Dallow Hall Barns, Grantley, Ripon – Review
By Sandra Callard
We set off recently, on one of November’s surprisingly fine days, to spend a relaxing time at Dallow Hall Barns, which is situated near the village of Grantley in the Nidderdale area of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.
Dallow Hall Barns is a small collection of renovated barn conversions in a fairly remote part of the Dales, but nevertheless is only five miles west of the cathedral city of Ripon.
Once the main roads are left behind, those leading to the Barns are narrow and twisting, and cannot accommodate two cars, as we found out when we had to reverse many yards to let an oncoming vehicle pass. It is difficult to spot exactly where the Barns are, as the unprepossessing entry has a very small sign on the gate, which of course we missed, necessitating another reversal.
“Airy”
Dallow Hall Barns is a collection of just three Barns. The owners live in the largest one, and they could not have been more welcoming. The other two comprise a downstairs Barn and an upper one.
Ours was the ground floor Barn, and we were very pleased on entering the accommodation. It proved to be comfortable and spotlessly clean. It is a one-bedroom barn, but is very large for just two people. It comprises a large kitchen/diner and sitting room, comfortably furnished.
The one double bedroom is beautifully designed, with a very large bed which is so comfortable it is an effort to leave it. The bathroom is in fact a shower room, beautifully appointed, but I would have loved a bath.
The whole property is very large and airy, and offers just about everything you might need should you not want to venture out. There are large televisions in the lounge and bedroom, CD player, books, games and garden furniture, and a nice welcome pack of tea, coffee milk and bread on arrival – very useful as there are no shops immediately nearby to buy anything you may have forgotten.
The kitchen has every facility bar a washer and a dish washer, but this was not a problem.
“Panorama”
The whole of one side of the Barn is given over to a magnificent view, as French windows completely cover the wall. The view is startlingly beautiful, even in November, and the glory of the Dales was clearly evident, as the fading beauty of the ageing year still held vestiges of its autumn splendour.
This is a property and a location which can be used in a number of ways. As we came in November but had some unexpectedly good weather, we were out and about all day, after a leisurely breakfast. But come the summer I would love to lounge on the patio (barbeque on request) and drink in the panorama before me.
The Barns are surrounded by beautiful scenery and are perfect for the hikers, walkers and nature lovers. In fact, there is an unusual nature walk on the doorstep called the Crackpots Mosaic Trail, which is seven miles long and has locally-made mosaics along the trail depicting flora, fauna and features which may be seen along the way.
“Beauty”
This sounds great for the more adventurous, but we concentrated on the surrounding towns and villages, Ripon in particular. Apart from its beautiful cathedral, we visited the really interesting Police and Prison Museum, and also the Ripon Workhouse, which is huge and remarkably still complete. It is totally fascinating, but is an assault on the senses and the emotions and requires a strong stomach.
We had a very enjoyable couple of days in a comfortable Barn, far away from noise and traffic, surrounded by the beauty of the Dales. The Yorkshire Dales cover more than 841 square miles, and Dallow Hall is within reach of many of them; provided, of course, that you are prepared for the bumpy ride to find them.
Dallow Hall Barns, Dallow Gill, nr Grantley, Ripon, HG4 3PU
Prices from £350 per week & £80 per night minimum 3 night stay
tel 01765 650434 or 07976608410
email: Jamie@dallowhallbarns.co.uk
dallowhallbarns.co.uk
