Smardale Hall

60 Customer Reviews

• "This was an amazing place to stay, it has so much more character than a lot of places, and relaxing in front of the log burner in the evening, or in the hot tub was the perfect end to a day after climbing mountains, or visiting English heritage sites."

  Reviewed by Mark5.0★Sep 2024

• "We had a superb week at Smardale Hall."

  Perfect location and great views all around. Very comfortable accommodation. We will return soon.

  Reviewed by David5.0★Sep 2024

• "The weather was poor whilst we were there but that was not be the fault of the host or Sykes."

  We did enjoy the log fire with the essential logs immensely.

  Reviewed by Ian4.4★Sep 2023

• "Amazing property and area, it was great that we could have a walk round and see all the animals."

  We will definitely be back!

  Reviewed by Eren5.0★Sep 2023

• "Had a lovely family trip to Smardale, loved the kitchen and the space of this holiday let."

  It was simply away from it all (but the Wi-Fi worked). The views of the countryside were lovely and to be sat in the hot tub as the Sunday steam train passed by on the main line was really special. Walks galore from the property or very nearby or simply to relax In this piece of English history was a delight.

  Reviewed by Mark4.7★Aug 2023

• "Our return to Smardale was fabulous."

  It felt like coming home. We last booked in 2018. Everything was great with notable upgrades since our last visit. It's not often that the 15th century is attainable. We love the property and the owners are very approachable and always on site. We had a lovely week and would love to book again.

  Reviewed by Jenny5.0★Aug 2023

• "We really enjoyed our stay, it's not often you can stay in a C14th listed building."

  The owners are lovely and friendly. The setting is beautiful and peaceful. Perfect for us.

  Reviewed by Gillian4.7★Feb 2023

• "We had a wonderful stay in an amazing house that took our breath away!"

  The owners were very generous and made our New Years getaway even better than we could hope for! An unforgettable stay. Thank you xx

  Reviewed by Catherine4.7★Dec 2022

• "Easy access, beautiful property, helpful host and provided plenty of wood for the cold snap we had - would certainly stay again!"

  Reviewed by Matthew5.0★Dec 2022

• "The hosts were excellent - very friendly and had gone to the effort of decorating the house for Christmas for us!"

  They were helpful with all our requests too. The house is unique - we loved it and will be back.

  Reviewed by Luke5.0★Nov 2022

• "We have had a brilliant family weekend in this amazing, quirky property ."

  Played hide and seek with the grandkids loads . Took full advantage of the hot tub . Plentiful supply of logs for the wood burner . Nothing was too much trouble for the owners . Went in a walk at the nature trail right next to the hall . Highly recommend the Black Bull in Nateby couple of miles away for good pub grub .

  Reviewed by Gail5.0★Nov 2022

• "Smardale hall was a unique and wonderful place for a holiday with the family."

  Our children called it the 'castle house' and the living room and the fireplace captivated them and us a lot. The beds were super comfortable and despite being old and huge, it felt pretty warm - particularly when we had the fire going. The kitchen was very well equipped and see managed to have dinner there most nights and even Diwali and a birthday celebration. We only met Steven the owner - once as he led us up to the place with his car at we got there in the night and couldn't see there we were going and again as we left. He was lovely and very hospitable. We loved waking up to sheep being rounded up in the pen and beautiful sunrises and sunsets through the many large windows. There is a local walk that is along the old train line that is really beautiful and friendly for all ages. If there are any cons, it would be that you need a car to get here and it's a B road at the end so be prepared for awkward backing up in case you encounter oncoming traffic. Good news is Sainsburys delivers groceries so you don't need to pack everything to go here. The bathrooms are in the turrets and are quite cold so pack some robes to keep you cozy as you get in and out of the shower. Finally, we tried the hot tub on one night but it was warm. We should have asked Steven to help get it hotter but we didn't. Mainly as our mobile phones didn't work there. However, the internet is super fast so you can keep in touch with the world if you want to and plan nearby adventures. Thank you for having us and hope to return in the future.

  Reviewed by Manasa5.0★Oct 2022

• "This was our second time at this property."

  It is a fabulous get away location. We would highly recommend it.

  Reviewed by Ian5.0★May 2022

• "My friends and I enjoyed our stay at Smardale Hall thoroughly!"

  The character of the building, the views, the hot tub made this holiday incredibly special. The hosts were incredibly kind and friendly. Only minor problem was the shower in the en suite either ran very hot or freezing cold. But this did nothing to spoil our moods! We all said that we would definitely recommend this place to others as well as return ourselves!! Thank you for a great holiday!

  Reviewed by Lyndsey5.0★May 2022

• "Lovely stay."

  Beautiful setting. Will definitely be back xx

  Reviewed by Karen5.0★Apr 2022

• "We had a wonderful week at this property."

  Stunning views from the house (and the hot tub), plenty of logs for the wood burner, great location (easy walk/bike ride to Smardale viaduct from the property), super comfy beds and the most friendly owners who, despite it being the height of lambing season, found time to let us experience their farm. We’d definitely love to return.

  Reviewed by Nicola5.0★Apr 2022

• "A unique property in a beautiful area."

  We had a wonderful stay and the owners were very helpful. Lots of walks and wildlife at the local nature reserve. Don't miss the farmers market at Olton and the Wensledale creamery is worth a visit too. We've been here before and we'll definitely return again.

  Reviewed by Cheryl5.0★Mar 2022

• "Excellent location, lovely characterful property, in keeping with its age!"

  We had a really comfortable stay! Not the best hot tub, could of done with being a bit deeper, when you sat in it most of you was out of the water so we were freezing!! Thank you for allowing us early entry because of the storm! We really appreciated it! We’ll be back soon!

  Reviewed by Sarah5.0★Feb 2022

• "We had a lovely week at Smardale Hall."

  Our hosts were tremendously attentive – the fire was lit before we arrived, there was an endless supply of wood and coal and they were immediately on hand for any questions we had. The house is spacious with a lovely kitchen and drawing room and the bed was superbly warm and comfortable. The house is on a working farm and the hosts were more than happy to show us around and even included us in the sheep scanning. The local walks in the Nature Reserve are wonderful with beautiful countryside all around and the Lake District is an easy drive and only about an hour away. Highly recommended for a very quiet week’s getaway or just a weekend break.

  Reviewed by Simon5.0★Feb 2022

• "Lovely property with lots of history and character."

  Idyllic location with fabulous views and great walks on the doorstep.

  Reviewed by Rachael5.0★Jan 2022

• "We experienced all 4 seasons in a few days but the best by far was watching the snow fall from the hot tub."

  A roaring fire awaited us on arrival, which was most welcome the hall itself was well stocked and apart from catered to our very need. A very helpful farmer (owner) even transported us into local town for much needed shopping after we got snowed in. Would definitely be staying here again it was a very restful place to stay

  Reviewed by Susan5.0★Nov 2021

• "Its location was excellent for us."

  It allowed us to meet up with our daughter and at the same time travel down with our son. Its isolated location suited us perfectly and yet it has great walking nearby. Local service at Kirkby Steven suited us just fine and they were just superb. We would love to go bsck to this venue again in the future.

  Reviewed by Ian5.0★Sep 2021

• "It’s a castle!"

  !

  Reviewed by Simon4.7★Aug 2021

• "Fantastic place to be."

  Cottage was lovely and clean. Owners were fab and allowed my son to see all the animals and feed the calves. He loved it! Only downside was that the owners were told there’d only be three of us (also shown this on the app) but our confirmation email had correct no which was 4

  Reviewed by Christine4.7★Jul 2021

• "Absolutely wonderful."

  ..that was our second time visiting Smarsdale Hall.... we'd love to go every year!!!!

  Reviewed by Mary4.7★Jul 2021

• "Had a fabulous week at Smardale Hall."

  It’s so quiet and peaceful with just farm noises and the clickety clack of the train in the distance. The weather forecast hadn’t been great, but it turned out really well and we sat outside for all but one meal. The friendly dogs often popped by to say hello too. Plenty of room for five of us, a lovely light and well-equipped kitchen, we enjoyed the hot tub and used every day. Visited lots of different places in the Lake District and Barnard Castle and also walked into Kirkby Stephens and back for a car free day. Highly recommend!

  Reviewed by Lesley4.7★Jul 2021

• "Excellent hosts, friendly e very appropriable."

  Views stupendous, especially from the hot tub.Local nature reserve,highly recommend.We spent a wonderful week away staying here.Hopefully in the future will return.Thank you Gill Steve e family.

  Reviewed by Phyllis Lrene5.0★Jun 2021

• "Enjoyed an exceptional stay at Smardale Hall, wonderful accommodation, warm welcome from owners and beautiful weather the whole time - perfect!"

  Reviewed by Chris4.4★Jun 2021

• "2nd time at Smardale Hall, aka the Princess Castle according to my granddaughters."

  Delightful period property. The views whilst in the hot tub are stunning, especially when the steam train goes past. Real fire in the lounge. It's a working farm and the hardworking owners love to show you their livestock. A real retreat for families, walkers or whoever, who want to recharge their batteries and have some quality time.

  Reviewed by Dawn5.0★May 2021

• "The pictures don’t do this house justice , so beautiful and spacious well situated hot tub loads of space in the house beautiful fire just loved it we didn’t want to leave!"

  Reviewed by Lisa5.0★May 2021

• "Fantastic holiday!"

  Only problem was the WiFi which was ok in the kitchen, not ideal for work

  Reviewed by Mark4.7★Sep 2020

• "This is a lovely property and great for kids as there is a lot of space inside and out."

  I heard my son telling someone he met at a play area that we were staying on a working farm and he was so excited by this, the goats scared him though lol. The house itself is large and spacious, agree with someone else, if you want brand new with whitewashed walls then this isn’t the place for you! This property is homely and because of the old style of the building the decor fits beautifully. Beds are comfortable, it’s very clean and the kitchen is amazing. The WiFi isn’t the greatest and one of us needed to work while there (self employed) and couldn’t connect the laptop to the WiFi, the owner came round and very kindly provided us with another WiFi and code which worked. The hot tub is lovely and placed where the views are beautiful; house one side which is great to Look at and fields the other. Kids were excited to see the steam train going past from afar, we had a little walk along the old railway line and we enjoyed playing hide and seek inside when it was raining. We took a couple of our own games to play but there are some there, the kids played with some dinosaurs they found. Overall, a gorgeous place that has been very well looked after and very clean.

  Reviewed by Helen4.7★Sep 2020

• "A lovely setting and very relaxed place to be ."

  Thank you

  Reviewed by Anne5.0★Aug 2020

• "Smardale Hall is a great location and place to stay."

  We had a fab week staying there and would recommend it. Loads of walks from the doorstep and a great location. Yes, there are damp patches on some of the walls but it's a really old building, and this had no impact on our stay at all. It was never cold, with the heating coming on automatically if temperatures dropped even slightly, and plenty of wood if a fire was required. The beds are really comfortable and the bedrooms had blackout blinds which makes a great difference. The host also phoned us on the morning of our arrival to let us know the hot tub had unfortunately broken but she was very apologetic and had organised a repair for the next day, informed us as soon as it was fixed and we were still able to use it for the majority of our stay.

  Reviewed by Claire4.4★Jul 2020

• "The owners are friendly, welcoming and very responsive."

  There was an issue with the hot tub, and they were out to fix it almost within minutes of being made aware. The beds were exceptionally comfortable, and there was plenty of space for everyone to be together or to have space apart. Magnificent views, wonderful wildlife and farmlife all around. I can't fault anything about this holiday.

  Reviewed by Bria5.0★Jul 2020

• "Smardale Hall is a unique and fascinating place to stay."

  The ancient house is comfortable and welcoming due to the friendliness and generosity of the farmers who live next door. I will be booking it again soon.

  Reviewed by Philip5.0★Feb 2020

• "Lovely hosts - we had a great weekend on the farm!"

  Reviewed by Jo4.7★Feb 2020

• "Lovely location, and hot tub was great and secluded."

  Like other reviewers have said, it is an old property and so you get what comes with that age of house, but as long as you are happy with that it is a lovely place to stay, beautiful location and plenty of walks from your doorstep. The owners are friendly (taking the family on a tour of the farm yard as we were looking at some of the animals), and had the fire roaring away ready for our arrival. We'll certainly be coming back, great location and property for a family break.

  Reviewed by Henry5.0★Jan 2020

• "This holiday letting is fantastic."

  We went as a group of 2 families with primary and pre school age children. Steve and his family could not have been more helpful and friendly. It is on a working farm and Steve let the children look round it and even hold the chicks. The views are amazing and the hot tub was used every day. The size of the building is enormous and there is a lovely open fire and big kitchen to host everyone in. We will definitely be going again.

  Reviewed by Lucy4.7★Jan 2020

• "Beautiful 16th century listed building."

  Some parts needed updating but you would expect this of this building. We had a fantastic weekend with the hot tub being the bonus. It is very remote which is exactly what we wanted. Extremely well stocked with everything you need. Beds very comfortable. The owners were lovely, going above and beyond our expectations. We will definitely return.

  Reviewed by Nicola5.0★Aug 2019

• "The hosts were great people and the house is lovely and large."

  Loved the hot tub in the garden looking at sheep over the wall. All in all a great experience

  Reviewed by Steve5.0★Jul 2019

• "This was our third visit to Smardale - we love the house, the location, the farm and the owners."

  It's such a relaxing place to be, and the hot tub at the end of a long walk is very special. We hope to be back next year!

  Reviewed by Rachel5.0★Jun 2019

• "Lovely setting, welcoming hosts, fantastic hot tub, isolated but beautiful views."

  Reviewed by Sally4.7★Apr 2019

• "Listed building with parts 700 years old."

  Fabulous views, the hot tub is a must. The accomodation is spacious so with 5 adults and 2 kids we had loads of room. Kids loved playing hide and seek. The kitchen is well stocked. The beds are soooo comfy. Although the weather was challenging the owner kept us well supplied with wood and coal for log burner and central heating was on. It's a working farm and the owners were very welcoming and the children loved being shown the animals, holding baby goats, chicks and watching the calfs and newly born lambs. This is perfect for quality family time. We are already looking to book for next summer.

  Reviewed by Dawn5.0★Mar 2019

• "Was brillant we loved it."

  Only thing was the shower room lots off flies but i know it can't be helped.

  Reviewed by Levi4.4★Jan 2019

• "We had a wonderful stay at Smardale Hall."

  The owners are very friendly and relaxed. The hot tub is a winner, we spend many hours within. The rooms nice and clean and the beds very comfortable. Beautiful surroundings, lovely walks. Our family had a great time at the house.

  Reviewed by Willeke5.0★Dec 2018

• "The property is in need of some tlc - the damp problem is really bad much worse than others said."

  I also don’t believe it should be listed as having WiFi as the WiFi is only an extender from the owners and the signal was so poor it didn’t work. We enjoyed the hot tub however that had not been cleaned and had a ring of scum around it. Lovely setting but felt a bit neglected.

  I am sorry to hear you experienced Wi-Fi and maintenance issues during your stay at the cottage. We want you to have all advertised facilities on our website and we strive on having exceptional property standards in all Sykes properties. We will investigate the issues with the property owner to establish why our service has fell short on this occasion. This is not our usual expectation and would like to assure you that your issues are being handled. If you wish to discuss or elaborate more on the issues raised, please feel free to contact the Sykes office on the details below, quoting your booking reference number and any other information that may assist us in providing the best possible outcome and customer service. Lines are open 7 days a week from 9am until 7pm Property Owner

  Reviewed by Sarah2.5★Dec 2018

• "Great setting and location."

  Good facilities and the hot tub was great (might want to include a picture of this on the listing as it is a real feature), However the wifi was very unreliable even in the kitchen. Although there is some damp in the property it is well served with humidifiers. Very friendly and helpful hosts.

  Reviewed by David4.4★Aug 2018

• "A delightful generous and unique cottage which is part of a large working farm."

  It is comfortable, spacious and easy - and the 'dormitory' room with four comfortable beds worked very well indeed. It is very well appointed, everything worked well and there was abundant hot water. The location gives perfect access to the delightful area. Perfect for a family holiday!

  Reviewed by Carol4.7★Jul 2018

• "The house is a fabulous 14th century property on a working farm."

  Extremely quirky but well equipped with plenty of crockery, cutlery, glasses and kitchen equipment for 8 people around a fabulous farmhouse kitchen table that easily fitted everyone. The hot tub and outside seating is across the yard in an area that gets the sun all day, so a really well chosen place to site them. As there were 6 mums on our annual 'away weekend' without the children, our only suggestion for improvement is the need for an extra shower. The en-suite bathroom (off one of the double bedrooms) has a shower, but the main bathroom has just a bath, so some consideration should perhaps be given to somehow incorporating a shower in the main bathroom else making the downstairs cloakroom into a shower room / wet room. Otherwise a wonderful, relaxing time was had by all. A great chat with the farmer about the farm, locality and his family connection with the area, before a 2.5 hour circular walk, a trip into Kirby Stevens, time in the hot tub and lots of fun and laughter - definitely just what the doctor ordered.

  Reviewed by Nicola3.8★Apr 2018

• "Great accommodation and great views."

  We loved our stay and would gladly book again. Spectacular views from hot tub and great hot tub for first timers..

  Reviewed by Julie5.0★Apr 2018

• "Just recently got back from a short stay here with my family."

  We had a lovely stay and the owners were very nice and helpful. It’s a great place to just get away from it all and relax in beautiful country surroundings. The hot tub was lovely too after a long walk around the nearby nature reserve! Kirkby Stephen is only a short drive away and Kendal is only a 40 min drive away too. We would definitely recommend and would go back again!

  Reviewed by Angela5.0★Apr 2018

• "Smardale Hall is a really peaceful place to stay."

  The surrounding countryside is beautiful. The owners are very friendly and helpful. They allowed my 3 year old daughter to cuddle and feed their pet lambs on our final day there which made a lovely end to our holiday. I would definitely like to return.

  Reviewed by Sarah4.4★Mar 2018

• "Stunning property."

  Larger than expected. Weather not good with heavy snow but that didn't stop the kids enjoying the hot tub. Farmer took me into town to buy extra provisions as was a moment if we were getting back down the lane. Would definitely come back. Really appreciated the assistance. Thank you.

  Reviewed by Corinne4.7★Mar 2018

• "A fantastic break."

  The hosts were lovely and we couldn't have asked for anything more. Such a picture perfect place.

  Reviewed by jodi4.8★Nov 2017

• "The only shower in the house (en suite) did not work properly - it was a dribble so some days I could not have a shower and had to wash down instead, not ideal when 5 people are sharing (and can sleep up to 8!"

  ) that needs to be addressed before I would consider re-booking. Everything else was perfect!

  Reviewed by Carly3.1★Oct 2017

• "This is a fantastic house, in a beautiful location."

  The farmer and his family were very friendly and invited the children to look round and 'help' on the farm, which they just loved. Many thanks.

  Reviewed by Rachel5.0★Jun 2017

• "The owners were very friendly and were more than willing to attend to minor problems for us."

  The hot tub at this property is a real bonus.

  Reviewed by David3.8★Nov 2016

• "Beautiful house, wonderful scenery, had an amazing time."

  Already talking about booking it for my next birthday.

  Reviewed by Charlotte4.8★Oct 2016

• "Stunning position, and lovely building."

  Really near to a nature reserve which leads down to an old viaduct which you can walk across, a lovely early morning walk! The Dales were fabulous.

  Reviewed by Diane4.6★Sep 2016

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