ANVIL COTTAGE - dog friendly cottage set in the rolling North Yorkshire Hills

A family-friendly farmhouse cottage far from the beaten track in glorious Yorkshire countryside.

Slow down to a relaxing rural pace amid the glorious Dales
It’s hard to decide whether Anvil Cottage suits couples or families best, so well does this farm annexe work for both.

Couples absolutely relish the enormous master suite, which occupies the entire top floor. Larger than some London flats, this contains an armchair, a super-king double bed and a spectacular, freestanding bath accompanied by heated towel rails. Then there are its uninterrupted views: all the way east to the Kilburn White Horse hill figure. Equally romantic is its capacious en-suite, featuring a walk-in-shower, and the log burner that warms the open-plan living area downstairs.

But that huge suite also amply rewards exhausted parents, while a second, equally cosy ground-floor bedroom has two queen-sized beds ready for kids, or perhaps grandparents of limited mobility. Dogs are welcome and kids can hare around the generous lawn outside as adults sit and sip something cool on a sunny patio. Despite the owners’ adjoining farmhouse, there’s perfect privacy here.

Every guest, meanwhile, should purr at the creeper-covered stone exterior, and the original wood beam overhanging a restful sitting area. Local artwork is displayed above the dining table, while patterned granite counters line a compact kitchen. It all adds up to a delightful, luxurious bolthole.

The surrounding countryside is just as dreamy as you venture out from Anvil Cottage past the enormous sycamore tree with its charming swing. As rolling pastures and hedgerows head off towards hilltops and heather-clad moors, it’s easy to see why this portion of Lower Wensleydale is part of the wider Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as well as being adjacent to the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Within walking distance is Hackfall, an ancient wood beloved by Judi Dench. And if it’ll do for a Dame…

Just a few minutes’ drive away is the delightful market town of Masham (pronounced “mass-em”), famed for family-run breweries, steam engines and an annual autumn sheep fair. It is also home to artists, authors and craftsmen, and boasts historic links to creative greats such as JMW Turner and Lewis Carroll.

Thanks to Anvil Cottage’s position, you can easily go cycling or hiking along scenic Nidderdale trails, or set off on horseback – with the owners happy to provide stabling for an extra fee .

Foodies are in luck as well. Not only do artisan shops off Masham’s massive Market Square sell prized local meats, cheeses and sweets, but both the town’s Theakston’s and Black Sheep breweries offer guided tours. Farm shops also abound, and you’re near the Wensleydale creamery. Fountains Abbey’s breath-taking ruins and the child-pleasing Aysgarth Falls are within easy reach, with the dramatic Brimham Rocks also close by for curious young explorers!

Alternatively, simply stay right where you are and enjoy that the best country luxury of all — peace and quiet.

GROUND FLOOR
Open-plan kitchen and living area with sofa, armchairs, TV with Freeview and wood burning stove (logs provided). Compact kitchen with electric oven, ceramic hob, fridge with ice-box, microwave and dishwasher. Please note there is no washing machine available.

Dining table with seating for four. Door to garden.

Bedroom two with two queen size beds, built-in wardrobe, bedside tables and TV. Suitable for two adults or four children.

En suite shower room with walk-in shower, WC and basin.

FIRST FLOOR
Bedroom one - master bedroom with zip and link beds which can be configured as 3' twins or 6' super king double, free-standing bath and towel rail, two chests of drawers, TV and stunning views over open countryside.

En suite shower room with walk-in shower, WC and basin.

OUTSIDE
There is a large patio with outdoor furniture for guests' private use and a charcoal BBQ also available on request (charcoal not provided). Guests are also welcome to use the large lawned areas at the front and side of the cottage.

PARKING
There is ample parking to the front of the property.

EV CHARGING
For safety reasons we do not permit electric vehicle or hybrid car charging at this property. If you’re travelling by EV, discover your nearest electric vehicle charging point here.

BABIES & CHILDREN
A travel cot and highchair are available on request. A selection of toys is also available.

DOGS & OTHER PETS
One dog is welcome at a charge of £25. Dogs must be clean and dry before access into the wider property and should be kept off the furniture.

It is important to note that there is no private enclosed garden space and dogs must be kept on a lead in the immediate grounds and across wider farmland.

For guests who wish to bring their own horses, the farm has stabling and a pasture available. Additional charges apply.

For more details please contact us and we will put you in touch with the owners.

GUEST AMENITIES
Guest toiletries are provided. A hairdryer is provided in each bedroom.

WI-FI & MOBILE COVERAGE
Wi-Fi is available and mobile coverage is reasonable on most networks.

HEATING
The property has oil central heating throughout. There is a wood burning stove in the sitting room with logs provided.

GUEST PRIVACY
The cottage is adjacent to the owner's farmhouse. The owners are on hand if required to help guests get the best from their stay. Equally the owners are very respectful of guests' privacy and use the rear entrance of their own house when guests are staying.