We bought our property in 2003. It's a former barn dating from at least the 1850's. A toll house stood 50 metres away on the old Turnpike road. We added our extension in 2007 with a tearoom and guest accommodation. We adjoin a working farm and experience lambing, haymaking and a good deal of snow. All four seasons are much in evidence. With the arrival of Curlew, Lapwing and Oystercatcher in late March Spring is just around the corner. Nesting birds are flying in all directions. Bats chase each other round the walls in mid summer. At night they rustle in the eaves. Swallows re-appear in May and use the same nests in our newly built barn. We use a biomass boiler for heating and hot water and aim to be CO2 emissions neutral. All in all we think our location is a sort of mini paradise to recharge batteries and chill out.

Our guest house is 1 mile out of Alston at 1,000 feet elevation. There are no neighbours. We are surrounded by wildflower meadows, fells and moorland. It is a tranquil setting with time on your hands to settle down and enjoy the garden and mountain views. Upland wildlife abounds and we keep free range hens. Be prepared for snowy conditions November onwards. If you wish to dine on the evening of arrival we can prepare your favourite repast by prior arrangement. Alternatively we have our own in house menu available on request. Prior booking essential. Alston has its own narrow gauge railway, several pubs and cafes, supermarkets and local craftwork studios.