Shallowdale House

Shallowdale House

, West End, Ampleforth, Yorkshire.

There are just three guest bedrooms at Shallowdale House, yet visitors have the choice of the downstairs drawing room or the upstairs sitting room, as well as 2 acres of beautiful gardens. Anton and Philip are determined that their guests should feel at home.

The interior is impeccably decorated and the rooms are large and bright, with  big windows to take in the views of the garden and the Yorkshire countryside beyond. Two rooms have en-suite bathrooms while the third has an adjoining private bathroom. Each one is blessed with  a flatscreen television, tea- and coffee-making facilities, fluffy bathrobes and luxury toiletries.

The garden was laid out and planted over 40 years ago and has matured beautifully. There are numerous specimen trees and shrubs, plenty of luscious green lawn and a profusion of flowers.

The traditional breakfast menu includes locally dry-cured bacon, local sausages, Whitby kippers and home-made preserves. With 48 hours notice a four-course dinner is also available which typically might might include fresh local asparagus, duck breasts with braised endives and marsala, hot chocolate soufflé, a choice from the cheeseboard and coffee.

Shallowdale House is set in rolling countryside near Ampleforth, between the North York moors on one side and the Howardian Hills on the other. For those interested in country houses, Castle Howard, Byland and Rievaulx Abbeys, Shandy Hall and Nunnington Hall are all near at hand.