Far from madding crowd but close to a pub

If you are looking for a real escape to the country then this could be your dream home. Built in 1688, Whin Hall sits above the village of Gunnerside in a tranquil spot accessible only by 4x4 or on foot but the trek up the track is well worth it. The views across Upper Swaledale and the hay meadows in the valley below are magnificent.

“It's incredibly peaceful and coming home here just lifts your spirits. It's a magical place. You feel like you are in the middle of nowhere but you can easily walk to the village pub,” says owner Mike O'Neill, who bought the property by phone from New York in 2015. He was on holiday but had set his heart on the house, which was up for auction.

He has since renovated the property and made sure that the off-grid home has a reliable supply of electricity via a bank of state-of-the-art batteries and a generator.

The house, which has original stone fireplaces, a stone staircase, exposed stone walling and timber beams, has three bedrooms. Outside, there is a garden with a pond, lawn and decking, along with a useful outbuilding and parking.

Mike is selling to be closer to family but says: “I am really sad about leaving this place.”

Contact Robin Jessop tel: 01969 622800, www.robinjessop.co.uk