A perfect home for adventurers, this retreat sits in the Yorkshire Dales National Park with plenty to explore from your door. Whisk family and friends away for a wonderful escape.
Nestled in the glorious countryside of the Yorkshire Dales National Park is this luxurious hideaway for six to eight people. Formerly a barn and milking parlour, this indulgent gem has been lovingly brought to life using a mixture of elegant furnishings, charming antiques, high-spec appliances and a keen eye for light and space. Boasting three gorgeous en-suite bedrooms, a magnificent open-plan living space, a handy games room and a foodie's dream of a kitchen it makes an ideal holiday home for a family or small group of friends to make the most of this less explored part of the Dales.
Situated just outside the village of Casterton, a satellite to the charming town of Kirkby Lonsdale, the barn is perfectly placed to make the most of the area. If you're keen to don your walking boots and stretch your legs then why not head up Eskholme Pike right from the door? Alternatively, take in the old drover's road, a gorgeous walk made more special by 'Sheepfold' art installations by artist Andy Goldsworthy along the way. Cyclists will find a wealth of quiet roads and bridleways to explore. You could take the 'Fell Road' and head to Dent, a wonderful Dales village with cobbled streets and a well-loved brewery tap at the George and Dragon Hotel. There are good local pubs at both Casterton and Barbon and a fantastic choice of cafes, restaurants and quirky shops in Kirkby Lonsdale. In May and June, a walk through the grounds of Whelprigg House is delightful with wonderful displays of colourful azaleas and rhododendrons (please keep to the footpaths).
If you'd like to explore slightly further afield there's plenty on offer. The barn's privileged situation on the western side of the Yorkshire Dales and within easy reach of the eastern Lake District makes it a fantastic spring board for exploration. You can catch the wonderfully picturesque Carlisle to Settle Railway at Dent or visit the magical White Scar cave system near Ingleborough. Sedbergh, known as England's book town, is less than 10 miles away and well worth a visit. While beautiful Windermere in the southern Lake District is just a half hour's drive.
On arrival at the property, guests are met with a beautiful glass-topped entrance hall which gives an idea of the scale of the space to come. Ascending three steps through a curtained entrance you reach the magnificent, double-height living area. Thoughtfully designed to make the most of light and space it incorporates the lounge area, dining room and kitchen giving a sociable feel. With a beautiful grand piano, exposed beams, multiple windows and luxurious underfloor heating it has a light airy ambience while also being warm and welcoming. The living space has three deep comfortable sofas arranged around a huge fireplace with wood burner and a large Smart TV for entertainment.
The dining area is in the centre of the room with seating for six. Finally the modern, well-equipped kitchen has been thoughtfully planned with foodies in mind with two full-size under-counter fan ovens, ceramic hobs with touch plate controls, a microwave and all the crockery and cookware you'll need for your stay. The space has a substantial centre island unit with a breakfast bar making for sociable food preparation, a large fridge/freezer and a dishwasher.
Moving downstairs from the main living area is the delightful garden room. It's a gorgeous light-filled living space with French doors and full length windows which makes a perfect snug if you'd like some privacy to read a book or just to take in the gorgeous view from the comfy corner sofa and armchair.
Onwards to the main sleeping accommodation, guests access the two beautiful king-size bedrooms from the entrance hallway. Both are light and airy with comfortable king-size beds with under bed storage, thoughtfully chosen art and antique furnishings. The first room has a TV with Freeview, a dresser and a spacious en-suite bathroom with a shower attachment on the large bath. The second room has a dresser, hanging space and a lovely en-suite shower room with a mixer shower in a rectangular enclosure. The twin bedroom is situated beyond the main living space, it benefits from two windows with picture-perfect views. There is a comfy armchair, a dressing table and under-bed storage. Its en-suite shower room has a mixer shower in a large rectangular enclosure.
Lastly to the handy utility and boot room. There's plenty of space here for the muddy boots and outdoor clobber you're sure to accumulate on your adventures. There's also a washing machine, tumble dryer, ceiling airer and a further WC.
Outside the cottage to the rear of the house there is access to a fantastic games room located in the barn's undercroft. There's bags of room for secure bike storage, or alternatively teens and tweens can commandeer the space for themselves to play table tennis on rainy days. There are delightful gardens all around the house and a charming raised terrace leading out from the garden room. Perfect for outdoor dining or enjoying a morning cuppa soaking in the peace and quiet in the glorious countryside. There is also a lovely large fire pit with a lid to be used on the terrace. The owner also has details if you fancy hiring a hot tub for your stay.