Sleep Here: Brownber Hall, Cumbria

Brownber Hall is a cool, country house on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and in easy driving distance of the Lake District. Stately and remote, it was renovated by a young London couple who transformed the whole place, bringing their warm hospitality and eclectic interiors style up from Hackney to create a comfortable, homely base for exploring this corner of the UK.

Set well in the hills (so much so you’ll test your GPS to find it), Brownber Hall is on its own in the countryside. The 8 bedrooms are are all different, individually designed by Amanda’s sister, with iron bed frames made by a local blacksmith, and printed curtains sewn by Amanda’s mother. Modern bathrooms are stocked with British Bramley toiletires, bed time reading is provided in the form of Monocle and Ernest Journal; and the coffee mugs for are the artisan type you’d seek out in East London.

One of my favourite things about Brownber is dinner time, because it’s sourdough pizza on the menu. Good sourdough pizza at that. After dinner, you can relax in the lounge with a book or a board game, and make yourself a nightcap from the honesty bar.

Take your walking boots and waterproofs because the great outdoors are calling. Fuel up on eggs and homemade sourdough then head for the hills. Don’t miss the impressive Smardale Viaduct and a walk up to Cautley Spout — England's highest waterfall. Once you’ve got your fill, head back to Brownber for tea and cake in the lounge.

Brownber Hall,

rates from £100/night

The perfect place to curl up with a gin and tonic from the honesty bar after a long day outdoors.