Country Hideaways | The Hay Loft | Ripon

On the fringes of this ancient but compact city is a small hamlet absorbed into the city suburbs with adjacent meadows and woodland reaching out to the River Laver. The immediate area has been recognised as a Conservation Area since 1994 and forms an exceptional architectural enclave in character and form. Tucked quietly behind Bishopton Cottage is The Hay Loft, a modern but cosy conversion of an original barn dating back to 1635. A striking little cottage cloaked with privacy but so near to the City, the wonderful Dales and Vales and only a scenic walk away from the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Studley Royal Park and Fountains Abbey. Travel a little further afield to Harrogate, the Himalyan Gardens, RHS Harlow Carr, Masham, Thirsk.

Access to the cottage is along a private road to a small courtyard with ample space for parking. Entry is from the courtyard to a compact kitchen with laminate floor, sparkling Victorian tiles and everything needed to prepare that special meal for two. The kitchen is open to the adjacent lounge with flagged hearth, wood-burning stove and intimate dining area. French windows open from the lounge to a private walled patio which is the perfect place to enjoy the late morning and afternoon sunshine. A stairway rises from the corner of the lounge to a king-size bedroom and en-suite shower room with washbasin and toilet. Both the bedroom and shower room rise to the rafters and have skylights though the bedroom also has an occluded window.

The joy of the cottage is in the detail, an ideal place for two, intimate, thoughtfully designed and completed with loving care. An historical building but very modern in its conception including energy efficiency and the must-have features of modern life.