Location

The village of Hartlington has been described as one of the contenders for the smallest and least populous villages in The Yorkshire Dales, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for with its natural beauty. Surrounded by the stunning countryside of Wharfedale, in the south of the Yorkshire Dales National Park – Between Grassington and Bolton Abbey. Standing on a hillside overlooking a valley dissected by the meandering River Wharfe. The village is an ideal base for various walks and cycling routes, the nearest primary school is in nearby Burnsall and the the surrounding villages provide a choice of restaurants, cafés, tea rooms and local shops.

Eight miles to the south, Skipton offers a more extensive range of shops, restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, and leisure facilities. Skipton also has a number of schools, including the outstanding-rated secondary Upper Wharfedale School.

The A59 at Skipton provides access towards the A1(M) and the historic town of Harrogate. Skipton's mainline station provides services to Leeds, where connections can be made to London King's Cross

Description

Raiikes Acre dates from 1952 and was originally planned to be one of three dwellings constructed from local stone on this rural hillside overlooking a particularly pretty stretch of countryside in the Yorkshire Dales dissected by the River Wharfe. Only two of the three were ever built and as a result the plot enjoyed by Raikes Acre is larger than first intended which gives rise to the name.

The present owners acquired the house in the early 2000's and set about transforming the house, doubling its size and adding the double garage. The old garage then became a self contained annex come holiday cottage, which has attracted many returning guests and been a lucrative income stream. At the time North Yorkshire County Council short listed the house and buildings for the Best Renovation Project, remarking that it "sat beautifully in the landscape" and to this day it still stands well. The star of the show has to be the setting and exceptional views, which are also worthy of an award.

Despite its modest façade, the property provides generous accommodation and agreeable proportions, each room being bathed in copious amounts of natural light thanks to the larger than average picture windows. Of particular note are the spacious sitting room with feature fireplace and rustic beamed ceiling, a theme that continues into the dining and garden room, both opening via patio doors onto the rear stone flagged terrace. The well equipped kitchen / breakfast room is to one side, also enjoying arresting views via a large picture window. Completing the ground floor is a study / hobby room, a double bedroom suite and further bedroom with neighbouring bathroom. The first floor provides a further two bedrooms, one ensuite and an additional storage space, which could be converted into more accommodation subject to the necessary planning consents.

To the rear of the house, served by the main driveway are the separate double garage block with oak doors and a self contained annex, which has been cleverly redesigned from the original garage, providing a inviting open plan living area, compact kitchen with adjoining dining area and sleeping area.

The gardens lie predominantly to the south, laid predominantly to lawn, dotted with specimen trees around the edges, perhaps best enjoyed from the terrace, which has a lower level planted with colourful shrubs and seasonal flowers. In all the area extends to around an acre with very well managed farm land on three sides. The lower level of the garden also benefits from gated access, proving an entry point for gardening equipment and or livestock.