As you enjoy your stay in one of the picturesque cottages in Cumbria, located close to the serene Lake Windermere, have you ever thought about creating your very own boot room? This perfect addition to your holiday house can serve as a practical yet stylish space for your walking gear. It’s ideal for those family holidays where you’re exploring the great outdoors, then returning home to your cosy cottage. Let’s dive into how you can design and implement this functional room in your Cumbrian property.
The importance of a boot room
A boot room is an essential feature in many Cumbrian cottages. Whether you are a local homeowner or a holidaymaker seeking to make your stay more comfortable or efficient, a well-organised boot room can significantly enhance the functionality of your property.
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Situated typically near the kitchen or the garden entrance of the house, this room is more than just a storage area. It’s a transitional space where you can comfortably change your muddy boots after a long day of walking and exploring the beautiful Cumbrian countryside before entering the main living areas of your cottage.
It’s not just beneficial for walking enthusiasts. If you have a family, a boot room can be a great place to store children’s toys, school bags, and even pet essentials. The key is to make this room as practical for your individual needs as possible, keeping the rest of your house clutter-free and clean.
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Choosing the right location for your boot room
The location of your boot room within your cottage is crucial. Ideally, it should be placed near the entrance most frequently used, whether that’s the front door, back door, or even a side door leading to your picturesque garden.
This perfect spot should be a practical space that’s accessible and makes sense in your day-to-day life. For instance, if you often find yourself entering your house through the kitchen after a walk around Lake Windermere or a family day out in Cumbria, it would be wise to consider this area for your boot room.
Also, remember to consider its size. A boot room doesn’t need to be large, but it should have enough space for the essentials, such as a place to sit while removing boots, storage for shoes and coats, and maybe even a sink for quick clean-ups.
Designing your boot room
When designing your boot room, consider both functionality and style. The key is to create a space that blends seamlessly with the rest of your cottage, yet stands out as a practical and well-organised room.
Firstly, consider the floor. Since the boot room is the first point of contact after a muddy walk, choose durable materials like stone or tiled flooring that can easily be cleaned.
Storage is also essential. Think about incorporating built-in units, coat hooks, and shoe racks. And remember, the storage should also cater to the younger members of the family. Lower hooks and shoe spaces make it easier for children to hang their coats and store their shoes.
Lastly, for that stylish touch, consider a fresh coat of paint in a shade that complements the rest of your cottage’s interior. Soft neutral colours can work well in boot rooms, creating a calming atmosphere after a day of walking and exploration.
Adding personal touches
The final step in creating your boot room is adding personal touches. This is your chance to turn an ordinary room into a space that reflects your personal taste and the character of your cottage.
Consider adding a comfortable bench or even a couple of old kitchen chairs where you can sit to remove your boots. To keep things organised, you can use labelled baskets or bins for each family member’s shoes and outdoor gear.
Don’t be afraid to display some family photos or artwork on the walls. A boot room doesn’t have to be purely functional – it can also tell a story about you and your family, thus making your stay in your Cumbrian cottage even more memorable.
As you create your boot room, remember that its primary aim is to enhance the functionality of your house while keeping the rest of your cottage tidy and mud-free. Whether after a walk around Lake Windermere or exploring the enchanting landscapes of Cumbria, coming home to a well-organised and stylish boot room will surely make your holiday cottage feel more like a perfect home away from home.
Utility room or Boot room: Making the right choice
A common question arises when designing a boot room in a Cumbrian cottage: should it be a standard boot room or a more comprehensive utility room? The answer largely depends on your requirements and the availability of space in your cottage.
A boot room, as we’ve discussed, is a space for storing outdoor gear such as boots, coats, and other walking equipment. It’s a room that helps maintain cleanliness in the house, especially after a long day of walking around the delightful landscapes of Cumbria or near the serene Lake Windermere, within a minute walk from your cottage.
On the other hand, a utility room is a slightly more advanced version of a boot room. Besides boot storage, it also includes facilities like a washing machine, dryer, sink, and sometimes even an ironing board. This variation is particularly useful if you have a larger family or if you’re staying for a longer duration.
If space allows, designing a utility room in your Victorian house could be a great idea. Just imagine coming back from a long walk, dropping your muddy gear in the room, and placing your clothes straight into the washing machine. It’s not just convenient but also an effective use of space and resources.
However, if you’re dealing with a smaller cottage, a boot room would suffice. The key is to ensure that the room, whether a boot or utility room, is well-equipped to meet your needs and enhances your experience in the Lake District.
Optimising the Boot room to suit your Needs
Creating a boot room that is tailor-made to your needs can significantly improve your holiday experience. Here are a few adjustments you can make to optimise your boot room:
If your property is dog-friendly or if you are travelling with pets, you can set up a pet area in your boot room. This could include a small shower area for your dogs, a place for their beds, and hooks for leashes.
If your cottage has an enclosed garden within walking distance, consider placing a few gardening tools in your boot room. This way, you don’t have to navigate through your house with muddy tools.
If your boot room is located near the sitting room or the living room, make sure it’s soundproof. The last thing you want is the noise of a washing machine or the clatter of boots disrupting your peaceful time by the open fire.
To make your stay more comfortable, consider adding a king-size shoe rack or installing a wood burner. This way, you can dry your wet boots and gear, making them ready for your next adventure around the yew trees of Lund Law.
Wrapping it up
Creating a boot room in your Cumbrian cottage can be a rewarding experience. It’s not just about aesthetics, but it’s also about creating a functional space that makes your stay in the Lake District more enjoyable and efficient.
Whether you opt for a standard boot room or a utility room, keeping in mind the key elements like location, design, size, and personal preferences can help you build a space that reflects your style and meets your needs.
Remember, the ultimate goal is to create a space that is practical and stylish. A place where you can easily transition from the beautiful outdoors to the cosy interiors of your cottage.
Whether it’s a minute walk from the Lake Windermere, or within walking distance from the yew trees of Lund Law, returning to a well thought out and designed boot room will surely make your Cumbrian cottage a perfect home away from home. It will be an area that not only serves as a storage and utility room but also tells a story about you and your adventures in the enchanting Lake District.
