, plus lovely views of nearby islands. But it's also a jumping-off point for exploring miles of golden beaches or braving the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, which spans a hundred-foot chasm and links a small island to the mainland.

Price range: Approximately $545 to $1,479 per week, depending on time of year.

Many cottages are set on larger National Trust properties, imbuing the experience with a sense of history. That's certainly the case at the Laundry Cottage in Sevenoaks, Kent. The 15th-century half-timbered cottage is on the grounds of Ightham Moat, one of the oldest existing moated medieval manor houses in England. The cottage sleeps four, has its own small garden, and comes with views of the big house.

Price range: Approximately $1,018 to $2,425 per week, depending on time of year.

Select cottages offer the chance to immerse yourself in nature without giving up creature comforts. Nant Las in Snowdonia National Park in Wales was built in the 19th century as an observatory. Today, it's a rental cottage perfect for a romantic retreat: The antique bed is just big enough for two, the verandah offers spectacular valley views, and a short walk leads to one of Wales' most beautiful waterfalls.

Price range: Approximately $545 to $1,213 per week, depending on time of year.

Your accent may give you away, but with a stay at Crovie Cottage, on the eastern coast of Scotland, you'll still have the chance to blend with the locals. The newly restored fishing cottage is set right on the water, clustered among the 50 or so other traditional homes that make up Crovie, one of the best-preserved fishing villages in Europe. Spend your days hiking or just enjoying the views out your window before settling in front of the open fire each night.

Price range: Approximately $630 to $1,071 per week, depending on time of year.

Often charming on their own, cottages are made even more irresistible by their surroundings. About 40 miles from Dublin, Ireland, this cottage in County Wicklow puts guests close to such whimsically named attractions as the Meeting of the Waters and the Vale of Avoca. The cottage sleeps two comfortably but can accommodate up to three people.

Price range: Approximately $328 to $815 per week, depending on time of year.

Have you ever rented a cottage in the British Isles? Would you recommend it to other readers?

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