Set in a secluded location on the edge of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the property is a tranquil spot, yet ideally situated for visiting a range of fantastic attractions including Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Newby Hall, Ripley Castle and Brimham Rocks. Locally, the area offers two pubs, an ice-cream parlour, a grocery shop and luxury spa treatments at a nearby hotel. Ripon itself is a North Yorkshire gem, balancing a rich cultural heritage with exciting contemporary living, with its imposing Cathedral, fascinating museums and a bustling market square. The Blue House is an excellent base for countryside rambles and unrushed time spent with loved ones. Walkers will delight in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales location, with routes of all lengths right from the door. Wildflower meadows, Bluebell Woods and Heather Moors can all be experienced without using a car. For golfers, there are several courses including an 18-hole course at Ripon and 9-hole at Masham. For a spot of shopping, the spa town of Harrogate is just 12 miles away.
This newly renovated, extended 17th century cottage with plenty of bucolic charm is set off the beaten track amidst miles and miles of Yorkshire Dales countryside. Head up the path from the parking area and make your way into the cottage hewn from York stone. For all its history and authentic country charm, the house is every inch a contemporary property, with underfloor heating beneath the kitchen flagstones ensuring a toasty welcome even before you stoke the fires. Within the kitchen are all the appliances an aspiring chef could wish for, including an electric range hob and oven, double fridge/freezer and dishwasher, microwave, bread machine and pod coffee machine. The spacious dining area is a convivial spot to toast the day, with plenty of room to fit everyone comfortably around the tables. Open the doors to the large wraparound patio where your group can spread out and enjoy the celebrations, with tables and chairs for all. Inside, there are two social spaces where younger people can retreat to play games or simply watch TV while the adults enjoy the evening elsewhere. The main sitting room and the snug room, both on the first floor, come complete with capacious sofas, smart TV’s and multi-fuel stoves to warm the toes on chilly nights. Gather round to chat about the day or enjoy some traditional entertainment with a board game, or head downstairs to the games room to play some pool. There are eight well-appointed bedrooms, all boasting country views as well as quality mattresses to guarantee a blissful night’s rest. Four bedrooms are on the ground floor: two with super-king-size zip-and-link beds (one with en-suite shower and WC), one with king-size and one double. One of the super-king bedrooms includes an additional single bed plus a pull-out single bed – ideal for families with younger children. The remaining four bedrooms are upstairs, all with super-king-size zip-and-link beds; one includes an en-suite shower room with WC and a pull-out single bed. All super-king beds can be made into twins with prior request. In addition, there is a house bathroom on the first floor and one bathroom and one shower room on the ground floor, all with WCs.
Externally, you are spoilt for space. The house is situated within 10 acres, rich in wildlife, where you are free to roam (dependent on season and farm livestock). The generous garden lends well to entertaining, with a large charcoal BBQ and two patio areas with outdoor seating overlooking the spectacular rural vistas beyond. The firepit area, complete with stone seating, is the perfect way to end the day. There is also a games barn where you can play table-tennis, which doubles as secure storage for your bikes. Whether you are here to walk, cycle, indulge your creative side or simply sit back and relax, you will be sure to want to come back for more.