Macan, Windermere

Macan is a one-bedroom cottage on the quiet west shore of Windermere, a few steps from the Far Sawrey ferry point, and its selling point is the view: the bedroom looks straight down the lake and the lounge opens onto a decking area with seating over the water. For dog owners it is an unusually good base, because you can walk out of the door onto the Claife shoreline paths, Ash Landing nature reserve and the routes up to the viewing station without driving anywhere first.

One well-behaved dog is welcome, and owners who have stayed with a dog describe it as one of the easier lakeland stays they have had - the whole area around it is set up for dogs, from the shoreline walks to the local cafes and pubs. The cottage suits a couple plus a dog rather than a bigger party; the layout is compact, with a modern kitchen, an en-suite and a bed that comes up repeatedly as unusually comfortable. A welcome hamper on arrival is a recurring nice touch.

The honest caveat is cleanliness, and it matters more here than usual because it is dog-related. Several guests have arrived to find dog hair from the previous stay still on floors, furniture and clothing, and others have noticed a lingering doggy smell or a rug in need of replacing. The property does not supply a vacuum or a brush, so if you are staying a few nights with a dog it is worth bringing something to sweep up with. There has also been a report of a stay left without heating or hot water across a weekend, and of that taking too long to resolve.

The other thing to plan around is the ferry. Macan sits on the far side of the lake from Bowness and Windermere town, and the ferry does not always run - when it is out of service the drive round is a long one, so stock up before you arrive rather than assuming a quick hop across for supplies. Best for dog owners who want lake views and doorstep walking and are relaxed about a cottage that shows its dog traffic; on that basis it earns a 4.4/5 paw rating.