Aygill Farm Cottage

With a view to swoon for and a cosy country-cottage vibe, this gorgeous Grade II-listed holiday home in Swaledale is rather special. It's the perfect option for those who love to spend time in the stunning countryside, so get the walking boots on and strike out from the doorstep. Welcome to the scrumptious North Yorkshire. This pretty cottage is set on a hillside in beautiful Swaledale everything about it is just delightful, from the original stone fire-place in the sitting room to the classic styling and fabulous terrace.

Exuding character in every room, you can almost imagine that children's books were written here many years ago. That's not to say it's stuck in the past - far from it. You'll find every contemporary creature comfort here too, from Wi-Fi and a TV to underfloor heating and remote-control lighting. At the heart of this divine property is the open-plan living space. Dominated by a majestic inglenook stone fireplace and warm living-flame fire, it's the perfect place to curl up with that book you've been meaning to read for months. The kitchen sits alongside and is fully stocked with everything you could need to cook and dine in during your stay. With the teacups, saucers and traditional knives and forks there is a comforting traditional elegance about the place. There's also a dishwasher and a washing machine available.

Indulge in a long and lazy cooked breakfast then mosey over to the comfy sofas beside the fire to discover what's in the Sunday papers this week. Or sit a while inside one of the deep-set windows seats sipping a cup of tea and enjoying a homemade scone.

And so to bed; the handsome bedroom has a king-size bed which can be changed into two single beds if required. Settle in to the ambient surroundings - it's so peaceful and relaxing. High ceilings with exposed wooden beams frame this lovely room and fill it full of character. The bedroom has an en-suite with a bath and a large walk in shower. There is also a large walk in wardrobe with plenty of coat hangers and storage space.

Outside the cottage you'll find a sheltered terrace with the most incredible uninterrupted views of Kisdon Hill. The fields are simply stunning in the summer, Swaledale is famous for its wild-flower meadows, and we have been told the local goats which roam these fields can be very lively and fun to watch.

• 1 king-size bedroom which can be changed into 2 singles on request.
• 1 en-suite bathroom with bath and walk-in shower.
• Dishwasher, washing machine in the walk-in wardrobe in the bedroom
• Underfloor heating
• Living-flame fire
• Remote control lighting
• TV with Freeview and DVD player
• Wi-Fi included
• BBQ
• Off-road parking
• Pub and shop within 2 miles
• Owners can supply breakfast hampers if requested  
• This property will be decorated for Christmas
• Arrival: 16:00 onwards
• Departure: before 10:00, unless otherwise stated in your arrival details
• Sorry, no dogs allowed

Set on the borders of Arkengarthdale and Swaledale, Aygill Farm Cottage has a breathtaking location. The views from the cottage are truly stunning. Sit back and enjoy it from the window seats in the lounge and see what wildlife you can spot while you're there. The scenery all around is real picture-postcard stuff, with ancient old dry-stone barns peppering the dramatic hills and valleys. May sees the annual Swaledale Festival, two weeks of amazing music, art, walking and culture and the delightful Muker show in September is another calendar highlight. What makes this such a special location is that you are surrounded by breathtaking scenery on all sides and can be walking in the hills within minutes, yet you have the comfort of village life just a few miles away in Muker (2.5 miles). Muker has a charming tea-room, a gorgeous little village store, a craft shop-cum-art gallery and a fantastic local pub. With its open fire and great pub food, you'll have to drag yourself away! Nearby Reeth (11.5 miles) is also one of the Dales most popular villages with lots of cafes, shops and even an ice cream parlour for the kids. Hawes (8 miles) is the nearest town to the cottage and is a great option for a day out. You'll find the Wensleydale Creamery here, home to the famous cheese, the Dales Countryside Museum & Ropemakers and lots more lovely shops, cafes and pubs.

This area of the Dales is also particularly renowned for its spectacular wild flower meadows in the spring. People come from all over the world to see the fields come alive with every colour under the rainbow, a unique phenomenon due to the fact the local farmers don't use harmful chemicals on the fields. But every season has its charm, from the lush green summers to the dramatic and beautiful winters. And with no street light pollution for miles around the stars at night are dazzling. It's a true walker's paradise here and there are some beautiful walks literally from your doorstep. The circular walk from Muker over Kisdon Hill to Keld is featured as one of the Ramblers Top 50 walks in the UK and the famous Wainwright’s Coast-to-Coast route passes nearby. This is also supreme cycling country, with the 2014 Tour De France passing through. Why not challenge yourself to take on the mighty Buttertubs Pass, just a few miles away during your stay. Also recommended, take a tour of the Swaledale and Arkengarthdale Dales Trail, a circular route which takes you through some of the most dramatic scenery in the UK. This land of Viking place-names, waterfalls, rivers and ravines is like nowhere else on the planet, so don't forget to take the camera whatever you do.