Who doesn't enjoy the crackling sound of a fire? There is nothing better than unwinding in front of a crackling fire or curling up in front of one with a good book after a day spent exploring, whether it be by strolling a picturesque seaside route or cycling through woodland. Open fireplaces and wood-burning stoves are becoming more and more common in UK vacation rentals, including quiet lakeside log cabins, romantic eco-retreats, family-friendly country getaways, and unusual beach locations. Here are some of our favourite cottages with fireplaces and wood burning stoves.

Anchor Cottage - Cornwall, England

Porthleven, which is located on the west coast of Cornwall's Lizard Peninsula a few miles south of Helston and once served as a hub for tin ore mining inland, is now mostly a fishing harbour and vacation destination. It's a gritty, less obviously picturesque kind of city, which is better for it. There are many pubs, cafés, independent stores, a walled harbour full of fishing boats, and tiers of residences circling above. It's a great spot to stay with your family and couldn't be more Cornish. It's close enough to the sea to be woken up by the waves, and it makes a great, dog-friendly home base for exploring the adjacent coast and the Lizard.

One of Porthleven's most common sea-facing homes, Anchor Cottage is a straightforward standalone stone cottage that has been exquisitely renovated and outfitted for the twenty-first century while maintaining all of its original charm and character. It is located right in the centre of the town. It includes three bedrooms and can accommodate up to six people comfortably. The downstairs living space has wooden floors, plush sofas with cosy throws, a rustic granite fireplace with a wood-burning insert, and a little window seat from which to take in the views of the ocean. A Smart TV, a phone, a coffee table made of a lobster crate, and a large dining table with seating for six are all present.

There are several bars and businesses in Porthleven that will encourage you to stay, and you can go for walks, go kayaking, or go cycling just outside your door. Swimming is possible right from the harbour, and there is a dog-friendly beach close to the headland. Other beaches nearby include Rinsey Point and Praa Sands, which is ideal for bodyboarding. You can also walk about a mile along the South West Coast Path to Loe Bar, where there is an inland freshwater lake, beach, and woods. Overall, the ideal location for a saline Cornish adventure!

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thecabin@greensleeves - Dorset, England

The cabin@greensleeves couldn't feel more remote since it is located at the bottom of a farm track with open fields on one side and a stream on the other, right on the Dorset-Devon boundary, near to both Lyme Regis and the Devon town of Axminster. Steve Whiting and his family, who all reside in the area, created this wooden refuge on a field next to their home and surrounded it with old-growth trees. There is a lot to see and do in the area, and at night you can drive back to your hidden cabin in the valley and sit on your verandah to listen to the stars and the hooting of hungry owls.

The cabin can comfortably sleep four people, making it the ideal choice for a family or group of friends looking for a rural getaway and a base to explore the east Devon and Dorset shores. You can pick between the mezzanine level, which includes a second kingside double bed, and the ground floor bedroom, which has a kingsize double bed that can alternatively be used as two singles. A well-equipped modern bathroom with a strong shower is located in the open-plan ground floor area, which also has a dining table and chairs, plush sofas, and a wood-burning stove. There is a washing machine in the bathroom, as well as a burner and double oven in the kitchen. For al fresco dinners, there is a gas BBQ outside. In case the weather is uncooperative, there is also a Freeview TV, a DAB radio with bluetooth, and decent wifi. If you choose to eat out, the Hunter's Lodge, a fine bar, is also accessible by foot.

All things considered, it's a great location; the Southwest Coast Path is only a few miles away, and you can go on a tonne of walks right from the property, conquering the hills of the Axe and Marshwood valleys and exploring nearby Iron-Age forts. You can hike the Jurassic Coast from West Bay, go fossil-hunting on the beach in neighbouring Charmouth, visit the Undercliff in Lyme Regis, or go fishing at either of those locations. Additionally, you won't leave hungry because the cabin is close to both the Hix Oyster & Fish House in Lyme Regis and the River Cottage headquarters, kitchen, and deli in Axminster.

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Glanmedeni - Ceredigion, Wales

Glanmedeni is a lovely place for two people to get away from almost everything, enjoying a magnificent location close to the sea in the rolling green hills of Ceredigion, halfway between Cardigan and New Quay. It benefits from being a part of a bigger property that includes large grounds with gardens and forests that the owners are actively re-wilding to attract local species. The old stone forge has been beautifully renovated, and it is only a few miles from the shore. Visitors are welcome to explore the property's trails and walks with their pets on leashes.

Most importantly, Glanmedeni is a distinctive—and distinctively well-equipped—place to stay, with a gorgeous fitted kitchen and contemporary bathroom that includes a really rare wooden Japanese dipping tub. A spiral staircase leads up to the bedroom, which is on a mezzanine floor. It boasts a magnificent super king-size bed with White Company linens that can be easily split into two single beds. The house has pretty much everything you could possibly need for a cosy and comfortable stay, including a woodburning stove, strong wifi, a Smart TV, a coffee maker, a dishwasher, and a microwave. Outside, there is a wooden deck and a private garden with views of the surrounding fields.

Regarding the setting, the Ceredigion Coast Path, which is close by, leads to a variety of secluded coves and sandy beaches. There are also breathtaking views of Cardigan Bay and the Irish Sea. Realistically, you'll need a car to fully explore the region; the closest bar, The Ship, is 4 miles away in Tresaith on the seaside, and your best bet for filling up on necessities is to drive into Cardigan. The Stonehenge standing stones originated in the Preseli Mountains, which are also home to other stone circles and historic sites, including Pentre Ifan. The Ty Canol nature reserve contains the greatest ancient woods in West Wales. In addition, Fishguard, a coastal community in Pembrokeshire, is only a short drive away to the south, while New Quay, a picturesque seaside community, is a little bit closer to the north and has even more stunning beaches.

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Under Starry Skies Llwynbwch Barn - Carmarthenshire, Wales

Under Starry Skies, a 60-acre smallholding in Camarthenshire, is a charming location at the end of a lengthy track in the lovely Tywi Valley, between the small market towns of Llandeilo and Llandovery. It gets its name from the deep, clear skies that this area of rural Wales provides. Run by Adam and Louise Bourns, the idyllic location could equally be called "beautiful orchids and wood anemones" or "blissful wildflower meadow." At any time of year, you can also see the couple's small herd of Exmoor ponies, who are essential to the management of the land and contribute to its biodiversity.

A "honesty basket" full of locally produced goods, such as jams, chutney, honey, and fresh eggs when available, is also provided. The kitchen is furnished with every appliance, including a stove and oven, microwave, and washing machine. The main double bedroom has a wonderful wood burning fireplace and a DAB radio, and the mezzanine floor of the barn includes a room with twin beds and another TV. A family bathroom with a shower and an additional toilet is also present. Wheelchair access is available everywhere except the mezzanine area, and they have all the necessities for a baby or toddler, including toys. The barn is also as environmentally friendly as they come, with a partially planted roof, power from solar panels and Ecotricity, and a spot for charging electric vehicles.

Under Starry Skies Llwynbwch Barn Interior

Finally, the setting is idyllic; the Welsh word "Llwyn" means "bush" or "grove." You can tour the smallholding, stroll through the flowery meadows, and use the pathway to reach the pleasant neighbourhood pub in the teeny village of Llansadwrn. The Brecon Beacons National Park, the Black Mountains, and Brechfa Forest, a well-liked mountain riding location, are also within a 10-minute drive of you. Or simply spend your time strolling surrounding footpaths or exploring the shops and cafés of quaint towns like the adjacent Llandeilo or Llandovery.

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Big Sky Lodges - Inverness-shire, Scotland

Six Scandinavian-style, solid wood log cabins located in the beautiful countryside across the water from Inverness may be the answer if you're seeking a Highland vacation with a twist at Big Sky Lodges. There's a reason why they're named Big Sky. This wealthy, crofting country is recognised for its extraordinarily mild climate and a landscape of rolling, forested hills and meadows with vistas that extend as far as the eye can see. It is located on the so-called Black Isle between the Cromarty and Beauly Firths.

The lodges are located on their own 17 acres of this pristine paradise; some have balconies from which you can enjoy the balmy evenings without being bothered by midges or eat breakfast each morning while watching the countless red kites catch their own. The lodges themselves are stunning in their own right. They are mostly made of sustainable Finnish pine, making them very eco-friendly and quite comfortable. They make the ideal bases for enjoying the outdoors or sheltering from inclement weather. The cosy Hideaway has one double bed, while three of the lodges—Rowan, Wildcat, and Martin—each feature a king, a double, and two single beds. The other three—Eagle, Piper's Wood, and Red Kite—each have a king bed and four single beds.

Each lodge is incredibly well furnished, including two bathrooms, a sizable living space with a fitted kitchen, central heating, a wood-burning stove, a dishwasher, and a washing machine. Additionally, there is a flat-screen TV with a DVD player, free wifi, as well as books, DVDs, and other items for rainy days. Bed linens, towels, and upscale amenities are provided, as well as excellent teacakes, fresh milk, coffee, hot cocoa, and, upon request, Scottish breakfast packs. Dog owners receive a canine welcome hamper with a water bowl, goodies, a garden stake and cable, and a cosy blanket to protect the furniture. All the lodges are dog-friendly, which is fortunate because it would be sinful to go for walks in the adjacent forests without a dog in tow.

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