Your Alston Cumbria Holiday Starts Here

Jaycot, is a very special property, known as a ‘Bastle’ style home. Alston lays claim to being the highest market town in England, where you will find an unusually large number of bastle type houses. Originally, there were around sixty of these buildings, comprising accommodation on the ground-floor for livestock, with first floor accommodation for the owners. Access to the upstairs living area, was via an external staircase, which was typical feature of Border, Cumbrian and Northumbrian bastle houses of the 17th and 18th centuries. 

‘True’ Bastle houses were built with safety and defence in mind, by incorporating removable external staircases, small barred windows, and thick walls.  Such buildings were used for holding livestock whenever a ‘Reiver raid’ occurred, providing protection from the attackers for the owners in upstairs accommodation. Roofs tiled with stone would have afforded some protection to the poor occupiers, threatened with fire from above, and stone floors or barrel vaulted ground floor spaces would have protected them from any fire threat from beneath them.                                                                                                                      

A Pretty Stone Built Deceptively Spacious Holiday Cottage to Rent in the Heart of this Historic Town of Alston Cumbria. Renovated to an Extremely High Standard with Modern Luxuries, Underfloor Heating, LED Mood lighting, Bi Fold Doors and Stone BBQ. 

Jaycot sleeps 6 and briefly compromises: Entrance hall, Utility Room, Ground Floor Shower/WC, Kitchen, Open Plan Living/Dining room, Stair/Landing, Two Bedrooms, Family Bathroom and an En-Suite to the Master Bedroom. Outside there is parking for one car, and a courtyard to the back looking onto fields with a Stone BBQ, Fire Pit, Dining Table with 6 Chairs and Arbour seating.

EV Charger at the property, just scan the QR code and payment made through the Monta App 

   From the moment you arrive, you will be greeted by the warmth and charm of your holiday cottage. Set against the backdrop of the North Pennines National Landscape rolling moorland and verdant valleys, Jaycot exudes a sense of tranquillity and comfort that will immediately put you at ease. Stepping through the door, you will be greeted by a cozy spacious interior adorned with the highest quality furnishings, wood-burning stove, and all the modern amenities needed for a delightful stay.

Being away from the crowded tourist hotspots of the Lake District National Parks, yet a little more than an hours’ drive away, you can allow yourself to truly switch off and relax. Once you’ve settled into the luxurious stone-built cottage, you will be ready to set out to explore the many natural and historical wonders of what is England’s least densely populated region 

Spend your evenings in blissful relaxation, gathered around the fire to recount the day's adventures and savour delicious meals prepared in the well-appointed kitchen. As night falls, venture outside to gaze up at the star-filled sky, with the North Pennines boasting 16 Dark Sky Discovery Sites, more than anywhere else in the UK.

Your stay at your holiday cottage in Alston, Cumbria, will be truly unforgettable. Surrounded by the natural splendour of the North Pennines National Landscape, here, you will find peace, adventure, and a deep connection to the beauty of northern England’s best kept secret. We hope you will return again soon to create more cherished memories in this idyllic retreat.

Indulge in glorious walking country along the Pennine Way, which passes through the town, or immerse yourself in the area's rich industrial heritage at the nearby South Tynedale Railway. Explore charming local shops, art galleries, and cafes, where you can savour delicious homemade treats and discover unique souvenirs to commemorate your visit.

For those with a thirst for outdoor adventure, Alston provides the perfect playground for hiking, cycling, and exploring the stunning natural landscapes of the North Pennines National Landscape (formerly named Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Lose yourself in the tranquillity of ancient woodlands, meandering rivers, cascading waterfalls and dramatic moorlands, all waiting to be explored from your doorstep. If you enjoy stargazing, the North Pennines boasts16 Dark Sky Discovery Sites, more than anywhere else in the UK.

Whether you're seeking a romantic escape for two, a family adventure, or a peaceful retreat amidst nature, Alston invites you to experience the beauty and charm of England's least densely populated area. Your unforgettable holiday awaits in this timeless destination where every moment is a cherished memory in the making. Welcome to Alston – your home away from home in the heart of the North Pennines National Landscape!