Heatherdene

Enveloped by the wild and windswept hills of the Yorkshire Dales, an escape to Heatherdene combines a hint of gothic romance with all the elegant warmth of country living. Hewn from warm York stone, this Grade II listed former mine manager’s cottage is nestled in a remote corner of Swaledale – the domain of inquisitive sheep, soaring birds, and mile upon mile of quiet trails flung far away from everyday life.

In its Victorian heyday, this area was home to hundreds of miners and served as the capital of lead mining in the Dales. While the landscape preserves echoes of this industrial past, today its sense of untouched quiet provides a transportive environment for a rural holiday. Likewise, for all its history and rustic charm, Heatherdene itself promises all the creature comforts you’ll need to truly unwind.

The boot room can be found at the rear entrance to the cottage, where you can kick off your wellies and hang raincoats to dry after a refreshing ramble across the hills, in addition to a downstairs WC. The kitchen forms the heart of the home, featuring exposed original beams, an electric AGA, and flagstone floors. A wooden kitchen table is set beside the window, so you can take in the country views over breakfast as you plan your day. The effortless blending of historic character with modern luxuries continues in the living room, where underfloor heating ensures a warm welcome even before you stoke the log burner. With 19^th-century oil paintings hanging on the walls and plaid cushions topping the plump sofas, it’s a welcoming room for settling in together in the evening, while the dining room next door is the place to gather for a hearty meal.

The bedrooms lie upstairs and all benefit from stunning views across the surrounding countryside. The first king size bedroom is home to an inviting wooden sleigh bed and enjoys an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower next door. The second king size bedroom is decorated with characterful patterned textiles and engravings while the third twin room lies along the hall, where wooden beds and warm quilts promise blissfully comfy nights. These rooms share the family bathroom which boasts a separate shower and bath, so walkers can rest weary legs. A writing desk and chair can be found on the landing, perfect for channelling the Yorkshire literary inspiration of the Brontës or Herriot, while the south-facing patio to the front of the cottage is the perfect place to enjoy a good book when the sun is shining.

You can look forward to walking the seemingly endless footpaths through the landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, so beloved by James Herriot and the Yorkshire Shepherdess, right from your doorstep, including Wainwright’s ‘Coast to Coast’ trail and the Pennine Way. Heatherdene is surrounded by common land with SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) status and is a wildlife spotters paradise – although you’re sure to bump into plenty of free-roaming sheep too. You'll also find some of the country's finest waterfalls nearby: the stepped Aysgarth Falls, of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Wuthering Heights fame, and Hardraw Force, the National Park's highest single-drop waterfall. The OS map in the hall, centred on the cottage, is handy for planning your days of exploration in the wilderness and guests are also supplied with a picnic blanket, hamper, and thermos flask so you can enjoy lunch out on the hills.