Lakeside Apartment At Kirkby Fleetham Hall

Step back in time and immerse yourself in history with a stay in this unique ground-floor apartment at the heart of a grand 18th-century property. Forming part of a historic hall in Kirkby Fleetham, your accommodation sleeps four and is surrounded by a vast expanse of beautiful grounds ripe for exploring with a picnic lunch in tow. Satisfy your inner adventurer and set off to navigate the Yorkshire Dales, tempt your palate with sumptuous local produce and unravel the fascinating history and culture of traditional market towns and sleepy villages.

The kitchen is laid out in a quirky ‘L’ shape, boasting traditional herringbone flooring underfoot and illuminated by natural light to offer a warm welcome to the property. Wooden worktops and chic units feature along with all the appliances needed to rustle up a feast or cater to your laundry requirements. There’s an electric oven and hob, a fridge/freezer and a washing machine, and you’ll also have easy access to the garden from here.

Whether you are perching on the window seat with a brew in hand or are sinking back into the deep sofas, you are sure to do so in complete comfort in the lounge. The simple yet classic decor sets the scene, creating a homely ambience for evening TV viewing. Settle down with a bowl of buttery popcorn or delve into your welcome pack, warming your cockles by the dancing embers of the wood burner-effect fire. Nestled in the corner is a spacious dining table with ample seating for four and excellent vistas from the window, the ideal setting for special suppers and celebratory meals.

Weary limbed and fatigued from your day’s explorations, the two bedrooms offer a restful haven for slumber complete with an en-suite apiece for a bonus extra touch. The first is tucked away just off from the kitchen and is a delightful room with a super-king-size zip-and-link bed that can be made up as a twin on request. Indulge yourself with the bubbliest of baths before curling up in bed, making the most of the excellent bath that has a shower attachment too. Peering out of the double bedroom windows will reward you with unrivalled views of the lake across the lawn, a pleasant sight to wake up to when listening to the sound of birdsong.

The landscaped grounds cascade in all directions, interspersed by tall trees and mature shrubbery. Take a stroll across the manicured lawn to find the serene lake, pausing to reflect in the solitude as dragonflies flitter across the water and through the reeds under the shade of the weeping willow. Throw down a picnic rug and uncork a bottle of something fizzing and delicious to enjoy over a scrumptious picnic brimming with tasty Yorkshire fare. An ancient church provides a charming interlude for a quiet walk around the graveyard to admire the architecture and, just beyond, there are acres of ethereal woodland to peruse.

Off-road parking is available for two cars, and a short 1-mile drive will bring you into the centre of the village for a slap-up meal in the fabulous gastropub. Further afield, you’ll reach a shop within 4.5 miles to stock up on all the essentials and a few treats to savour whilst relaxing in your cosy accommodation.

• 2 bedrooms - 1 double and 1 super-king-size zip-and-link (which can made up as a twin on request)
• 1 en-suite bathroom with shower over bath and WC and 1 en-suite shower room with shower and WC
• Electric oven and hob, washing machine, fridge/freezer and microwave
• Electric heating included
• Smart TV
• Access to parkland grounds and woodland
• Off-road parking for 2 cars
• Shop 4.5 miles and pub 1.5 miles
• Arrival: 16:00 onwards
• Departure: before 10:00 unless otherwise stated in your arrival details
• 1 dog allowed. Dogs are charged at £20 each per full or part week

Nestled on the cusp of Bedale, 6.5 miles away, the village of Kirkby Fleetham is renowned for its stunning estate that encompasses an ancient church, immaculately landscaped gardens, acres of private woodland and a serene lake. The village itself is home to a thriving gastropub that attracts foodies from near and far, fare that is best enjoyed after a scenic ramble across the tumbling countryside that stretches in all directions from your doorstep.

The attractive town of Bedale is always worth a visit too. Stop for a coffee before making your way around the town's antique shops and independent boutiques. You will be delighted by the range of local produce, including beers and cheeses, on offer. Richmond, 10.5 miles away, is a charming market town on the borders of Wensleydale and Swaledale. It boasts an 11th-century castle, fine Georgian architecture, a historic Georgian theatre and a large cobbled market square as some of its many attractions. Stroll into town for a cup of Yorkshire tea at one of the many tearooms there or pop over for dinner at one of the excellent restaurants.

The gorgeous River Swale runs through the town and, across the river - less than a mile - are the River Swale Waterfalls. You can walk in either direction along the river and deep into the countryside without having to go anywhere near the car. We also recommend exploring the restored former Richmond Railway Station which has lots to entertain young and old including a small cinema, cafe/restaurant, gallery, microbrewery and artisan bakery.

As you are positioned within close proximity to so many gateway towns, you should expect to see stunning Dales’ scenery within minutes. Peppering this glorious countryside are countless attractive little towns and villages and, if you enjoy a bit of surreal entertainment, how about a visit to the quite brilliant Forbidden Corner, an attraction full of statues and hidden surprises, 18 miles away near Middleham.

The historic village of Easby, home to Easby Abbey, is just 9.5 miles away. Set on the banks of the River Swale, the abbey is the perfect spot for a picnic in the summer months. There are lots of other breathtaking historic sites to explore in the Dales, including the stunning Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, 22.5 miles, a World Heritage Site.

This is a superb area for walkers and cyclists with many routes from the doorstep or just a short distance away, including Alfred Wainwright’s famous Coast to Coast Walk which passes close by. And with York, Harrogate and the North York Moors all within easy striking distance (under an hour’s drive on a clear run) you have lots of choices for day trips!