*The new look Master Bedroom in our Cottage accommodation offers a touch of Luxury to The Forest of Bowland Holiday Cottages*

Over the course of six wintery weeks in January 2025, we rolled up our sleeves and poured our hearts—and a fair bit of elbow grease—into transforming The Cottage’s King bedroom into what we truly hope is the ultimate countryside retreat. Our goal? To create a space that not only guarantees a restful night’s sleep but also celebrates the charm, comfort, and history that makes The Cottage so special.

But this isn’t just any room. This used to be the childhood bedroom of Martin, the owner of Laythams Holiday Lets Retreat. While studying at the nearby Stonyhurst College, this room was Martin’s haven—a place of calm after busy days, where the views beyond the window offered both peace and inspiration. So when it came time to renovate, this wasn’t just about new paint and plush furnishings—it was about honouring the past while shaping a beautiful experience for our guests. Take a look below at the ‘before’ photos of the Cottage bedroom—the starting point of a space that’s undergone a truly remarkable transformation.

From the moment you step into the new master suite, we hope you feel the care that’s gone into every detail. The space is now light-filled and airy, yet still deeply cosy, with a seating area carefully positioned to capture uninterrupted views of the surrounding countryside. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee as the mist lifts over the fells, or winding down with a book and a glass of red in the golden evening light, this little corner is made for moments of calm.

We kept the soul of the room intact, blending traditional touches with modern comforts. One standout feature is the antique lantern that was once Martins Grandparents who lived in Sweden, a beautiful piece lovingly hand-restored by your host, Paul. It now hangs proudly, casting a warm, ambient glow that brings the room to life in the evening. It’s not just a light—it’s a story of family, craftsmanship, of hands-on care, and of our commitment to creating something meaningful.

The transformation was a real labour of love—from the reclaimed wood accents, to the green wall to mimic the nature outside, the soft, luxurious linens on THE comfiest king-sized bed. We wanted the suite to feel like a hug from the Lancashire countryside itself: soft, grounding, and full of character.

We know how important rest and reflection are when you escape to a place like Laythams, and we hope this master suite becomes a space where guests can truly switch off, slow down, and soak up the beauty that surrounds us here in the Forest of Bowland.

When we began renovating the Cottage, we knew it had potential—but even we were surprised by just how much charm and character was waiting to be uncovered. One of the biggest changes came when we removed the old water tank, which had been tucked away above the low ceiling. With that gone, we were able to open everything up into the apex, revealing the original beams in all their rustic glory.

Suddenly, the space felt completely transformed—soaring, airy, and full of natural light. It was like the room could finally breathe again. The beams, once hidden, now stretch proudly across the ceiling, bringing warmth, texture, and a true sense of place to the bedroom.

But perhaps the most special moment of the renovation was rediscovering a bricked-up hayloft hatch. What could easily have been overlooked became one of our favourite features. We transformed it into a new window—now a central element of the room—that perfectly frames the towering tree just outside.

And not just any tree. This is the tree that inspired the Laythams logo. To see it each morning, framed like a piece of art, feels like a beautiful full-circle moment. A nod to the past, a celebration of the present, and a window to the landscape that’s always been at the heart of what we do.

Whether you're planning a weekend break in The Forest of Bowland, a romantic getaway in Lancashire, some well-deserved downtime with family and friends in a self-catering accommodation , or dog-friendly cottage surrounded by nature, our lovingly reimagined Cottage is ready to welcome you.

So come and see it for yourself—breathe in the fresh air of The Forest of Bowland, slow down, and make yourself at home. Your dream countryside retreat in the beautiful English countryside awaits, and we can't wait to share it with you.