Guests say
High Smarber is a well-loved cottage in the Yorkshire Dales, praised for its cleanliness, stunning views, and peacefulness. Guests appreciate the well-equipped kitchen and the cosy, comfortable atmosphere. The location offers beautiful walks and wildlife, though the access road is noted as challenging. The cottage's charm and the thoughtfulness of the hosts contribute to many guests' desires to return.
The majority of guests have reported the cottage to be spotlessly clean, contributing to a high cleanliness rating. However, a few guests mentioned specific cleanliness issues, slightly affecting the score.
The location is highly praised for its beauty and tranquillity, with breathtaking views and proximity to nature. The challenging access road and remote nature slightly impact the score, as they may not suit all travellers.
Guests find the cottage cosy and comfortable, with a well-equipped kitchen and warm house. Some guests mentioned uncomfortable beds and noise from neighbouring dogs, which affects the comfort score.
Facilities are generally well-regarded, especially the kitchen equipment. However, there are mentions of maintenance issues such as boiler problems and outdoor lighting, which lower the score.
Guests have noted the thoughtfulness of the hosts, including the provision of a bottle of wine. While such gestures are appreciated, it is politely noted that these are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
Low Row 1 mile.
A delightful, 300-year old stone-built detached cottage, located high above the Swaledale valley just one mile from Low Row and Gunnerside. Boasting magnificent views of the surrounding countryside, this Low Row cottage is a great base for family and friends to get together and explore this beautiful area. Renovated to retain much of its original character, this traditional Low Row cottage boasts a sitting room with open fire, a spacious kitchen diner, and three cosy bedrooms. The accommodation in this Low Row cottage certainly exudes olde-worlde charm. There are fabulous walks from the doorstep of this cottage near Low Row, and the south-facing patio provides a wonderful location to relax and unwind whilst enjoying the magnificent views of the Swaledale countryside. This is a Low Row cottage not to be missed. Within a good walk is the village pub, which serves fine ales and good food, whilst three miles away is the popular village of Reeth. Just a short drive from this Low Row cottage are the market towns of Hawes, Leyburn and Richmond. Aysgarth Falls, Semerwater and Hardraw Force are all nearby, ensuring this Low Row cottage is a perfect base for enjoying all the many attractions and scenic splendour the area has to offer.
The village of Low Row is made up of a scattering of traditional farms and cottages to the north of the River Swale. The village of Reeth, just a short drive away, dates back to Saxon times and became of sufficient size and importance to be mentioned in the Domesday Book. Later it became a centre for hand-knitting and local lead mining. Its eighteenth-century houses and hotel clustered around the triangular village green make it one of the very popular Dales villages. Just short drives away are Aysgarth Falls, Semerwater and Hardraw Force (England's highest single drop waterfall at 99ft).
Accommodation
Three bedrooms: 1 x king-size double, 2 x twin (2nd twin accessed through 1st twin).
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC.
Kitchen with dining area.
Utility.
Sitting room with open fire.
Oil central heating with open fire in sitting room.
Electric cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washer/dryer, TV, DVD, radio, WiFi, books/games.
Fuel, power and starter pack for open fire included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Cot and highchair.
Parking for one car, further private parking for up to 3 cars.
South-facing enclosed garden with flagged patio and lawn area, with furniture.
Sorry, no pets and no smoking.
Shops 3 miles, pub 1 mile.
Note: Cottage initially reached by steep winding single track road (kept open in winter by locals save in the severest of conditions).
The last half mile is down a double concrete track, a little tricky to manoeuvre in certain parts, but perfectly accessible for most family cars.
Note: Drainage is to a septic tank.
Note: Max.
4 adults Note: Should you require the use of a cot during your stay, please can you advise us of this at the time of booking.
Nearby points of interest
- Hardraw Force Waterfall
- Barnard Castle
- Bowes Museum
Reviews (24)
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Sandra
This is my second stay at High Smarber and well overdue. The wonderful thing about this cottage is that from the moment you open the front door, it feels like you have come 'home'. Many holiday cottages feel like show homes, leaving you frightened to touch or do anything for fear of spoiling anything. High Smarber is clean, well-kept, has everything you need to be self-contained but it really feels cosy and much loved. The 'care-taker' is on hand to answer any queries you have during your stay and couldn't be more accommodating. The heating is excellent to the point of not needing it on because it is too effective! The shower is powerful and there was always plenty of hot water, enough for 2 showers a day or a bath. Would I change anything? No. The only thing that would lose it one mark is the main bed which has changed from my last stay; it is uncomfortable and very hard, but, some people might like that. The track down to the cottage could do with a little 'maintenance' in a couple of places but is easily passable. Just don't take a low-lying car because you might get unstuck in a couple of places (I have a Vauxhall Corsa hatchback and managed). Of all of the cottages I have visited in Swaledale over the last 15 years, High Smarber is in my top 3.
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Emma
The view from the front garden is fabulous and there are lots of wonderful walks to do straight from the cottage door. A beautiful, peaceful and restorative place to stay. We are definitely planning on visiting again
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Richard
It is well equipped and spotlessly clean. We had stayed before and found it very cosy. On this occasion, however, there was no heating from the Saturday when we arrived until midday Wednesday, so we spent a very cold and uncomfortable few days. The cause was a lack of heating oil (from the point of arrival) and resolving it was made more difficult by it being Easter weekend. The owner's representatives on the ground were most helpful, doing all they could to make us more comfortable and obtain fuel. The owner, to their credit, provided a degree of compensation. Sykes played their role as intermediary effectively. It's clear, though, that in a case of serious disagreement between owner and holiday maker, Sykes has no responsibility for resolving it. We did very much enjoy the last couple of days of our stay, once the heating was back on.