Countersett Hall, beautiful Dales historic manor house near large lake
Surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes to be found in the Yorkshire Dales, Countersett Hall is a stunning grade II detached holiday property, nestled in the tiny hamlet of Countersett, perched above beautiful Lake Semerwater. The house has a fascinating history, having been the home of Richard Robinson, the first Quaker in Wensleydale from the 1650s. Illicit meetings were held in the parlour of the house and George Fox, the founder of the Quaker movement, stayed at the house in 1652 and 1677. During major updates in the 1970s, archaeologists discovered a dwelling on the site from as early as the 12th Century, the first owner being a man called 'Cousbance', probably of Norman descent. Mary, Queen of Scots, is rumoured to have stopped off at the Hall en route to Bolton Castle. The house has a wonderfully calm, welcoming atmosphere and retains many historic features, such as oak panelling, stone flagstone floors, mullioned windows, beamed ceilings and stone fireplaces, yet with all the comfort of modern conveniences that you could want. The beds have super comfortable pocket sprung mattresses, hotel quality linen and blackout curtains. The kitchen is very well equipped with quality kitchenware and pans and everything you need to whip up a special meal. Vintage oil fired Aga and modern double electric oven with four ring hob. We leave a basket of complimentary logs and kindling for the woodburners in the living room and dining room. Guests remark on the peace and quiet of the house and the large gardens, which encircle the Hall, filled with flowers and wildlife. Look out for woodpeckers, pheasants, partridges, hedgehogs and owls.
The market town of Hawes is just a short drive away, as is Bainbridge and Askrigg. Guests will enjoy the stunning scenery, peace and quiet of this beautiful dales location. We recommend standing in the garden on a clear night – the night sky is something to behold in this area of minimal light pollution! Rolling hills, quaint villages and traditional village pubs are all within easy reach. There is plenty of off-road parking. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles. Fishing, cycling and horse riding all available nearby, along with numerous public walkways, ancient castles and abbey ruins. 5* restaurant in nearby Bainbridge and lots of cosy pubs within easy reach. Beautiful walks available directly from the door, including climbs to Countersett Cragg, with amazing lake views, along the ancient Roman Road and circular lake routes, plus riverside walks to Bainbridge and beyond.
The house sleeps from two, up to 5. There is a one bedroom cottage opposite the house, called Beebole Cottage, which can be rented out separately, or jointly with the main house – this has a kingsize bed and sleeps two people - it has its own parking area, garden and entrance.
All towels and linen provided, along with tea, coffee, sugar, some uht milk sticks and biscuits, soap, foil, washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets, sponge and cloth and two tea towels. The house and cottage linen are both professionally cleaned to a hotel standard.
Smart TV with access to Netflix, a guest Amazon Video account and other apps. Firepit outside, two private outdoor seating areas, study room, family bathroom with powerful thermostatic shower over a bath, downstairs WC, utility room with washing machine, freezer and airer, two fridges in kitchen. Bike storage area with key. Outdoor rotary airer.
Please note: no campervans or caravans due to restricted entrance to car park. No additional guests please.
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Please wash up, dry and put all kitchenware away, leaving dishwasher empty, on departure, thank you. Please empty woodburners, if used. Please close windows, lock doors and close outdoor gates.
Please remove all clothes, food etc from cupboards - lost property incurs a minimum charge of £15 for small items, to return, within the UK. Overseas and larger items will incur higher charges.
Please put all recycling, sorted into tin / card and paper / glass into boxes by front gates and bagged rubbish into large wheelie bin before departure. Please re-bolt car park gate on departure.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Please use coasters and placemats on old furniture. Do not put hot ovenware on dining table or placemats. Please wipe spills from kitchen floor.
Please remove shoes in hallway. No candles to be lit inside hall. Woodburner doors to be kept closed during use.
No baby wipes, flushable wipes or sanitary products to be flushed down WC - tissue waste only. Pipes go through old narrow septic tank.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 11937799
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Hawes
Hawes is home to this holiday home. Dales Countryside Museum and Gayle Mill are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Bolton Castle and Ribblehead Viaduct. Raydale Preserves and The Forbidden Corner are also worth visiting.
Yorkshire Dales National Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
Semerwater - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
Wensleydale - 2 min drive - 2.3 km
Wensleydale Creamery - 7 min drive - 9.2 km
Hardraw Force - 8 min drive - 12.1 km
Getting around
Kirkby Stephen Station - 25 min drive
Durham (MME-Teesside Intl.) - 83 min drive
Restaurants
The White Hart Inn, Hawes - 5 min drive
Street Head Inn - 11 min drive
The Falls - 10 min drive
Caffe Curva - 6 min drive
Penny Garth Hawes - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Countersett Hall, beautiful Dales historic manor house near large lake pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Countersett Hall, beautiful Dales historic manor house near large lake?
As of 8 July 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Countersett Hall, beautiful Dales historic manor house near large lake on 23 Sept 2026 start from AU$524, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
What time is check-in at Countersett Hall, beautiful Dales historic manor house near large lake?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Countersett Hall, beautiful Dales historic manor house near large lake?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Countersett Hall, beautiful Dales historic manor house near large lake located?
Situated in Hawes, this holiday home is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Semerwater and 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Wensleydale. Raydale Preserves and Dales Countryside Museum are also within 6 miles (10 km).