The Detail...

Nestled in an East Lancashire valley, surrounded by the rugged topography and wooded hills that the area is famous for, The Rookery is a truly unique cottage, lovingly built and decorated and available to rent on a self-catered basis. Whether you’re a seasoned visitor to the North West, or this is your first time in this magnificent county, The Rookery is the perfect getaway for families, friends and groups of couples looking to spend some seriously relaxing time away together.

Everything about The Rookery has been deliberately chosen to create a comfortable, interesting space. The work of many local artists, craftspeople and designers is showcased in the fixtures and furniture of this farmhouse-come-industrial space.

The main living area is a ground-floor open plan room, decked out with many repurposed industrial and antique objects. It is a high ceilinged space, made cosy with an engineered wood-burning stove, and offering a great place to cook, eat, and unwind together with a bottle of wine. The next storey is reached via an unusual open-tread timber staircase. The next floor contains a reading room, with repurposed G-Plan chairs, and a wonderful atmosphere of studied leisure. Play a board game, catch up on your journal, or lose yourself in a novel, after a long day of exploring the stunning wooded hillsides of the area. On this floor you’ll also find the first two bedrooms, both boasting king sized beds and gorgeous bucolic views. They share a family bathroom with cast iron roll top bathtub and shower.

Above the reading area is a ‘snug’ style third bedroom, for parties of more than four people. Accessed via ladders, this bedroom contains two single beds, and is ever popular with children. Outside, as well as the patio, there is a six person hot tub and outdoor furniture for al-fresco dining. Take in the lengthy Lancashire sunset, and watch the bright stars start to come up in this area of low light pollution and unusually clear skies.

Lancashire has long been regarded as a well-kept secret among cyclists, ramblers and anyone else who loves hills, waterways and the great outdoors. If your idea of a perfect mini break is a lengthy hike followed by a pint of local ale and a slap-up pub meal, then Roughlee, Lancashire is an ideal destination. That said, with Haworth, of Brontë family fame, and Skipton’s famous castle both under twenty miles away, there is plenty here if you enjoy a cultural excursion. A great way to explore is to get on your bicycle and take advantage of the cycle routes, some of which run straight to the pubs and eateries of Barrowford, just two miles away.