The Reading Rooms

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.