Bridge End Cottage, Stainforth

Bridge End Cottage is a luxury stone-built retreat in Stainforth, North Yorkshire. This former Post Office sits on historic land once used as a river crossing between York and Lancaster. Four spacious bedrooms sleep 8 guests in this expertly renovated property that keeps its character with original beams and stonework. The kitchen might have more gadgets than your own home!

Stainforth is a picture-perfect Yorkshire Dales village with narrow lanes and traditional cottages. The local pub is literally across the bridge - so close you could probably hit it with a bread roll from the garden. Walkers will love the direct access to countless trails including the Pennine Bridleway and the famous Three Peaks. Got a dog? They'll think they've died and gone to heaven with all these walks.

The accommodation features one super king-size double (convertible to twins), two king-size doubles (one on the ground floor) and one double bedroom. There's a bathroom upstairs plus a ground floor shower room. The kitchen-diner is fully equipped with everything from dishwasher to iPod dock. The cosy sitting room has a woodburning stove for those nights when you're too knackered to go to the pub.

Nearby attractions include Stainforth Foss waterfall (0.5 miles, 10-minute walk), Catrigg Force (1.5 miles, 15-minute drive), the market town of Skipton (17 miles, 30 minutes) and the scenic Settle-Carlisle Railway (2.5 miles, 5 minutes). Settle itself is just 2.5 miles away with shops, restaurants and weekly markets.

Bridge End Cottage is perfect for families or groups wanting to explore the Dales. The split garden with hot tub and riverside fire pit offers the best of both worlds. And yes, you can bring two pets! Just don't let them in the hot tub - that's strictly for the humans.