"Built for the Reverend Stow in 1876, this grand house sits on the edge of a neat Wensleydale village. He was a keen photographer, and his pictures on the wall of the breakfast room give a glimpse into local life all those years ago. Step next door into the sitting room and you’ll spy raunchy pop-art style prints and a giant papier-mâché hare mounting the wall - quite the step change. But it’s the carefully curated mix of old and new (and bizarre) that we loved about this place.Warm and welcoming owners Sarah and Phil left creative careers in London to buy Stow House, and after an extensive refurb have transformed it into a stunning home-from-home with seven spacious and perfectly styled rooms, free-standing tubs, bold velvet sofas, and a great collection of objets d’art - many donated by their creative friends. Breakfasts by Phil are truly delicious, and there’s beauty at every turn: glance through any of the windows and you’ll see green rolling hills beyond the vast garden; walk a few minutes down the road and you’ll come to tumbling Aysgarth Falls. Highs The chilled atmosphere created by warm and friendly hosts; it’s like staying with friendsA fun and eclectic mix of art (a badger in a gas mask!?) offset by beautifully thought-through interiorsOur bathroom was huge, with a gorgeous free-standing tub and a rainshower easily big enough for twoSarah's cocktails (the lethal Corpse Reviver packs a serious punch)Perfect for romantics, creatives and lovers of the great outdoors - plus it's extremely dog-friendly Lows No evening meals, and we weren't overly impressed with the food at the local pub, but there are other good restaurants a short drive awayNo twin roomsYou’ll have to drive out if you want other nightlife, but we loved kicking back and relaxing into the rural pace of lifeOnly 1 room is suitable for families" - Anna Mullinder