Oughtershaw Hall

Oughtershaw Hall a magnificent detached country estate, with its own private heated swimming pool, is set in stunning countryside amongst sweeping valleys and dramatic open moorland in the very heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Originally transformed from a medieval farmhouse, where Charles I is rumoured to have stayed, to a shooting lodge in the 1850s, Oughtershaw Hall rests amongst quiet woodlands 1000 ft above sea level, in the small hamlet that shares its name. Beautifully-styled throughout, a wealth of fascinating history awaits you, with the original guest book dating back to the mid 18th century and impressive original features including intricate stained glass windows, external stonework and a set of servants bells. Enter through an impressive stone loggia via the former servants’ entrance into a labyrinth of winding passageways with fabulous stone-flagged floors. Four separate seating areas provide havens of peace and quiet. Sit and relax in front of a roaring open fire in the drawing room, or chat about your day's adventures by the wonderful woodburning stove in the sitting room. Here you will find stunning stained glass windows showing the families’ coats of arms, an historical oak table inscribed by a previous owner, Charles Woodd in 1876, and a carved wooden panel in the wall which hides the original peep hole, a wonderful way of checking who is at the front door! The cosy library is a lovely spot to sit and listen to the babbling beck as it trails down the valley, whilst the snug which is set off the kitchen, houses another stove and is a sociable space to catch up with the rest of the party. The centrepiece of the house is undoubtedly the vast L-shaped, open plan kitchen, featuring a spacious breakfast bar, a dining table which seats the entire party, built-in window seating as well as the snug. Opposite is the old pantry, now a spacious utility, and there's also a separate boot room, where the 8-seater sauna is situated; whilst kids of all ages can head to the basement games room, the perfect place to hide away on rainy days. Two sets of stairs access the first floor, where there are seven impeccably-designed bedrooms, many featuring old character fireplaces, window seats and luxurious en-suites, whilst the ground floor bedroom has an en-suite shower room making it the perfect choice for anyone with limited mobility. Just a few steps from the main house is the superb indoor heated swimming pool, which boasts beautiful bespoke windows at water height, underwater lighting, a shower room and a lofty roof adorned with beams. Access to the gardens is through the impressive original entrance hall with ceiling rose, brass chandelier and even more seating. The property overlooks Oughtershaw Beck, and guests can follow the brook down a romantic ghyll through a thicket of vibrant green as it hurries to meet the River Wharfe. Camouflaged footpaths trail from the doorstep through the valley, where pheasants potter on the hillside, and where you'll find plenty of pretty spots, perfect for picnics, set along the river. Return to the property and relax on the patio with its extensive views; in autumn, the ground is carpeted with gold, yet throughout the year, guests will feel as ‘welcome as the flowers in spring’ as the stone inscription on the hall's wall proudly suggests. Oughtershaw Hall is an exceptional estate offering excellent holiday accommodation with everything you could wish for.