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Natural Retreats - Richmond, North Yorkshire

How often do you get an opportunity to combine style-conscious accommodation with the rugged outdoors? Natural Retreats have created a fantastic solution for families who love their creature comforts, but also want to immerse themselves in nature.

Natural Retreats is an award-winning development of 18 eco-residences set in the Yorkshire Dales. Appearing to grow out of their surroundings, the single-storey lodges are built from sustainable timber, with evergreen sedum roofs (think Teletubbies!). Huge south-facing glass walls encourage the natural light to flood in, and blur the line between inside and out. Water for showers and drinking comes from a natural spring, and logs for the wood-burner from local managed sources. There are solar panels, eco-friendly cleaning products, low-energy light bulbs - everything a committed eco-warrior could want. But this is the cutting edge of eco-chic, and environmental responsibility comes hand-in-hand with refinement and luxury.

The open-plan living area would not look out of place in the pages of a style-magazine with its clean, contemporary lines, wooden flooring and simple yet stylish furnishings. The kitchen has dishwasher, washing machine, plenty of crockery, cutlery, large cafetiere and family sized toaster. Sofas and coffee table are positioned cosily around a large wood-burning stove in the living area. A welcome hamper stocked with organic goodies from the local deli sits atop the large oak dining table - wine, local cheese, bread, coffee and juice, with Ella’s Kitchen Smoothie for younger family members.

Three bedrooms lead from the living area, all simply yet stylishly furnished with large comfortable beds, ample wardrobe space, fluffy towels and organic toiletries. Some lodges are all en suite with power showers only. Families with smaller children may prefer a lodge with main family bathroom (bath & overhead shower) and en suite to the master bedroom with wet room-style shower.

All the eco-residences have flat screen TV, DVD and CD player but these are unlikely to see much action, with the distracting beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park literally on your doorstep. On sunnier days, dine al fresco on the large wooden terrace, and watch for local wildlife - badgers, frogs, rabbits, bats, squirrels and the occasional deer. The silence is broken only by the babble of the brook and the call of the resident heron and pheasants.

Children can cycle around to hunt for frogs in the open wildlife ponds dotted around the lodges - all under the watchful eye of a grown-up. A mile away is Richmond, dominated by the Norman Richmond Castle (definitely worth a visit). For families with older children this is a biker’s and walker’s haven, with a network of footpaths leading directly from Aislabeck. There are castles in abundance, English Heritage and National Trust properties, waterfalls, railways……..If you’re feeling more adventurous try horse riding, a balloon flight or an adventure day on the moors.

Stop press (Summer 2009) - Natural Retreats has opened of five stunning new locations in Ireland offering guests a choice of fantastic properties at the K-Club in County Kildare, Adare Manor in County Limerick, Parknasilla in County Kerry, Castlemartyr in County Cork and Kilronan Castle in County Roscommon.

Adventure Details

• Room Rate: Rates range from £360 for a 2 night stay in low season to £1210 for 7 nights in high season.
• Rooms: 18 lodges, each offering 3 bedrooms to sleep a maximum of 6.
• In Room: Flat screen TV, DVD and CD player, organic toiletries, fluffy towels.
• Babysitter: Available upon request.
• Other Facilities: On booking request use of cot, high chair, baby bath, steriliser. Bendy cutlery and crockery in the kitchen. Washing machine and organic cleaning products.
• Room Service: Organic welcome hamper on arrival.
• Adult Treats: A great place to relax and unwind and forget the world you left behind!