Self catering accommodation in Yorkshire Dales, The Calf Pens

Selt catering accommodation in Yorkshire Dales: This charming cottage has been sympathetically converted from calf pens with great care taken to retain the individual charm and character of its former days and to ensure that the building blends in with the natural environment and countryside, complementing the surrounding ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’.

During the conversion process, materials from the original calf pens were reused in the cottage wherever possible, using traditional building methods and locally sourced material, as well as employing local skilled builders and other tradesmen. Exceptionally efficient, modern, ultra-thin ceiling insulation reduces heat loss and heating requirements whilst allowing the appearance of the original exposed beams to be maintained, and they now make a beautiful feature in the cottage.

The cottage uses under floor ground-source heating throughout and also has a log-burning stove. Energy efficient light bulbs, plant-based biodegradable soaps and cleaning products, and recycling facilities are provided at the cottage, along with a shower rather than a bath to reduce water consumption.

Many of the paintings in the cottage are by local artists, and the owner shares their personally recommended local companies in the welcome pack, from butchers to wine suppliers, from restaurants to great days out. So it couldn’t be easier to immerse yourself in the area by trying local produce and regional specialities, whilst supporting the local economy.

Letting agency: As a letting agency we also have a commitment to the local environment, economy & society, We encourage all holidaymakers to interact with the local community by giving advice to our clients regarding local activities and attractions. We are in the process of updating our website to list activities, attractions & local events to encourage the holiday maker to interact and consequently support local villages and businesses.

We recycle any unused brochures and also offer e-brochures in order to reduce our paper waste. We actively support the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (minimum £2,000 pa) who organise activities including educating local children about the Dales (e.g. walking with wildlife), training local villages in traditional methods (e.g. dry stone walling), and investing in village infrastructure (e.g. restoring village halls). Together we are planting 2,100 trees in an over-farmed area to encourage the reintroduction of local fauna and flora and offset our corporate carbon emissions. We have also been accredited as ‘Investors in People’ for our investment in training of our staff.