Swaledale - sleeps 6 guests in 3 bedrooms

We are a small family run business set up by myself and my wife, Neil & Jennie Riding, we have lived and worked in the UK all our lives, previously having jobs in the waste industry Jennie has a law degree and I being a qualified Chemist in the industry. Some time out to travel the world and then the arrival of our 1st of 3 young girls brought about our change of lifestyle and the move to rural Cumbria, having travelled the world and seen some amazing sites, we realised the place we loved was home and found that the beautiful areas we had explored echoed the qualities we found here in Cumbria. What a place to raise a family, stunning scenery, wildlife and fresh air all around, beautiful in every season and every way, we have never looked back and we hope you come to stay in our little slice of paradise to see why we love it here so much.

We searched and searched for places throughout this area of the country and found that some places seemed to tick our boxes, some not so much, generally when it came down to it either one or the other of us weren't quite sold on the other properties, then we found Artlegarth, a beautiful private site with stunning views and 3 cabins in desperate need of updating and some TLC which we had in abundance, however it wasn't for sale! Despite this and as we are both stubborn, not ones to take no for an answer, we took our chance and boldly approached the owner to ask if he would consider selling, after pleasant discussions, a cup of tea and a tour of the site, in all a very pleasant meeting which made us fall in love the Artlegarth even more, we where told Artlegarth Lodges was definitely not for sale! Devastated and heartbroken we ambled back home to seriously rethink our plan, after much discussion eventually settling for the purchase of some buy to let properties in Liverpool and destined for a life in the city smoke we took off the pen lid just to exchange contracts on the first buy to let when a phone call out of the blue stopped us dead in our tracks, the owner, his circumstances changed wanted to consider our offer! We couldn't contain ourselves, perhaps, just perhaps it could actually happen? surely not? the dream, the place we both agreed on (we agree on very little to be honest!) eventually after many discussion, a protracted sale period and many issues to work tirelessly through (during Jennie's first pregnancy might I add) we did finally miraculously manage to purchase the assets in May 2013. We couldn't contain ourselves and set about the immediate upgrading of everything Artlegarth desperately required whilst maintaining some much needed existing business and setting up our waste consultancy business to help subsidise the work and the demands of our new born girl, the rest they say is history although we have some great photo's to show for it!

There genuinely are so many benefits here at Artlegarth, firstly the location, mountian views, unspoilt countryside, Bird and wildlife in abundance which stop you in your tracks as you watch and admire them on a daily basis. The local area, with a choice of amazing & award winning food pubs we are blessed in deed with so many establishments closing these days and all ours within walking distance via many scenic routes too. Next the village itself simply picturesque and with many amenities in addition to the pubs, there is an art gallery, children play park, public tennis courts, Church with inward facing pews (only on in the UK) if you are into that, after which the local area around the lodges there is vintage bus tours, great wild fishing, a chocolate factory, unbelievable walking for all abilities, horse riding, cycling, running, what ever you are into there is something for you here locally or just a short drive around one of the 2 National Parks we are blessed with here. And the people here are amazing too, friendly and helpful like the world used to be. The Lodges at Artlegarth themselves, solid wood, spacious, stunning fell (that's a mountain up these parts) views, wooodland walk along the little beck and wildlife pond in the private grounds, a glimpse of the numerous Red Squirrels which live onsite, a choice of log fire, limited mobility accessible cabins which are all individually styled and uniquely furnished offering something different than anywhere else, we pride ourselves on offering great value and good customer service and the price you get quoted is the price you pay, no hidden extras although we can help you make special occasions even more special and supply amazing value exclusive extras from local businesses and suppliers to cater for your every need. We love Artlegarth and we love what we do, I'm sure our passion shows through in all what we do,, just let us know how we can help you. Bad Poetry is also a Unique Benefit! The Lodges at Artlegarth