An annexe to the owner’s property, this Wensleydale hideaway is in a peaceful village that sits high on the south bank of the River Ure within the scenic Yorkshire Dales National Park. Thornton Rust offers an array of opportunities for walking and exploring the rural landscape – soak up sweeping views of the valley as you take on the Addleborough Hike, a circular trail that’s around 5.5 miles and moderately challenging. Gentler paths lead from the National Park Visitor Centre to the stunning triple-flight waterfalls at Aysgarth; combine your visit with a 6-mile circular walk to medieval fortress Bolton Castle, and you can tick two must-do boxes in one day. Find more sights to remember at The Forbidden Corner (11 miles), a quirky labyrinth of tunnels, chambers and follies within a 4-acre garden. Nearby, Leyburn (10 miles) is famous for its handsome town square and auction centre – the largest outside London.
Exposed beams, deep-set windows and a wood burner create an authentic country ambience as you step into the large, open-plan social setting at this peaceful retreat. Park outside and it’ll be easy to unload your self-catering supplies into the farmhouse-style kitchen that’s at one end of this multi-purpose space. Close by, the dining suite is similarly handsome and has plenty of room for spreading out maps and playing board games once the dishwasher is loaded. Beyond, a choice of soft seating is arranged before the Smart TV so you can stretch out and catch up on all your favourite programmes. When it’s time to sleep, head upstairs to find a family bathroom alongside a cosy twin bedroom and a handsome double bedroom which has the bonus of its own en-suite shower room.
The gravelled courtyard allows you to arrive and unpack at a leisurely pace. Once you’ve settled in, take a stroll around the large garden – shared with the owners, it offers a choice of seating areas with wonderful, far-reaching views. Fire up the BBQ for al fresco feasts; your private patio area has a table and chairs too.