Surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes to be found in the Yorkshire Dales, Countersett Hall is a stunning grade II 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom, detached holiday property, nestled in the tiny hamlet of Countersett, perched above the beautiful Lake Semerwater. The house sleeps up to 5 people. Countersett Hall has a fascinating history, having been the home of Richard Robinson, the first Quaker in Wensleydale from the 1650s. Illicit meetings were held in the parlour of the house and George Fox, the founder of the Quaker movement, stayed at the house in 1652 and 1677. There is even a local legend that Mary Queen of Scots spent a night at the house on her way to Bolton Castle. During major updates in the 1970s, archaeologists discovered a dwelling on the site from as early as the 12th Century, the first owner being a man called 'Cousbance', probably of Norman descent. The house has a wonderfully calm, welcoming atmosphere and retains many historic features, such as oak panelling, stone flagstone floors, mullioned windows, beamed ceilings and stone fireplaces.
The house has been completely renovated and offers a comfortable home with all the mod cons that a holiday maker would wish to have, including free wifi, smart tv, washing machine, Nest thermostat, dishwasher, wireless music speaker and a landline telephone. There are two woodburners and LPG central heating. The larger bedroom has a kingsize bed, the second bedroom has two full size single beds and the third bedroom is a single bedroom with full size single bed. The house has been decorated to a high standard, with Little Greene and Farrow & Ball paints, and a range of beautiful antique and modern furniture, with a brand new bathroom and downstairs WC cloakroom recently fitted. There is a vintage oil-fired Aga (switched off from 1 June to 31 August) and double electric cooker in the extremely well-equiped kitchen. The curtains are thermal lined and mattresses are pocket sprung. All linen and towels are included and are professionally laundered, and the house is professionally cleaned to a high standard each changeover. Milk and biscuits are provided on arrival and guests will find complimentary logs on arrival. The house is encircled by gardens, richly planted with flowers and trees and teeming with wildlife and with distant view of rolling hills from the upper lawns. We also have outdoor furniture to accommodate 6 people, plus parasol and fire pit. Bikes can be stored in the stable.
The market town of Hawes is a short drive away, as is Bainbridge and Askrigg. Guests will enjoy the stunning scenery, peace and quiet of this beautiful dales location. We recommend standing in the garden and looking upon a clear night: it is something to behold in this area of minimal light pollution! Rolling hills, quaint villages and traditional village pubs are all within easy reach. There is plenty of off-road parking. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles. Fishing, cycling and horse riding all available nearby, along with numerous public walkways.
The house sleeps from two up to 5. The rates given are flat rates, so the rates are the same if there are 2 of you, or 5. There is a one bedroom cottage opposite the house, called Beebole Cottage, which can be rented separately, or jointly with the main house. This has a kingsize bed and sleeps two people. It has its own separate entrance and separate garden at the rear.