Embrace a sense of decadence and celebrate with your loved ones in this fabulous, converted barn on the cusp of the Yorkshire Dales, a location famed for its friendly locals, top-notch food and spectacular countryside. Sleeping 12 guests across six bedrooms, you’ll be well placed for exploring your surroundings and sampling local fare at one of the many village pubs you’ll encounter on your scenic walks. Return to a roaring fire and a drink or two, snuggling up for a family film night or venturing outside to soak in your own private hot tub.
Stylish, cosy and finished in a comforting hygge-style, the interior of the property will immediately lull you into a state of relaxation from the moment you shed your muddy boots and pour yourself a chilled glass of wine. Perfectly appointed for large groups, you’ll soon be lighting the dual aspect wood burner and settling down for an evening of entertainment, catching up together in the lounge area or descending on the fabulous kitchen to cook up a storm. Beamed ceilings, sumptuous furniture and tasteful decor feature throughout, and the contemporary stairs are set against the exposed stone for a classic extra touch. Candlelit dinners in the orangery dining room or al fresco BBQ suppers on the patio make mealtimes a glamorous affair, especially when teamed with an after-dinner dip in the hot tub whilst enjoying a spot of stargazing. Start off your morning with a stroll beyond the gardens into the attractive estate, allowing the children to let off some steam in the shared play area. Back inside, you’ll find six impressive bedrooms including two lavish ground-floor bedrooms with luxury freestanding copper baths and additional en-suite shower rooms. Upstairs are four further bedrooms featuring their own en-suite washing facilities.
A short drive from the house will bring you into the centre of Richmond, a diverse market town awash with potential for sightseeing, shopping and basking in the local culture. Set on the borders of Wensleydale and Swaledale, Richmond boasts an 11th-century castle, fine Georgian architecture, a historic Georgian theatre and a large cobbled market square as some of its many attractions. Stroll into town for a cup of Yorkshire tea at one of the many tearooms there or pop over for dinner at one of the excellent restaurants.
The gorgeous River Swale runs through the town and, across the river, less than 1 mile away, are the scenic River Swale Waterfalls. You can walk in either direction along the river and deep into the scenic countryside without having to go anywhere near the car. We also recommend exploring the restored former Richmond Railway Station which has lots to entertain young and old including a small cinema, cafe, gallery, microbrewery and artisan bakery.
Richmond is also known as the ‘Gateway to the Dales’, so expect stunning Dales scenery within minutes of leaving the town. Peppering this glorious countryside are countless attractive little towns and villages and, if you enjoy a bit of surreal entertainment, how about a visit to the quite brilliant Forbidden Corner, an attraction full of statues and hidden surprises, 14 miles from the farmhouse, near Middleham. Aysgarth Falls, 18 miles away, and Bolton Castle, 16 miles from your base, are also worth seeing.
The historic village of Easby, home to Easby Abbey, is just 4 miles away. Set on the banks of the River Swale, the abbey is the perfect spot for a picnic in the summer months. This is a superb area for walkers and cyclists with many picturesque routes from the doorstep or just a short distance away, including Alfred Wainwright’s famous Coast to Coast Walk which passes through Richmond.
Further afield, 12 miles away, Barnard Castle is another hot spot for retail therapy and sampling local delights – and is also home to the iconic Bowes Museum and Egglestone Hall Gardens, a must for any day trip. Those in search of golfing opportunities be well served by the choice of two courses within 7 miles.