A stunning 17^th-century farmhouse, surrounded by rolling North Yorkshire countryside, is the perfect spot for a self-catering break for Fiona Gibson and her friends   

Where is it? 

Perched on the upper reaches of the 3,000-acre Broughton Hall Estate, three miles from the thriving market town of Skipton.   

What’s the accommodation like? 

With its high vaulted ceilings and a treehouse-inspired mezzanine, the house’s huge main living area ticks the cosy box with its large stone fireplace to gather around. Three double bedrooms are stylishly furnished with striking contemporary art, and in the spacious, well-equipped kitchen, a complementary welcome pack (including wine and delicious homemade cakes) awaits us. Sleeping up to eight, the house is so comfortable, with cottage-style décor and ample space to lounge, making it perfect for larger groups.  

When the weather is kind to us, we enjoy breakfasts outdoors, gazing over the unspoiled landscape. Evenings are spent over long dinners at the dining room table, wine and chat flowing late into the night.  

What did you eat and drink?

The nearby charming market town of Skipton is something of a foodie hub. As we’re self-catering, we head for the bustling market. The cheese stall is heaving with local varieties such as Farmhouse Wensleydale, Smoked Coverdale and the intriguing chilli-spiked Flaming ‘Eck. Another stall offers gooey baklava and fragrant Turkish delight. We can’t resist a Betty’s Yorkshire Tea Loaf, packed with cherries and vine fruits steeped in Yorkshire tea. At Skipton Deli we find quality charcuterie and focaccia.

As a pit-stop, we enjoy steaming hot chips as we watch the narrowboats chug by on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. Another day, we tuck into delicious buddha bowls – seared halloumi, tender asparagus and creamy beetroot humous – at Utopia, the estate’s wellness kitchen.

What is there to do?

We love our long meanders over the estate. There are numerous artworks to discover: giant, gnarly wooden seats, dramatic stone sculptures and a golden telephone box perched on a hill.

Surrounded by forest, we shriek with delight as we whizz along the zip wire, and then drift away on forest bathing nets. Back at ground level, we while away a blissful afternoon in the pool, sauna and steam rooms at Avalon, the estate’s luxury Wellness Centre (cottage guests can book a Wellness Bundle, including use of the facilities, plus a yoga/mediation session and wild swimming opportunity for £70).

For history buffs, Skipton’s incredibly preserved medieval castle is a must, and the Craven Museum is packed with artefacts from the area’s industrial past.

What do I need to pack?

Yorkshire weather can be changeable, so pack layers and waterproofs, plus sturdy walking boots for exploring the vast estate, and the glorious Yorkshire Dales beyond.

Lasting memory

Incredible sunsets and dark skies – for stargazers there’s a powerful telescope in the house.

Sainsbury’s magazine insider tip

Skipton Market, and the delightful independent shops around it, are a haven for local produce. At Artisan Skipton we pick up chutneys, piccalilli and a particularly delicious lemon and passionfruit curd. Look out for the market’s fresh fish stall – offering Whitby scampi on the day of our visit – and a traditional van selling the creamiest Yorkshire Dales Farmhouse ice cream.