Walk through the gate into a prettily planted ‘yarden’ complete with furniture and brolly. Once across the threshold step back in time into this Grade II listed, 18th-century cottage. This romantic property has been sympathetically restored and the owner, having a green ethos, exhibits her unique flair and principles using handmade, antique, reclaimed and salvaged fixtures and furnishings. Enjoy good food and conversation in the well-equipped, vintage galley kitchen or settle down before the inviting log/smokeless fuel burning stove in leather library chairs and choose from the varied selection of books that line the walls. Upstairs the ‘Granny Chic’ style continues with two irresistible bedrooms with comfortable beds, antique linens and bohemian furnishings. USB sockets are conveniently positioned by the beds and a cosy night is promised with electric blankets.
Stepping out in Richmond there are an abundance of activities to entertain. The cobbled streets are a joy to amble around, visiting an eclectic mix of independent shops, galleries and traditional tearooms, with the Georgian marketplace at the heart of the town. There are riverside walks to enjoy, with a popular route taking you past the renovated Victorian Station, and along to Easby Abbey. Eating out is a pleasure with a variety of high-quality restaurants available nearby . The Norman Castle dominates the skyline, from which the enchanting higgledy rooftops and Culloden Tower may be viewed. The Georgian theatre is the oldest in existence and just five minutes’ walk from the cottage, and hosts a busy repertoire of plays, comedy nights and musical evenings.
As the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, Richmond is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground with walkers and cyclists, with picture postcard villages and rugged landscapes to explore, it really is the perfect base.