The Merchants House is a beautiful Grade 2 listed, newly fully renovated 4 bedroomed historic Merchants House which sleeps eight, (there is a sofa bed in the Games Barn which will accommodate another 2 guests) sited on the historic town square in the small market town of Masham in Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales. Built c1750 by the Scrope family and forming part of their Swinton Estate which is now a well renowned hotel, spa and cookery school only a mile away. The house was held in the estate until the 1880s when sold, the estate by then being owned by Baron Masham. The Merchants House was then used as a merchant’s house with shop below and accommodation above, an inside window in the lounge is an original shop window. At various times in its long history the house has been home to a Greengrocer, a Fishmonger, a Tobacconist and lastly a Newsagents and Stationers. It became a private house in the 1980s.
If you like a mix of contemporary design within a Grade 2 listed Georgian building, then this house is for you. Although very on trend, The Merchants House keeps some of its lovely old Georgian features and has many facilities to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Kick off your shoes and relax in the beautifully stylish rooms decorated and furnished in contemporary style with taste and grace. All the rooms are light and airy and have a cosy feel, just right for relaxing after a day in Yorkshire. The kitchen has the wow factor with stunning original beams and everything you could need to cook up some tasty meals from all the best produce Yorkshire has to offer, add to this a large dining table at which to seat all your family and friends and you are in for a wonderful and enjoyable gathering. Upstairs in the main house you will find 4 comfortable and relaxing bedrooms all individually styled, three of which look out over the handsome Georgian market square. If you are lucky you may visit when the largest sheep fair in England is in full swing. The bathrooms are a delight with beautiful tiling and showers. The living room is a super room with lots of space to gather and enjoy the company of your family and friends, with an open fire and smart TV, you can be assured of a very comfortable stay here at The Merchants House. Masham has over 14 places to eat and drink all within walking distance of The Merchants House, from cafes such as the Lunchbox with cakes as light as air to high end restaurants like Vennells and several welcoming pubs. Quirky small shops abound in this traditional small market town with the bakers , butchers and traditional sweetshop and ice cream parlour in particular worth a visit and if you like a tipple visit the world-renowned Black Sheep or Theakston’s Breweries and sample a glass or two or eat at their cafes. Walking and cycling in the stunning Dales are but moments away with walks along the River Ure with its otters starting from the corner of the square and Masham chosen for the route of both the Tour de France and Tour de Yorkshire making it a cyclists dream base. For those wanting history Middleham Castle of Richard 111 fame is just to the North in Middleham , nicknamed the Newmarket of the North with its 17 horse training stables . For those looking for shopping York and Harrogate are closeby and for the thrillseekers the Lightwater Valley theme park is also a short drive away. Wensleydale , Nidderdale and Swaledale are all on the doorstep for those wishing to sample All Creatures Great and Small country. There is so much to see and do you might as well book your next visit now!!
GROUND FLOOR
Entrance: Through the front door into the lobby which has two antique chairs and side table. This is a really elegant entrance with a large window to front with window seat overlooking the marketplace A decorative archway leads to the hallway .
Hallway: A long hallway with oak style flooring and a lovely oak open balustrade staircase leads you upstairs . Here you will find the original small bow window which originates from when the house was a shop
Downstairs cloakroom/bootroom: If you have been on a walk and need somewhere to store those muddy boots then here you will find boot racks and coat hooks. A basin and toilet complete the sanitaryware.
Lounge: A light and airy room with a beautifully large window which is just great for watching the world go by in the market square and lets in the sunshine. The two large leather sofas are perfect to cosy up on. This room abounds with features, lovely arched decorative shelving, double arched part glazed doors leading to the hallway and an open fire and smart tv which is just the thing for cosying up to on a winters evening. Whatever time of year you visit The Merchants House you will have a warm welcome, a great place to stay all year round.
Kitchen: A room with a definite wow factor, large, well-equipped and very stylish you will find grey painted units and marble styled surfaces. The kitchen incorporates a large American larder style fridge/freezer, large range cooker with electric hob, microwave, washer/dryer and dishwasher. The dining area is equipped with a large oak table which extends to fit all your family and friends plus a breakfast bar with oak stools giving plenty of comfy seating, just the place for a celebratory meal. A rooflight above floods this room with light. Large original beams give a nod to the history and age of this super house and there is a large wall mounted TV so no need to miss any of your favourite programmes. Masham has plenty of shops selling delicious local produce and the twice weekly local market will give you lots of opportunities to try some artisan products, get your apron on and whip up a memorable meal in this gorgeous room. Double French doors lead out to the enclosed walled and gated courtyard and the Games Barn.
Staircase to the:
FIRST FLOOR
Bedroom 1: This room looks out over the front of the property and the market square of Masham. It has a super king bed with pocket sprung mattress for the ultimate bedtime comfort together with a grey headboard. There is a fireplace (not in use) and very stylish décor. Bedside cabinets a chest of drawers and wardrobe provide the storage and a large wall radiator will keep you nice and toasty. The theme of mustard and grey is both stylish and colourful.
En suite: A large bathroom with a claw footed roll top bath with shower over, pedestal sink with shaver point and toilet. There is a long and useful shelf running the length of the room and a large window giving a view of the market square. Geometric style black and white flooring completes the contemporary vibe.
Bedroom 2: Along the corridor and down 2 steps and you come to the twin room, grey single beds with pocket sprung mattresses, cream chest of drawers, bedside cabinet, built in wardrobe, original ceiling, decorative chair give this room a calming and restful appeal. Two windows let in the light and there is a lovely view of the rooftops of Masham.
Bathroom: A beautifully designed room with a large walk in shower with grey tiling, just the place to have a morning shower before a day in the Dales. There is a sink, toilet, large mirror, heated towel rail to keep your towels lovely and toasty, the floor is tiled in a stylish geometric style and boasts underfloor heating for that extra luxury.
Steep original c18th staircase up to:
SECOND FLOOR:
Bedroom 3: A twin room with grey painted beds again with pocket sprung mattresses, chest of drawers, bedside cabinet and wardrobe, all cream with oak tops. This lovely room looks out over the front of the property across the market square towards the historic church, take a seat on the vintage chair and watch the world go by.
Bedroom 4: A Super king bed again with pocket sprung mattress invites you to relax and unwind and take time for yourself. The bedroom is graced with a chest of drawers, bedside cabinets, wardrobe, a window with deep sill and a market square view.
Bathroom: Stylish, black and white chequered floor, claw foot bath with rain head shower over, heated towel rail, views over rooftops, sink on pedestal and toilet.
Hallway/landing: With cupboard incorporating further hanging and space for suitcases, window looking out over rooftops with treetops and hills in the far distance.
Outside space: A completely enclosed, gated , walled and paved courtyard with table and chairs. The walls have climbing Wisteria, hydrangea, and a large Bamboo. During the renovations, the family found an old Pig salter and this is a feature of the courtyard , now used for washing off boots or dogs with a thoughtfully placed hose after a good walk for which your car will not be needed. Wrought Iron gates open into the mews to the rear where you will find the covered carport which gives parking for one large car.
Shower room (within the games barn) With a corner shower, large, heated towel rail, black and white floor, basin and toilet..
Pets: Up to 2 dogs allowed, downstairs only please.
Parking: Space for one car at the rear of the property in the carport which has an electric charging point. Please be aware that your car must be parked in the carport so as not to impede the access for neighbours. There is also plenty of free on street parking in front of the house in the market square .
Heating: Gas central heating in the main house. Thermostat controlled Electric heaters in the Games Barn.
Short breaks: Accepted all year round.
Notes: Towels are provided. Unlimited WIFI available free of charge. Mobile phone signal is excellent. No smoking at this property
Pub: 100yds Shop: 20yds