Historic getaways to charge your calm this Christmas

Forgo this year's gauntlet of festive drinks parties to hunt out serenity with a stately cottage escape on one of England's foremost country estates.

- By Felix Petit

Swiss Cottage, Chatsworth

'Roaring fires, malt beer, ripe meat off the bone. These are not just the words of Gimli, our favourite Tolkien dwarf, describing the hospitality of the Mines of Moria; they could become your Christmas reality if you choose a cottage getaway on possibly the most festive of Britain's historic estates.

Swiss Cottage is located high above Chatsworth on former moorland at the edge of the estate's park, overlooking the eastern shores of Swiss Lake. It is found at the end of a two-mile drive amid woods and meadows, and is the last word in tranquil seclusion. Erected as an eye-catcher in the 1840s to be viewed across the lake, this old underkeeper's cottage is adorned with numerous ornamental architectural quirks from Gothic window tracery to the diamond-slate roof.

With two en-suite doubles, a twin room and spacious living areas, this comfortably styled property is perfect for a family retreat or a getaway with friends. Walls dotted with smaller works of art from the main house take this idyllic outpost from the sweet to the sublime. Nearby woodland walks supply fairy-tale views, drawing the eye down Capability Brown-designed avenues and offering glimpses of stunning water features. The Chatsworth team can even organise luxury hampers to be delivered prior to your arrival.