Allaker in Coverdale
Yorkshire Dales National Park

Peace and tranquillity are a special feature of Allaker, a traditional Pennine stone farmhouse in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, with panoramic views in every direction. Marked on the maps as Westclose House, It is known locally as Allaker which is an ancient Yorkshire name.

A genuine Dales farmhouse in beautiful countryside, with panoramic views in every direction. Allaker is ideal for walkers and loved by thoughtful romantics. The cottage is available for weekly rental and short lets, self catering, in season. Further information available from address at the foot of this page.

Ancient and modern: Allaker combines the
authentic character of a traditional farmhouse
with modern facilities.

For Walkers: most walks begin at the front door, with varied routes through meadows and over hills, discovering waterfalls, hidden valleys, wild flowers and birds. We provide details of recommended local walks, most of which are circuits with opportunities to sample the food and beer of the local pubs.

Attractions, within easy reach by car, include:

• medieval monasteries: Fountains Abbey, Rievaulx, Jervaulx, Bolton Abbey, Easby, Coverham Abbey etc;
• historic towns: Ripon, York, Barnard Castle, Durham;
• ancient castles: Middleham, Bolton, Richmond;
• rivers and waterfalls: River Cover and local waterfalls; Aysgarth Falls, Hardraw Force, High Force, Malham Cove;
• lively markets: Leyburn, Hawes, Richmond, Bedale, Ripon;
• traditional crafts on show include the making of cheese, beer, ropes, candles, ceramics, guitars and violins;
• sports: racing, golf, swimming, fishing, cycling etc.

Local farms: mainly meadows for dairy and sheep farming with high moorland and wooded valleys. Pets are welcome but dogs need to be fully controlled because of the local livestock. Pony trekking is sometimes available at local farms.

Local Dales: Wensleydale, Swaledale, and Wharfedale are within easy reach by car. Leyburn has a range of shops, chemists and medical services and a thriving market on Fridays. There are local markets most days of the week.

The house - every room has extensive views.

• three bedrooms (one double room with en-suite WC; a second double room; one room with a single bed and two bunk beds)
• spacious sitting room with a multi-fuel stove
• dining room with stone floor and a multi-fuel stove
• fitted kitchen; ground floor bathroom (suits wheelchair users)
• large paved barn suitable for children's play, ball games etc.
• forecourt with parking for two cars
• fenced garden around the buildings, with trees, pond, wild flowers and, of course, the views of birds and landscape.

Equipment includes: electric cooker, fridge, dishwasher, washing machine, bath with power shower, three WCs (one en-suite), electric storage heaters, two multi-fuel stoves (for wood and solid fuel) with glass doors; bedding and cutlery for about 8 people.

The house is suitable for many people with disabilities, with the following features:
direct vehicular access; quiet country lane with views in all directions;
bathroom, WCs and kitchen at ground floor;
ground floor sitting room with a double sofa-bed.
superb views from ground floor rooms.

Access: the house stands among meadows above the picturesque farming hamlet of West Scrafton. It is on a small lane with no through traffic.

All Creatures Great and Small
Allaker was used several times for the television series "All Creatures Great and Small".
James Herriot, the author, wrote that "Coverdale is wonderful because of its austere beauty";
he described walking among the meadows beside Allaker where
"the feeling of Pennine beauty was deeply satisfying".

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Availability
How to reach Allaker
Photograph gallery
West Scrafton