Mark Close Farmhouse, Alston, Cumbria, North Pennines

Mark Close Farmhouse which accommodates 20 is within a 15 minute walk from beautiful Alston, with its great pubs, cafes and shops. The town is central in the North Pennines and lies on the borders of Northumberland, Durham and Cumbria, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, referred to as 'England's last wilderness', and is also said to be the Highest Market Town in England. The house occupies a fantastic position, central to the Lakes, Yorkshire Dales, Hadrian's Wall, the Scottish borders and Northumberland's coast and castles.

The property is set in a large garden bordered by mature trees with panoramic views over green fields and wild fells. In the paddock next door to the Farmhouse, we have five very friendly Alpacas. The area remains unspoiled by large traffic queues or intrusive tourism. The town has a beautiful cobbled street with public houses, mini markets, petrol stations, butchers and bakers.

There is additional accommodation for 2 adjacent to the Farmhouse - a small fully equipped one bedroom cottage called Mark Close Milking Parlour. Ideal for a couple who would prefer peace and quiet, the Milking Parlour also has a small hot tub suitable for 4 people at once.

Go for a ride on Alston's narrow-gauge railway, follow Isaac's Tea Trail, browse in the excellent gift shops. There's fishing, riding and golf nearby, as well as Killhope and Nenthead Mining Centres. Follow some of the local ramblers on the Pennine Way. Walk over Crossfell (the highest point in the Pennines) or search for the sources of the four great rivers to which the North Pennines gives rise, the Tyne, the Wear, the Tees and the Eden.

The glorious coast and countryside of Northumberland are within travelling distance as are the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, Hadrian's Wall and the Scottish Borders. There are water sports at Talkin and Keilder Water. Or perhaps some retail therapy in the Metro Centre Gateshead which is only an hour away, one of Europe's largest shopping centres with restaurants, multi-screen cinemas, playland and bowling alley. Alternatively, just stay at home and relax in front of the fire and eat together with family or friends in the farmhouse kitchen.