Roa Island House, Lancashire

Roa Island House is a massive 7-bedroom mansion sitting on its own island in Cumbria. This grand property sleeps 16 people and offers panoramic views across Morecambe Bay from its observation tower and spacious conservatory. The house was once a weekend retreat for Mr. Schneider, an industrialist who helped develop Barrow-in-Furness. Now it's your turn to lord it over this unique spot.

The location is bloody brilliant. Roa Island connects to the mainland but feels wonderfully isolated. You're just 6 miles from both Ulverston and Barrow-in-Furness. Take a short boat trip to Piel Island or explore Walney Island's beaches. Lake District National Park is within easy reach for hiking, boating and pretending you're Wordsworth for the day. After all that fresh air, sink into the hot tub with a glass of something strong.

The accommodation is enormous. Ground floor features a family room with 3 singles (2 zip-link to super king), sofa bed, woodburner, plus a double bedroom. Upstairs: king-size with en-suite and office, 3 doubles with en-suites and a twin/double with single bed. The social spaces are spectacular - dining for 16, sitting room for 14, conservatory seating 22 and table football in the entrance hall.

Visit Furness Abbey (5 miles, 15 mins), South Lakes Safari Zoo (8 miles, 20 mins), Conishead Priory (7 miles, 18 mins) and Dock Museum (5.5 miles, 15 mins). Each offers a different slice of local history and entertainment.

Roa Island House is perfect for family reunions, wellness retreats or friends' getaways. The hot tub and 6-person sauna seal the deal. Just don't invite the in-laws you hate.