Dating back to the 18th century, this lovely and historic cottage offers cosy accommodation for a family or couple looking to explore Richmond and the beautiful landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales.
Welcome to this Grade II listed, stunning period property which has been transformed into a luxury holiday home. Set in the centre of historic Richmond, it has elegant stylish interiors and a garden with a serious wow-factor. With glorious Swaledale on your doorstep, it's the perfect town and country retreat. It's no wonder the reviews are out of this world!
Built as part of Swale House around 1750, it was owned during the 19th century by James Tate - headmaster of the nearby Richmond Grammar School - and used as a study area for boarders during this time. His most famous student was Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (better known as Lewis Carroll) who boarded at Swale House between 1844 and 1846 and who may well have started his writing career right here in this property!
Take four oak steps from the kitchen and you'll find the spacious living area, a light and airy room with comfortable leather sofas and chunky oak flooring. With a Bluetooth music system, you can kick back and relax with your favourite tunes or if you prefer a movie night there's also a TV and DVD. You'll be kept toasty and warm thanks to underfloor heating and a freestanding heating/cooling system.
The underfloor heating continues into the kitchen. It's the first room you'll see on entering the property and is sleek and modern with dark grey Egyptian stone flooring and marbled granite worktops. The light grey shaker style units include an integrated fridge, freezer, dishwasher and lots of cupboard space. There's also a Belfast-style sink and an electric fan oven with ceramic hob - just what you need to rustle up something delicious during your stay! There's seating for up to four people in the kitchen. Choose between a stool at the breakfast bar or a seat at the sweet circular table as there's room for two at each.
On the other side of the lounge (up a couple of steps) is the first of the bedrooms. There's plenty of room to stretch out in here on the super king-size bed, which can be set up as twins if required. There's lots of storage to keep everything tidied away in the built-in cupboard space that comes with attractive chunky oak doors. The room is lovely and bright with a neutral colour scheme, full-length mirror and downlights. Best of all it has an en-suite shower room where you can enjoy a refreshing monsoon shower each morning!
Head upstairs via a bespoke oak and glass staircase to the only room on the first floor - the characterful and romantic master bedroom. With its grand circular feature window and exposed 200-year-old dark ceiling beams, it could have come straight from the pages of a Lewis Carroll novel. The decanter and glasses on a quirky custom-made set of drawers all help to add to the 'Alice in Wonderland' feel. The en-suite shower room (with a powerful monsoon shower) means you can get ready at your leisure. Take your time and drink in the gorgeous views as you plan the day's adventures!
Outside the property, there's lots to love, including a large lawned area (complete with small orchard) that looks out over the River Swale. Take a seat on the garden bench or on the first of two patios and enjoy the view with a good book and glass of wine. At the other side of the property, you'll find the second large patio (a real sun-trap in the summer months) alongside a grassed area and slate-roofed open bike shed.