Low House, Deepdale, Nr Hubberholme
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hxcross@hotmail.comto make a reservation now
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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
Our Property
Low House, set in the centre of the Yorkshire Dales, and dating from the early 17th Century is a beautiful
Yorkshire Dales farmhouse of weathered stone, mullion windows, exposed beams and flagstone floors. The
house caters for 6, with three double bedrooms, and is furnished to an exceptional specification; more a home
than a holiday cottage and this is how we encourage you to feel when you stay.
The house is one of three farms that make up the hamlet of Deepdale in Langstrothdale and is in an outstanding
location with views over the valley and down to the river. Langstrothdale, at the head of Wharfedale, is unique of
all the main dales in that it only has a minor back road which leaves it quiet and unspoilt.
The house is situated on the Dales Way and there are fantastic walks and cycling right from the front door. Being
in the very centre of the Yorkshire Dales, access to anywhere within the National Park is easy.
Just down from the farm is The George at Hubberholme, a thoroughly original and wonderful Dales pub, run by
Jackie and Ed, and serving exceptional locally sourced food prepared by the exceptional Geoff the Chef. Please
do mention when you’re staying here and you will always be assured of a warm welcome.
We are dedicated to making your holiday experience the best it possibly can be so please do call us to discuss
booking the cottage and we will do all we can to make your stay exceptional. Rates include all laundry, linen,
towels, travel cot, high chair. Anything else that you may need, just ask! And, yes, well-behaved dogs are always
welcome.
Bookings are from Saturday to Saturday and our rates are as follows:
Low Season (Jan, Feb, Mar) £525 per week
Mid Season (Apr, May, Jun, Sept, Oct) £625 per week
High Season (July, August, Christmas and New Year) £850 per week
The property comprises of:
Ground Floor
Farmhouse Style Kitchen – solid oak fittings, Rayburn, Smeg fridge / freezer, dishwasher, washer / dryer and all
the utensils you will ever need!
Lounge: Aga Multi-fuel Stove / Wood burner, TV with basic Sky package (controlled upstairs), bookshelves full of
books and games!
First Floor
Bedroom 1 – is equiped with a sumptuous king size bed with luxious feather pillows, a wall mounted flat screen TV and wooden bedroom furniture for your comfort and a hairdryer.
Bedroom 2 – This light and airy room has a comfy king size bed with luxury pillows, polished wood floors, wooden bedroom furniture and outstanding views across the valley
Bedroom 3 – This characterful room is equipped with a king size bed with access on one side only due to the shape of the room, it is still spacious and benefits from a beautiful ancient wooden floor.
All bedrooms have breathtaking views across the valley
Bathroom – Has a full sized bath, a separate shower cubicle, sink and WC
Beds are made with fresh white linen at the beginning of your stay, should you need to wash any of your linen a washing machine is provided in the kitchen.
Outside
There is a large garden area outside the front door with beautiful views over the valley. There is an
outdoor table and chairs. To the side of the house, through a gate, is a wild flower meadow with
waterfalls in Deepdale Ghyll and a wildlife pond at the bottom of the decline. There is parking for up to 3 cars, however due to the farmer herding sheep we ask that the gates are kept closed.
The front view of Low House
Low House is raised up from the valley and has fantastic views over the valley. Situated 1,000 feet above sea level you still feel like you're in the bottom of the valley as the surrounding hills reach over 2,000 feet.
The front of the Low House
The warm and welcoming Lounge at Low House. Flag floors, fire, beams, books and cosiness....
The family kitchen warm and cosy at Low House
As you drive up from Buckden, Hubberholme and Yockenthwaite, this is the view of the farm from the road.
The view of Low House from the approaching valley road