Yorkshire Dales Luxury Lodges

When you've got the Yorkshire Dales on your doorstep, you don't want anything to get in the way of the views – so these glass-fronted family lodges put you right in the picture as you gaze out over glorious Swaledale.

Set across a secluded 50-acre site, the three-bedroom, woodland lodges are all flooded with natural light, warmed by wood-burners, and blessed by views that vary according to location: some are set in more private or elevated areas, but all enjoy a similarly natural outlook over landscaped grounds to the rolling dales beyond. Inside, you're talking comfortable open-plan living with solid wood flooring, stylish kitchens, king-sized bedrooms and spacious bathrooms.

If you're a lodge first-timer, the rest assured, there's nothing 'log-cabin' or especially traditional about the vibe. Instead, there's a warm, contemporary feel throughout, with facilities to match. That means smart TVs and espresso machines, impressive kitchen and utility facilities, and quality bed linen and toiletries – everything on a par, in fact, with the high-quality views that you get from inside and out. Depending on the lodge, you might have three en-suite bed rooms, or a master en-suite and family bathroom. Other than that, it's also worth browsing the various lodges for your particular requirements, because there are subtle differences. Parking is closer to some of the lodges, for example, while others have spectacular elevated terraces or come with outdoor firepits; or you might prefer an enclosed deck if you have small children. All the lodges are dog-friendly, and there's ramped access to some, which is handy for people for mobility issues.

The location is wonderful – well, you can see as much from your window and deck. On one side, it's a five-minute drive or 20-minute scenic walk down a country lane into well-to-do Richmond, one of Yorkshire's most impressive historic towns, with a mighty castle, riverside walks, a Georgian theatre, and plenty of cafes, delis, pubs and restaurants. On the other spreads Swaledale – one of the lesser-known dales, full of tiny villages, age-old pubs, low-level walks, and narrow country lanes straight out of 'All Creatures Great and Small'.