Stylish and comfortable converted stable in Masham

In the heart of the bustling market town of Masham and named for Theakstons’ first ever pub, Black Bull Cottage was originally home to the brewery’s hardworking drayhorses. Nowadays the accommodation is a little more luxurious with two comfortable double en suite bedrooms, newly renovated sitting room and a well equipped kitchen dining room. Sensitively refurbished to blend original features with modern design, the emphasis is very much on comfort and relaxation. Welcome to your home from home! Black Bull Cottage is ideal for couples or families. The cosy, well appointed living room has comfy sofas, a large log burner and smart TV with Netflix and Amazon Prime. There's an additonal seating area for reading or board games and a record player if you want to bring some vinyl. We have left a few records from the market square for you to enjoy but there is also a bluetooth speaker if you prefer to stream your music. We have plenty of boardgames for the competitive guest and a selection of books for you to get stuck into. The well appointed kitchen dining room is a perfect space to make the most of amazing local ingredients to rustle up culinary delights. If you prefer to let someone else cook the Kings Head and Bay Horse pubs both offer takeaway, and there's a great fish and chip shop in the square. Either way, we've left a small honesty bar if you fancy mixing a pre-dinner cocktail. Heading upstairs you'll find two stylish double bedrooms, both with en suite bathrooms. Duvets are hypoallergenic and we have a selection of hypoallergenic and duck down pillows. Mixing vintage finds with modern accents, the bedrooms are decorated in peaceful Farrow & Ball colours to help you have the most relaxing stay. The master en suite has a freestanding bath so you can enjoy a long soak after one of the many beautiful local walks, and the second en suite boasts a large walk-in shower. There's another little reading nook upstairs if you want to sneak a moment for yourself. Due to the coronavirus, we’re taking extra steps to clean and sanitize frequently touched surfaces between reservations. We have committed to AirBnB's five step enhanced cleaning protocol. Entire property You'll have the place to yourself, safe in the knowledge you won't be interrupted. However we're here to help so just give us a call if you need anything. The self check-in lock box helps us maintain social distancing measures. Masham (pronounced Mass-em by the locals) is a bustling market town in lower Wensleydale, in the heart of North Yorkshire. Despite its small size the town boasts two breweries, four pubs, an award-winning restaurant and a gin distillery. Not to mention the friendly cafes and fantastic fish and chip shop! There has been a market in Masham since 1250, when the town was granted the first of its three charters. Originally a sheep fair, you can now buy fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, cheese, confectionary, homeware, books, records and crafts every Wednesday and Saturday in the Georgian town square, with a stall selling sheepskin rugs and slippers to maintain the woolly heritage. There is a Farmers Market on the first Sunday of the month. Masham is steeped in history and the town’s proximity to nearby Fountains Abbey and Jervaulx Abbey, with their large flocks made the market an important place to trade. Although now in ruins, both abbeys are wonderful to visit. In medieval times the town was administered by the Diocese of York, although the Archbishop did not relish the 40 mile journey on country roads so established the Peculier Court of Masham which allowed the town to govern itself. This court heard offences including drunkenness, keeping a hat on during communion and ‘carrying a dead man’s skull out of the churchyard and laying it under the head of a person to charm them to sleep’. Thankfully these are activities are no longer prosecuted. Following the dissolution of the monasteries, Henry VIII bestowed the Peculier Court to Trinity College Cambridge. The Court was composed of four and twenty men of Masham and sat in what is now College House on College Lane, one of the oldest parts of Masham. The Four and Twenty still play a vital role in the town through their charitable endeavours and regularly convene in the Theakstons visitor centre bar, The Black Bull in Paradise. Old Peculier and Four and Twenty are also excellent real ales, available across the country. Whether you are looking for rest and relaxation, or an exhilarating action-packed holiday, Masham offers it all. For the energetic there are riverside paths, woodland trails and excellent hiking routes in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The Tour de Yorkshire races through Masham each year, and there is plenty of rock climbing to be had in nearby gorges. For those looking for a slower pace a gentle walk around the square, taking in the art gallery, glass workshop and town hall via one of the local hostelries or sweet shops is a wonderful way to while away the hours. There is a luxury health spa and country club five minutes up the road at Swinton Park if pampering is on your to-do list. The town hall has an impressive calendar of live bands and film screenings to keep you entertained in the evening, or make the most of your home from home with the board games, smart TV, record player and books in the cottage. Masham is a haven for foodies, offering fine dining at a Michelin rated restaurant, excellent pub grub at any of the local inns, a brewery bistro and cosy cafes. For visiting chefs the town is fortunate enough to have two butchers shops (including an award-winning sausage maker), a greengrocers, bakery, deli and vintners. For families there are ice cream farms and adventure trials down the road and the thrills and spills of Lightwater Valley theme park a 20 minute drive away. You can drive right to the front door to unload your luggage although the closest parking is in the town square, a one minute walk from the cottage. They operate an honesty box. There is a bus stop just off the square should you wish to use public transport to get around. Black Bull Cottage opens directly onto College Lane and there is no pavement or on-street parking. It's a very quiet lane only really used by residents, so no fast cars haring along. You may want to drive up to the cottage to unload your luggage, before driving around the corner to the Market Square where parking is available. It's a one minute walk from the cottage and the honesty box suggests a contribution of £1 per day. Masham is a super dog-friendly town. Your furry friends are very welcome, at a fee of £15 per pet per stay. Please let us know if you intend to bring a pet with you and we can amend the booking accordingly.