Welcome to Olicana Croft- a stylish and comfortable, newly refurbished, semi-detached gem of a property, resting in the beautiful and ancient spa town of Ilkley, West Yorkshire- long sought-after as a destination by travellers, whether lured by its tranquillity, fresh air and reputedly rejuvenating spa waters, or in search of outdoor activities and adventure.
Offering generous off-road parking for two cars, this superbly located, delightful holiday home is close to the town’s plethora of independent shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars and presents an ideal base for families and friends seeking to explore the Yorkshire Dales National Park and all that this much sought after locality has to offer.
Hospitality abounds within Olicana Croft, where you'll be greeted by a contemporary kitchen/diner, fully equipped for all your culinary needs.
Here, you can gather around the large dining table and enjoy home-cooked meals, sharing stories of the day's adventures, or sit and unwind at the beautiful, custom-built bar (cut and lovingly finished by hand from a single piece of local English oak).
Adjacent to the kitchen/diner, the striking, Scandi-inspired sitting room (the 'cowhide' rug is vegan!) offers a cozy and charming space to unwind, featuring a large wall-mounted Smart TV and a state-of-the-art Sonos music soundbar for your entertainment, a selection of classic board games is also provided.
Further into the property, you'll find a conservatory bathed in natural light, equipped with underfloor heating, perfect for socialising or enjoying a quiet moment with a good book or a cup of tea.
A handy cloakroom with a basin and WC completes the ground floor layout, providing added convenience.
As the day draws to a close, head upstairs to find three lovely bedrooms, the first is a king-size room equipped with a TV, ideal for those lazy mornings in bed.
The second double room offers a serene space to rest, with a peaceful tree-lined view of the spacious garden, while the single room is perfect for an additional guest or child.
A selection of art prints and vintage music and film posters add a further stylish edge to the property.
The family bathroom, housing a bath with a shower over, serves these rooms, offering a space to freshen up before or after a day of exploration or leisure.
Dimmable lighting in most rooms affords guests an added level of control over the property’s superb ambiance.
Outside at Olicana Croft, you will discover a spacious and lovely patio and gravelled area, inviting you to indulge in alfresco dining or a morning cup of coffee to the sound of birdsong.
At the heart of this space, a stylish six-seater outdoor table with a warming gas flame feature at its centre, is perfect for those balmy summer evenings, a BBQ is also provided for guest use.
This delightful, secluded garden, framed by towering raised woodlands (once the embankment of the Ilkley to Skipton steam railway) wraps you in complete privacy and serenity.
When hunger strikes, Ilkley’s superb choice of restaurants is close at hand, catering to all tastes, from traditional British fare to a variety of international cuisines; Italian, Portuguese, Indian and Thai, to name but a few.
For special occasions there is also the prestigious, award-winning Box Tree Restaurant, where local boy Marco Pierre White cut his culinary teeth and perhaps his first artichoke.
And of course, a visit to the famous Betty’s Tea Rooms in Ilkley is a must.
The town also hosts a farmers’ market on the first weekend of every month with an abundance of local produce and crafts available.
For entertainment there’s plenty, locally to offer guests, including a modern cinema, a theatre and the renowned Kings Hall and Winter Gardens venue: a regular host to many international artists and concerts, from classical to contemporary- from new acts to music legends.
With the beautiful River Wharfe meandering through its heart, Ilkley lies within the protected Yorkshire Dales National Park and is the gateway to the famous Dales Way hike, lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails, dive into thrilling water sports or embark on exciting wildlife spotting expeditions.
Ilkley's iconic, Grade 2 listed 1930's Lido is one of the UK's last remaining outdoor swimming pools, while brave souls may wish to try wild swimming in the Wharfe too- the first river in the England to be declared a designated bathing site- a title previously bestowed only upon our coastal waters.
Walking on Ilkley Moor is a timeless, constant delight, scattered with the remains of prehistoric cairns and carved rocks from the Bronze and Iron Ages, and inspiration to what many regard as Yorkshire’s official anthem, ‘On Ilkla Moor Baht 'at.
Will you climb the imposing Cow and Calf rocks in search of the giant Rombold, who legend has it created this iconic landmark by splitting the rock in two whilst fleeing his angry wife?
Or instead opt to stroll to feed the ducks on the Tarn (a gentler walk) and sit and enjoy the stunning views over the Wharfe Valley?
It’s no secret why this charming and characterful town was crowned best place to live in the Sunday Times' 2022 list of most desirable locations and is repeatedly voted into the top ten best small UK towns.
Whatever kind of holiday you seek, Olicana Croft is a jewel in Ilkley’s glistening crown, offering something for everyone, wrapped in the embrace of true Yorkshire hospitality.