Wagon House, Helwith Bridge, Horton in Ribblesdale, North Yorkshire, BD24 0EH

A beautifully cosy converted pig barn perfectly situated for completing the Yorkshire 3 Peaks.

Yes, there is a derelict land rover outside, yes, the paths are uneven and could do with a good weeding, but that just added to the quirkiness. The car parking isn?t great, if you get there in time, and there?s a space, great. Not sure where you would park otherwise.

The key safe was very temperamental and we only managed to open it once, so we kept it with us at all times.

On entering the house, you have a bathroom to your left - it has a bath and shower, which was so welcome after an 11hr + hike!! It?s not the best bathroom in the world, but it does it?s job. Towels, flannels, toilet roll and bubble bath were available.

The kitchen on your right comprises what you need - fridge, microwave, cooker and washing machine. To be honest, we only used the fridge and toaster. There was a fusty smell in the kitchen, especially from the cupboards, which we reported. On reading other reports, it seems to be a problem area for the house.

The living room has two low lying windows, one with a beautiful view of the landscape. There is a wood burning stove that had kindling and log burners ready for use, which we did use. There is a tv/dvd player fitted to the wall, we had to turn the settee round to watch it though, as it isn?t positioned in the best place.

The bedroom was beautiful, again with two low lying windows allowing the light in. There?s a wardrobe with hangers (we didn?t use) and a couple of bedside tables with lights. Hubby slept like a log, I didn?t, but I am very particular with mattresses and wherever you go, you can guarantee they will never suit everyone.

It seemed like the carpet was new throughout the living and sleeping area.

The pub is a stones throw away. We didn?t use it, so can?t comment on that.

The area the house is situated in does leave a lot to be desired, but would it detract me from staying again? No. It wouldn?t.

It was a sweet little house that fitted our needs. Minor inconveniences need not ruin your getaway.

Kate, the landlady was perfectly fine when I reported a few problems. I am sure they will be rectified before too long.

Please ignore past reviews....They nearly caused me to cancel this cottage! I'm so glad we didn't!! Wagon House is situated next to the river and railway line, and is a 2 minute walk to the Helwith Bridge Inn (Delicious home cooked food, fab locals, nice atmosphere) Once in the cottage, it is peaceful (no noise from trains etc..) The views from the BACK windows are beautiful, the river, nature, clouds rolling in....Better than any TV. There is a TV and a good choice of DVDs, along with a file full of maps and places to visit. Clean crisp white bedding, towels and shower curtain, with extra bedding in the wardrobe for colder nights. There was also an initial supply of kindling etc, for the huge log burner. This cottage is home from home, with everything you need to make your stay comfortable. There is a little bistro set at the back, which would have been perfect first thing on a morning, had the good old Yorkshire weather allowed it! All in all a wonderful break away in the Yorkshire Dales for us and our dog. Thank you, we will definitely be booking again soon!

Sam, York

This property has been totally miss sold and miss marketed - under no circumstances is this a 4 tick property, 1 tick is being generous! We arrived to find that the front was overgrown with a wreck of a landrover in front of the property, the access down both sides to the rear was overgrown, uneven and covered with rubbish - the rear garden had not seen a lawnmower for weeks and the patio was a slab of overgrown concrete with NO BBQ as advertised and a pair of rickety old small chairs and table for furniture.

Inside the property was nothing but a picture of neglect, despite the strange smell which was trying to be masked with a lit candle, the living room carpet was damp and consequently uneven and not fitted properly making it a potential trip hazard, walking in bare feet was not an option. A walllight was hanging off with bare wires and not working, the kitchen carpet was filthy and the oven dirty, cupboards and drawers were filled with rubbish. the toilet and bath had black mould growth around them with a tatty shower curtain and broken mirror tile around the bath. The bedroom wardrobe was full of junk and unable to be used properly - this is supposed to be a 4 tick property but there was no toilet roll no washing up liquid and overall it was a totally neglected property.

We attempted to contact the relevant people but could not, presumably because the phone signal isn't brilliant so after a 3 hour journey we made another 3 hour journey home - disgusted, fed up and totally cheesed off - this holiday was to mark our first week of retirement.

We contacted Sykes first thing on Sunday to complain, the rep that we spoke to was shocked and full of apologies and after having seen our photos was in disbelief, HOWEVER despite all of this we were offered a refund of only half of the monies paid which is simply not good enough so we continue to pursue a full refund.

To us tick ratings are important, in this case they meant nothing.

It looks nice in this photo but it doesn't tell the story we found. Firstly, however, it is a lovely area and a great location to explore the Dales from. On arrival, we found the outside was overgrown with weeds and a large wild rose right next to the car parking area which 'found' me in the dark! There were numerous bins (some with no lids) scattered around and other detritus in the area including a derelict Land Rover. It is a 75yd drive in - reverse out, or vise-versa, no turning around is possible, the drive way is VERY uneven and slippery in the wet and

The cottage itself is delightful, with all the facilities that are needed for a quiet break away from modern life.

Walks are possible right from the door of the cottage and access to Settle is easy for daily needs.

The only drawback - and this is nothing to do with the cottage itself - is the amount of dust and dirt in the village itself. The quarrying company are trying to mitigate the situation by regularly washing the roads and if you are prepared to travel a short distance by car before starting your walks you can get away from it.

The cottage itself is delightful, with all the facilities that are needed for a quiet break away from modern life.

Walks are possible right from the door of the cottage and access to Settle is easy for daily needs.

The only drawback - and this is nothing to do with the cottage itself - is the amount of dust and dirt in the village itself. The quarrying company are trying to mitigate the situation by regularly washing the roads and if you are prepared to travel a short distance by car before starting your walks you can get away from it.