Own a holiday home in the Lake District

By Jane Memmler
Posted: 2009/04/06

THE Lake District is arguably the most magnificent corner of England.

From its rugged peaks to its soft dales, open fells and great lakes, it is a region that has mesmerised poets, painters, walkers and country lovers for centuries.

This spectacular region draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, but the Lake District is so varied that you can still fi nd secluded valleys and deserted hillsides.

The landscape is imposing yet comforting, wild but warming.

Once you have sampled it, it is a place you will want to return to again and again.

And what better way to do that than to own your own little slice of the Lake District?

Property prices in the area are understandably high and with its National Park status, new building is severely restricted.

This is where holiday parks come into their own. They offer the lifestyle and attraction of a holiday home in this stunning area - but at an affordable price.

One Lake District company is making it possible for people to live the dream and own a delightful lodge, with prices starting from as little as £70,000 and with a maximum price tag of £300,000. South Lakeland Parks runs three superb holiday parks for vacations as well as offering lodges to buy.

Top of the range lodges boast luxurious openplan lounges - complete with plasma TVs, integrated stereo speakers and leather sofas - en-suite bathrooms with whirlpool baths, fully-fi tted kitchens with state-of-the-art appliances and walk-in wardrobes in the bedrooms.

With their high-spec facilities it is more like staying in a five-star hotel than a lodge, but better. Instead of opening your door to a soulless corridor you step out into some of the most stunning scenery in the country.

Two of their parks - Fallbarrow and White Cross Bay - are situated on the shores of Windermere, England's largest natural lake, and are perfect for water sports enthusiasts. While the third, Limefitt, is found in true hill country in the Troutbeck Valley, which has its own tranquil river and is surrounded by soaring fells.

White Cross Bay is halfway between the Alpine-like market town of Ambleside with its diverse shops and the quaint village of Windermere. Boat owners have an extra incentive to buy here as the park has one of the fi nest marinas in the area. It also offers one of the best boat-launching facilities on Windermere.

Fallbarrow is less than a minute from the bustling resort of Bowness with its award-winning pubs and children's favourite attraction, the World of Beatrix Potter. It also has a slipway and jetty on to Windermere, to make boat launching effortless.

Each of the parks allows you to use the on-site facilities like the restaurants which serve delicious locally-produced food, friendly bars, swimming pools, shops, games rooms and play areas for the kids.

All the holiday homes are double glazed with central heating and have large decking areas, perfect for that summer BBQ.

What's more, unlike an empty property, your lodge will be secure as the parks are constantly staffed all-year-round. You can also sublet your holiday home to help cover your running costs, with top lodges bringing in £1,000 a week in the peak summer months.