Anvil Cottage

Slow down to a relaxing rural pace amid the glorious Dales

It’s hard to decide whether Anvil Cottage suits couples or families best, so well does this farm annexe work for both.

Couples absolutely relish the enormous master suite, which occupies the entire top floor. Larger than some London flats, this contains an armchair, a super-king double bed and a spectacular, freestanding bath accompanied by heated towel rails. Then there are its uninterrupted views: all the way east to the Kilburn White Horse hill figure. Equally romantic is its capacious en-suite, featuring a walk-in-shower, and the log burner that warms the open-plan living area downstairs.

But that huge suite also amply rewards exhausted parents, while a second, equally cosy ground-floor bedroom has two queen-sized beds ready for kids, or perhaps grandparents of limited mobility. Dogs are welcome and kids can hare around the generous lawn outside as adults sit and sip something cool on a sunny patio. Despite the owners’ adjoining farmhouse, there’s perfect privacy here.

Every guest, meanwhile, should purr at the creeper-covered stone exterior, and the original wood beam overhanging a restful sitting area. Local artwork is displayed above the dining table, while patterned granite counters line a compact kitchen. It all adds up to a delightful, luxurious bolthole.

The surrounding countryside is just as dreamy as you venture out from Anvil Cottage past the enormous sycamore tree with its charming swing. As rolling pastures and hedgerows head off towards hilltops and heather-clad moors, it’s easy to see why this portion of Lower Wensleydale is part of the wider Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as well as being adjacent to the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Within walking distance is Hackfall, an ancient wood beloved by Judi Dench. And if it’ll do for a Dame…

Just a few minutes’ drive away is the delightful market town of Masham (pronounced “mass-em”), famed for family-run breweries, steam engines and an annual autumn sheep fair. It is also home to artists, authors and craftsmen, and boasts historic links to creative greats such as JMW Turner and Lewis Carroll.

Thanks to Anvil Cottage’s position, you can easily go cycling or hiking along scenic Nidderdale trails, or set off on horseback – with the owners happy to provide stabling for an extra fee .

Foodies are in luck as well. Not only do artisan shops off Masham’s massive Market Square sell prized local meats, cheeses and sweets, but both the town’s Theakston’s and Black Sheep breweries offer guided tours. Farm shops also abound, and you’re near the Wensleydale creamery. Fountains Abbey’s breath-taking ruins and the child-pleasing Aysgarth Falls are within easy reach, with the dramatic Brimham Rocks also close by for curious young explorers!

Alternatively, simply stay right where you are and enjoy that the best country luxury of all — peace and quiet. As a qualified Mountain Leader, the owner is also on hand to make arrangements with guests for guided outings in both the Dales and the North York Moors.

The little things we love...

"The sunny terrace with panoramic views of the surrounding Yorkshire Dales countryside; a perfect spot for breakfast. "

Lauraine, Crabtree & Crabtree