Low House, Deepdale, Nr Hubberholme
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Low House has a long history but in it's design can be traced a much older history than first apparant. And the same goes for the farm structures, if not even older. Pliny, the Roman, laid out the size and design of cattle stalls still used by the farms in Deepdale and the farms themselves are derived from Viking designs.
Before the widespread advent of stone houses, in the 17th Century, most farms and cottages were cruck framed buildings with low stone or wood walls and heather roofing. If you go to the Craven Arms in Appletreewick you can see a perfectly reconstructed cruck barn on the back. Although this was built just three years ago they used all the original methods, even carting the wooden crucks by horse from the Bolton Abbey Estate. (If you look in the back of the Barns of the Yorkshire Dales book in the kitchen you can see pictures of it being built.)
This house was the first of the remaining stone houses in Deepdale. Nigel’s farm, East Deepdale Farm, over to the right, was built in 1679 by a Quaker, who was subsequently jailed for non-payment of taxes! David’s, behind ours, was built in 1693. They have date-stones but unfortunately ours was removed in a less sensitive time in order to heighten the front door. A simple visual comparison of the other farms tells you this is the oldest. I’m afraid we can only date it to the early to mid 17th Century. It is a low building with chamfered mullion windows and is the roughest in build type, limestone rubble. It is also of the oldest farm type known in the dales, the long house.
The long house is essentially a Viking design. The farm is often built in to the hill, to allow loading of hay to the hayloft for the animals in the byre, as ours is. The barn is an integral part of the design. Originally the dwelling area consisted of the lounge and the little side room and what is now the kitchen but was then a barn. The side barn was actually built at a later date even though it looks like it’s been here forever. There were still pigs in the kitchen in the 50s according to David!
The house has been occupied by the Parker family for the majority of the time since the late 17th Century, which we traced through the Hubberholme parish records and later census records.
Through the 19th Century the Parkers continued to lease the farm. David remembers the later members who stayed on until the late 40s. It was probably one of the Rowland Parkers who extended to the barn. The only reason I guess this is that the date 1861 is roughly carved in the door way, along with plenty RP initials. There were several Rowland Parkers, they showed little imagination when it came to names. The last Rowland died in one of the last battles of World War 1. We have a picture of him in one of the books lying around and he’s remembered in the church at Hubberholme.
In the 20th Century the advent of motorised transport has changed farming practices to some extent although the basics remain the same.
I’m not sure exactly when the land associated with this farm was transferred to the other two farms, but it would have been around 1950. Since then a variety of people have lived here, many of whom still live locally and we meet occasionally. We bought it in 2005, and I have to say it was a wreck. There was an unreliable spring water supply, now replaced by a 350ft deep borehole, no central heating, no internal doors and it was filthy and unused. The floors in the kitchen were blue cement!
Since then it’s been a labour of love. Perhaps our best new feature is the Rayburn surround built by a local artisan stone mason. It looks like it has been here forever, and maybe now it will be.
We also hope that you enjoy the garden. It’s a real work in progress but we are turning it into a wildlife refuge by planting native plants to create a wildflower meadow. The pond was added in 2009. It will take a few years but we’ll get there!
We first rented the house out in 2010 when we were unable to use it as much as we liked and I would say it’s been a success. Everybody has treated the place with a great deal of respect and it’s a pleasure to share it under these circumstances.
Call Harry on:
07557 900840
to make a reservation now
This is an entirely subjective view, a list of the pubs I really love or don’t. The star rating is my own and takes into account what I think a good Dales pub should be. Where applicable I include notes on the landlord and staff as I think that they are critical to the experience. 1=rubbish to 5=The Best Pub in the World. There is really only one 5 and handily it's also the nearest one! So here it is:
The George, Hubberholme. ***** The local, just two miles away. This has been a favourite of mine for years - about 30 of them. It never changes in appearance, is the perfect Dales pub and is quirky and delightful. In 2013 the pub was taken over by Ed and Jackie, who have brought the place back to life after years of neglect. In 2014 they brought in Jeff the Chef and what was once mediocre food has been transformed under their combined influence. Locally derived and lovingly prepared; exactly the sort of "proper" food you need after a day in the hills. Jeff's pies are one of the wonders of the region! Even just writing this makes me hungry! The George is only small so book a table in advance, certainly at the weekend, and say your staying at Harry's and your guaranteed star treatment! Tel: 01756 760233
But, there is possibly another, or if not, it's so close to being a five star it should be rounded up. Bit of a drive, but you'll think it worth it I'm sure:
The Craven Arms, Appletreewick*****. The inside of this pub simply cannot be beaten. Old, cosy, used, historic and perfect. As if it wasn’t already good enough they built a Saxon cruck barn on the back. The beer selection is fantastic, with never less than 10 real ales, and beer festivals are regularly held in the barn. The wine is even quite good! Food is also wonderful; my only criticism is that there are not enough traditional pub favourites. David, the driving force behind it, has often been on TV driving around in/on his 30’s Bentley discovering microbreweries. Some people have all the luck…. Tel: 720270
Wharfedale
The White Lion, Cray.*** Currently closed but I'm including it as it surely must open again soon. Lovely old pub with a great main room and good fire. The food is generally good and the service is great. It’s a lovely walk from here, rising up at Yockenthwaite to contour the hill to Cray. A couple of beers and a game of "bull 'ook" and you're sorted. Come back on the lower path, it’s beautiful. Tel: 760262
The Buck Inn, Buckden.*** I used to be particularly cruel about this place, posh and popular in the 70s, it seemed to embody the worst of that dubious decade - expanded to large, odd rooms with less atmosphere than the moon- but I'm re-thinking my view. With a large bar it has the luxury of a wide range of beers, including the sublime Old Peculiar. The atmosphere is improving, the decoration is tasteful. Definitely worth a visit... Tel: 761401
The Fox and Hounds, Starbotton.*** Lovely Dales pub but as with many local landlords, his attitude depends on how his day’s going. It seems to be going wrong most days. Can be reasonably pleasant but don’t bank on it. On a summer day, few places can be more pleasant than sitting outside having a pint. Food is acceptable. Tel: 760269
The Kings Head, Kettlewell.****. What a turnaround! Has been rubbish and has shut on several occasions but the new owners have done a fantastic job and I love it! Proof, were it needed, that everything in the world isn't getting more rubbish with time. Outstanding food, service and the refurb spot on. Lovely inglenook fire. Pass me the Sunday Papers, I'm sorted!
The Blue Bell, Kettlewell.*** Great location for sitting outside watching the world go by in spring and summer. The food is ok (they even have a menu for dogs!) and the landlord friendly. Tel:760230
Racehorses, Kettlewell.** Very popular with the locals and the food is reasonably good. Lacking in atmosphere though and the interior is less than inspiring. Tel: 760233
Zarina’s, Kettlewell**** I don’t do tea rooms but this is the wonderful little exception. Ok, it’s not a pub but you can get a drink. Lovely little coffee shop with the best cakes (please don’t eat all the Bakewell Tart, I hate it when they run out!). Popular with MAMILS (Middle Aged Men in Lycra), which can be off-putting to those of a delicate persuasion, and seems to be a cycling destination. Feels like you’re an extra in The Calendar Girls! A surprising find and they do take away fish and chips on a Friday! Tel: 761188
The Tennants Arms, Kilnsey.*** It’s recently changed hands (again!) but I still like it. Does everything a pub should, even doing decent wine which for some mysterious reason is a rare thing in Dales pubs! The food is reasonable. Tel:752301
The Queens Arms, Litton.**** As quirky inside as the George, great food including game (often seen hanging outside in season) and it’s own brewery. Run by really nice chaps too. Tel: 770208
The Falcon, Almscliff ** Crap beer, don’t risk the wine and I’m not even sure they do food; to be honest I’ve never dared ask. However, visit it if you want to see one of the last of the old pubs, where the old bloke serves horrible beer from a barrel behind the bar and the room to the right is a totally untouched old dales kitchen complete with an equally untouched old farmer’s wife. If you’d been coming 40 years, you’d still be an outsider… Tel: I doubt they’ve got one.
Others
Simonstone Hall***, nr Hawes. Just gets three stars for the wonderful bar. It’s essentially a beautiful Jacobean mansion, but looks rubbish from the road. Sitting out the back admiring the view is a joy on a summer evening. On a winter day the cosy little bar is just great and they even supply the papers. Food average. Tel: 01969 667255
Tan Hill Inn **** (above Keld, Swaledale). Mad, unique and brilliant. The fact that it’s the highest pub in Britain is just one of the attractions. It attracts an eclectic bunch of people, a magnet for bikes, vintage cars and general eccentrics. Ducks and sheep regularly roam the bar area. Don’t go if it looks like snow! Tel: 01833 628246
The Fountain, Hawes*** A decent locals pub. The beer is good and it has Sky Sports.
The White Hart Inn, Hawes*** Down the bottom of Hawes, bear left against the one-way system. Just been renovated by a lovely young couple. Wine bar feel and a really nice place to be. Tel:0871 951 1000
Blue Lion, East Witton **** A great bar and restaurant. Primarily a foody place with an excellent reputation, deservedly so. A really nice special night out. Can get very busy as people travel some way to get here. You will need to book. Tel:01969 624273
The Victoria Arms*/***** (between Hawes and Bainbridge on left hand side) This is one for the connoisseur, as indeed I am. But look at the star rating! It's either a one or a five, you decide! This is the one you'll be telling your friends about and they won't quite believe you. If you want unique, properly mad, the like of which you’ll never see again, try it. Either the bar man or the wolfhound will lean on the bar and stare at you, as if they haven’t seen a punter for years. This could well be true. Oh yes, and watch out for the stuffed fox's arse. Really.
The Kings Arms, Askrigg*** Definitely worth a visit for the main, double height room and fireplace. Run by a lovely chap, who’s name escapes me, who used to run the Simonstone Hotel Bar. Try the Askrigg Ale and all the food’s good. Marvel at the strange bloke in khakis who sits at the bar. If you’re a James Herriot fan this is the local in the series and there are pictures everywhere. Tel: 01969 650817
The Black Swan, Middleham.*** Great old pub with huge beams and big fire. The whole town is dedicated to horses so it’s full of jockeys. You’ll be the biggest chap in the bar which can be nice sometimes and helps if the bar is busy. Tel: 01969 622221
The Farmers Arms, Muker.*** Lovely spot. Would only really recommend it on a sunny, warm day where you can sit outside the south facing front and chill out after a good walk. Otherwise unexceptional and really a 2*. I believe the term average was invented to describe food such as this. Tel: 01748 886297
Punch Bowl, Low Bentham.**** Exceptional food and decent beer. Refurbished a few years ago by the people behind the famous C B Inn (In Arkengarthdale). Really great job, wooden floors and quite minimalist but very much in keeping. The nearest thing to a wine bar feel in the area. Unlike most of the others described, more a restaurant than a pub. The aged beef is definitely worthy of consideration. Tel: 01748 886233
Beer
The main local beers in local pubs are Black Sheep, Taylors, Theakstons and Copper Dragon. The Wensleydale-brewed Askrigg Ale is now served at the George and is a really good pint. The Black Sheep and Theakstons brewery are both in Masham, south of Leyburn and past Middleham, or approached out of the back of Kettlewell through Coverdale. Absolutely worth a visit if you like your beer, for a sublime pint of Theakstons Old Peculiar in The White Bear - actually within the brewery grounds. The Kings Arms in the main square is also a good place to enjoy both Black Sheep and Theakstons. Copper Dragon is brewed in Skipton but I’m not a huge fan although they do a great dark beer called Black Gold. Always seems a bit wimpy. I like my beer strong, tasty and likely to put hairs on your chest.
Other than these, the Taylor’s Landlord is always good and in quite a few local pubs. The usual lagers are everywhere with a nice Bitburger at The George.
The wine in many local pubs is usually rubbish, which is inexcusable these days. It’s excellent in Kilnsey and the Punch Bowl but otherwise at best average.