The Shepherdess

Fit for a romantic country break, this classic stone cottage sits in the rolling hills near Huddersfield. A ten-minute drive sees you in the confines of the Peak District – the UK’s oldest National Park – where walking trails weave across the landscape atop hills and past waterfalls. Ten minutes in the other direction, you’ll find the quaint town of Holmfirth to stock up on groceries and visit the local pubs and cafés. There’s a local pub and bakery a fifteen-minute stroll into the hamlet of Hepworth too.

After a day trekking in the Peaks, this is the perfect spot to put your feet up. Unlace your hiking boots and warm your toes by the wood-burning stove in the living room. ‘Cosy’ is the watchword here, with old wooden gables on display and thick stone walls keeping things warm once the stove gets going. There’s a little selection of holiday reads for evenings by the fire and a full kitchen for meals at home. In the sunny summer months, make use of the patio, furnished with a bistro table for two. From here, the only sound is the odd bleet from sheep in the field next door.

Home truths:
*In a remote location, having a car is recommended and there is private parking for one car just outside the front door
*The staircase opens onto the lounge and is quite steep, so this place may not be suitable for those with limited mobility
*You may awaked to the sound of sheep in the field next door