Self Catering in Cumbria - Kirkby Stephen

Fabulous stay on a working farm
We stayed in Smardale Hall for a week, and had a wonderful time. The house is fantastic, with a fully-equipped kitchen, a large sitting room, a sofa in the hall, and three very good sized bedrooms. Plenty of indoor and outdoor space for relaxing, and enough space for people to spend time together, or break away for a quiet read. The hot-tub is out in the open air, and was a glorious place to sit in the evenings. I sat out as dusk drew in watching the bats fly overhead, and had the amazing sight of a barn owl swooping down very close to me before it went out hunting over the fields. There are ducks, goats, sheep, cows and some very friendly dogs who will come and say "Hi", but won't bother you if you don't want them around. The owners are super, very friendly and happy to chat. They were excellent in getting us settled in and since they're just next door it was good to know that they were there if we needed anything. There's a lovely nature reserve at the bottom of the drive on an old train line, and it's a short drive to local amenities. Useful to know: Tesco will deliver here. :) We will absolutely be back!
B M
2020-07-30

Stunning place
This place is a must book if you want some great family time together ,,,just got back today had an amazing family time together ,,we were made so welcome the minute we arrived from the owners who live on site and run the farm...the kids loved the place and all the animals around the farm,,,,the cottage is in smardale it's 2 or 3 miles from the nearest shop,,pubs,restraunts,,and in a very quiet location,,,best part off the holiday was all relaxing in the 8 seater hot tub,,,if considering booking this cottage that I highly recommend come with an open mind its a cottage on a working farm,,it's a couple of hundred years old and in a very quiet location,,,it's not a five star hotel it has a bit off damp on the walls in the living room nothing very bad to put you off booking ,,the inside off the cottage is very nice ,old and very homely,,,great also if you like the outdoors for great nature walks ,etc,,me and the family loved every minute off our week there a big thank you to the owners,,,use your own mind and book this place you won't be let down,,if you moan at the slightest thing stay away like I say you need an open mind when coming to the cottage all I can say is stunning .
Alan H
2017-08-03

The Setting is stunning with beautiful views all around. The Outdoor Hot Tub added to the pleasure. The house was fully equipped. It is a very fine stay where one could "switch off" and escape.
Mr Changela
2016-05-31

We enjoyed the location, which was outstanding. Being on a working farm was much enjoyed by our 3 year-old granddaughter. The owners were helpful and friendly. The house was, without doubt, unique.
Mr Leighton
2016-05-06

We had a great time at Smardale Hall. We wanted something historic and different and that is what we got. We liked the first rate walks from the front door. We liked the tourist infrastructure in the wider locality, such as The Fat Lamb. Smardale Hall is really something else ... we are into Landmark Trust levels of excellence with this one.
Mr Heaven
2016-03-04