Traditional stone cottages don’t come much cuter than this one-bed property in the quiet village of Crosby Garrett between Great Asby Scar National Nature Reserve and the pretty market town of Kirkby Stephen. The two-storey cottage offers comfort and character, in fact, all you’ll need for a really restful getaway with your other half and even your dogs! Curl up by the wood burner on a chilly evening or sit outside in summer admiring the idyllic views from the shared garden.
As its name suggests, this was a former washhouse, now thoughtfully restored and turned into a stylish romantic retreat for two, retaining rustic features like exposed wooden beams and rafters, window seats and a vaulted ceiling. Another quirky touch is that the living accommodation is upstairs, while the bedroom and bathroom are on the ground floor. Entering the open-plan living area from the external stairs, you’ll feel welcome immediately. The cosy lounge area has a wood burner, sofas and a TV while, behind that, the kitchen/diner has a table for two and a practical fitted kitchen. Roof windows let the light flood in. The cottage-style stairs take you down to the shower room and super-king-size bedroom, which is a generous and calming space for a great night’s sleep.
Footpaths abound in all directions from this cottage and you can easily explore parts of both the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales national parks as well as the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Renowned Smardale Gill Viaduct is a striking sight within 1 mile. If that’s given you a taste for steam travel, head to Kirkby Stephen East to check out the historic station, rolling stock and rail museum there. At some times of year, you can even take a short train ride.