The Reading Rooms | Holiday Cottage in the Yorkshire Dales | Catch The Breeze
 
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Note: No children under the age of 10 years
Maximum number of adults and children is 4
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Max Adults:
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Max Children:
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Maximum number of adults and children is 4
Note: No children under the age of 10 years
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The Reading Rooms

2 bedrooms
1 bathroom
4 guests
***The Reading Rooms will be closing in December 2023 to undergo extensive renovations. The Reading Rooms is scheduled to re-open at the end of October 2024 transforming into 2 Bedroom with en-suite property with open plan kitchen/living/dining***

A genuine slice of Dales history is what's on offer here. As its name suggests, this sweet stone cottage was an important part of Oughtershaw's cultural life, and now makes a tranquil riverside retreat from which to explore the wider national park.
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Full Details
During the 19th century, reading rooms were once commonplace across much of rural Yorkshire: they were places to congregate, educate, debate and elucidate in a time long before mass media and 24 hour news. Practically every Dales hamlet had one, and this charming building was Oughtershaw's: located right opposite the village school, it was patronised by philanthropic Wood family, who owned nearby Oughtershaw Hall.

Today, the building retains all the period charm you could ask for. Topped by York stone roof tiles, surrounded by trimmed lawns and bordered by a tinkling book, it looks like it could have stumbled straight from the pages of All Creatures Great And Small. For those who have previously stayed at Oughtershaw Hall, it also makes an ideal village getaway if you're returning as part of a smaller group.

Inside, elements of the building's history are still on show - not least the chunky stone fireplace and the original A-frame timbers that underpin the roof.

The heart of the cottage is the charming double-height lounge, furnished with wooden floors, sisal rugs and warmed by a crackling wood burning stove. From here, a timber staircase leads up to a mezzanine, the ideal place to settle in with a good book and a mug of tea on a chilly autumn evening. From the lounge, French doors lead out to the cottage's riverside garden, where the clattering beck provides a constant soundtrack, and acts as a magnet for local wildlife in spring and summer.

Both bedrooms are on the ground floor and generously sized. One bedroom has a super-king sized bed; the other has two zip-and-link beds which can be made up either as a twin or super-king. As with all Catch the Breeze properties, Egyptian cotton sheets and Melin Tregwynt blankets add a touch of luxury. A corridor leads through to the kitchen, a galley-style space with slate floors and stone worktops. There's also a small dining area overlooking the garden. Across the corridor, the separate utility room is equipped with dishwasher, washer dryer, fridge and freezer. At the end of the cottage is the bathroom, decorated in vintage style, with old-fashioned taps and ornate patterned tiles. The wood-burning stove is normally all that's required to keep the cottage toasty, but on the coldest nights, LPG central heating provides a useful top-up if necessary.

One well-behaved dog aged one and over is welcome, but we would advise that the cottage is not suitable for children under 10, due to the proximity of the beck. There is ample parking on site for three cars.

Location-wise, you're in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales here, surrounded by green fields, hills and drystone walls: blissful isolation, and superb walking country. But if you do feel like being social, there are several renowned pubs within driving distance, and the market town of Hawes, 6 miles to the north, is on hand for supplies.
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Location
James Herriot had it right when he said: "Oughtershaw. A piece of bleakest Yorkshire, but smiling in the sunshine through its bare miles of tufted grass. The air had the sharp sweetness, which is found only on the top-most Pennines." Film buffs will tell you nearby Hawes is home to the famous Wallace & Gromit Wensleydale cheese, it is an untroubled village of mellow stone buildings, shops and houses linked by cobbled streets.

Buckden, Kettlewell was a film location for Calendar Girls. And be sure not to miss the market towns of Grassington and Skipton. As you explore, expect dry stone walls and barns, flower-rich hay meadows and valley-side woodland. At the tip of the Dales is the unspoilt wilderness of Swaledale, home to some of Yorkshire's best walking and cycling. When it comes to peace, tranquility and natural beauty, few locations offer more.
Hawes - 8.7 miles
Grassington - 16 miles
Buckden - 5.4 miles
Kettlewell - 9.2 miles

Skipton Castle - 23 miles
 
 
What our guests say

Relaxing week away from it all

Oughtershaw and Langstrothdale are such peaceful and beautiful places. The Reading Rooms is an idyllic spot right by Oughtershaw Beck and we spent our time just taking it all in. The beds in the house were a big hit with the whole party and along with the weather, contributed to the desire for long lie ins. One of us managed a few trips out on his bike - up and over Fleet Moss, down Langstrothdale to Cray and Buckden, round Beckermonds to Ling Gill and back to the house via the Pennine Bridalway. Otherwise it was short walks to 'Helen's House' at Yockenthwaite, picnics, Tuesday market at Hawes (with the amazing Hawes yarnbombers take on Wallace and Gromit), and the stunning waterfalls of West Burton.

Mr Peel

The cottage was just lovely as is always the case with Catch the Breeze properties. Well-equipped and a walkers dream. Felt like home from home and a perfect location for a true Dales experience!

Mrs Jones

A beautiful autumn break

We have loved our time at the reading rooms, a beautiful and cosy cottage, all on one level. Kitchen was very well equipped. Wood supplied for the wood burner. Situated in a small quiet hamlet the garden sits right next to the beck, & Sheep grazing the hill sides. There was a well thought out welcome pack for us and one for the dog.

We ventured out every day. There is so much to see and do. We visited Balham tarn. Hawes is close by for any supplies and we loved just having wonder past the shops. There are a few walks from here also. Hadraw is close by and definitely worth a visit.

You could come here and not go anywhere as it's so peaceful, private and tranquil.

Mrs Hicks
 
 
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