“We bought Ridge House in 2017, moving into a freezing, mouldy shell that became the backdrop to our wedding, then the arrival of our 2 children! Over the years Jonny rebuilt and crafted almost everything by hand while we lived through woodburners, sheds, and snowed-in weeks. Now (finally) finished, it is filled with love, history, and craftsmanship, and we’re delighted to share its magic, views, and starlit skies with guests. We were sad to outgrow it ourselves but we now live next door, so you may catch a glimpse of us gathering veg from our polytunnel but you’re totally private!” Owners, Jonny and Mary
They love
“Swimming in the river over the summer months. It’s wide and shallow and the dappled light through the trees and smell of wild garlic on a hot day is bliss. You’re pretty much guaranteed to be the only person here so don’t worry if you’ve forgotten your swimmers. You won’t shock the sheep!”
We love
The story of the renovation, a true labour of love done slowly and sustainably, adding sheepswool into walls, lime mortar into stone and using logs from Jonny’s workshop to fuel the woodburner before they added central hearing. It’s now rooted in its past, but built beautifully and stylishly, for the way we live today.
You may not love
A 3-, 4 or 7-night stay, checking in on Mon or Fri only. Beds cannot be twinned. You’ll need a car to get here and around. Occasional carpentry noise from next door.
Sustainability.
The house was renovated using healthy, breathable materials—sheepswool in the walls, woodfibre in the roof, lime-mortar pointing, and re-used Lakeland slates—finishing inside with painted tongue-and-groove timber to echo its schoolhouse past. Heated by an air-source pump with underfloor warmth, fitted with timber double-glazing, and stocked with eco-friendly products (plus logs from Jonny’s workshop off-cuts), the house was designed to be kind to the planet.
Surrounds.
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Cautley Spout © Visit Yorkshire Dales National Park -
Lake District © Matthew Waring on Unsplash -
© Illiya Vjestica / Unsplash -
Wild Boar Fell © Yorkshire Dales National Park -
© Illiya Vjestica / Unsplash -
Lake District © James Armes on Unsplash
- Families will love exploring the garden: a 2-acre paradise of lawns and bluebell woodlands. There’s also a shallow ford across the road to paddle in, and you can walk across the fields to swim in a river.
- Or swim like a local. Head to Millthrop Bridge for an easy-access dip in the River Rawthey, or scramble your way to the famous Uldale Force where a hidden waterfall plunge pool feels like another world.
- Climb Cautley Spout. England’s highest cascade is right on your doorstep; walk out from the house or start at the Cross Keys Inn and hike alongside the tumbling falls to the top for knockout valley views.
- Summit Wild Boar Fell – a proper fell walk rewarded with Sand Tarn at the top, complete with a sandy beach at 650m (yes, really). Families may prefer to conquer Winder Hill — a doable hike with sweeping views.
- Sedbergh is just 3 miles away, a friendly little town crammed with second-hand bookshops, artisan markets, great local produce and cosy pubs. The Black Bull is dog friendly, run by multi-award winning chef Nina Matsunaga. The food at The Dalesman is also excellent (note, no dogs).
- Zip to the Lake District: just a short drive away, you can explore iconic fells, lakeside villages and hidden coves then retreat back here for peace.
Details.
- Country cottage with 1.7 acres of grounds
- 3 double bedrooms
- Single futon om request (best for a child)
- 2 bathrooms: ensuite shower room for master bedroom. The other rooms share a bathroom with separate shower and tub. Additional downstairs toilet
- Toiletries provided
- Great kitchen with American-style fridge freezer, range with 2 large ovens, 2 small ovens & 5 induction hobs. Microwave, kettle, toaster, cafetiere
- Basic supplies
- Utility room with washing machine
- Huge lounge with woodburner, sofas and books
- Second sitting room with small sofa and Smart TV
- Toys, big garden with climbing frame and bluebell woods to explore
- Alfresco sofas and dining table/chairs on a patio
- Good WiFi but phone reception patchy inside
- Parking for 3 cars
- Dog friendly – see FAQs
- The owners live next door, available by phone
- Drive to Sedburgh for shops, pubs and restaurants (3 miles)
- Booking conditions: a 3, 4- or 7-night stay, checking in Fridays or Mondays. A 2-night minimum stay is accepted if within 1 month of stay
- Remember to pack: fresh milk, cooking herbs, towels for river swims, walking boots or wellies
30% deposit on booking, with the balance due 12 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 12+ weeks prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 12 weeks of stay.
See our booking Ts & Cs.
FAQs.
In 4pm / out 10am
Yes, up to 2 dogs are welcome for an additional cost (£35/dog /stay) but are not allowed upstairs. The property is fenced and the drive gated, but it is set in 1.7 acres of sloping fellside so you’d need to keep an eye on them. The surrounding fields are full of sheep so you need to be mindful of this, especially in spring when they are pregnant.
It’s fibre optic so pretty good. You do have to switch between 2 different WiFis in different parts of the house though due to thick stone wall!
Very, you’re not overlooked from anywhere. The owners live next door but you probably won’t see them.
Because the washing and cleaning required for a shorter stay isn’t viable for the owners, either financially or environmentally.
An additional £35/stay. It can be set up in the master bedroom or second sitting room.
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