Ponden House, Stanbury, Nr Haworth, Keighley presented by A1 Tourism

Ponden House, Stanbury, Near Haworth, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD22 0HR
Telephone: 01535 644154
English Tourism Council 4 Diamonds

E-mail Establishment

Ponden House, Keighley, Drawing of Establishment

Leaving the main road and travelling towards the moors alongside Ponden reservoir, you leave behind the stress of 21st Century life and discover the peace of another era.

Ponden House, built on the site of a 16th Century 'old house and barn', offers comfort and tranquillity in a secluded historical setting. Local craftsmen have brought together old and new, using traditional skills and blending local materials with imaginative design to provide a unique atmosphere. With views down to the reservoir and across the moors, Ponden House is the perfect base for long walks, gentle strolls or for visiting local towns and villages.

Brenda Taylor is known for her warm and relaxing Yorkshire welcome and good cooking. Her ample breakfast include fruit juices, fresh and stewed fruits, yoghurt, cooked dishes, toast and homemade jams and marmalades.

Home cooked evening meals are offered by arrangement. Brenda's cooking is a delight, being not only served in plentiful portions, but with variety, imagination and flair. With the use of herbs and seasonal fresh produce, the fresh, flavoursome and innovative dishes are served round a large dining room table, after which guests can relax or talk around the cosy log fire. Vegetarians and vegans are also welcome, but please give advance notice.

The tranquillity of this Yorkshire haven is complete. You will not find a television! Games, a piano and a library are available, and this formula for "escape" has provoked many positive comments:

"Lovely to hear the quiet"
"A veritable oasis"
"Another house, the same special hospitality"
"Beautiful colours"
"Food out of this world"

Information

Ponden House is on the Pennine Way. Edale is 53 miles south Kirk Yetholm 220 mile north.

Stanbury is one mile away and has three pubs and an hourly bus service to Haworth and Keighley.

Friendly Haworth (a must for Bronte and steam railway enthusiasts) is three miles away. (Avoid Sundays which are busy).

The Victoria Spa town of Ilkley is half an hour's drive away, with its pre-war atmosphere of little shops, tea rooms and riverside walks. Also of interest is Ilkley Moor with the famous Cow and Calf Rocks.

Revitalised Bradford, fourteen miles away, hosts the National Museum of the Year 1998) and has a wide range of Asian shops and restaurants. Visit the exciting David Hockney exhibition at the Salts Mill Gallery 1853 at Saltaire.

The market town or Skipton, "gateway" to the Yorkshire Dales is a mere 15 miles away. Its attractions include a medieval castle, the Leeds/ Liverpool Canal where you can take narrowboat trips as well as visit many unusual and attractive shops.

Halifax, Hebden Bridge and Heptonstall are charming places to visit in, what used to be, the Industrial South Pennines.

Halifax is a superb example of Yorkshire Mill Town and its "Piece Hall" has many interesting craft, antique and second hand shops. The museum and weekend market is well worth a visit. Hebden Bridge is the local centre of alternative culture and is set in a deep valley with houses built into sloping hillside. Heptonstall, a stone throw upwards, is an unspoilt ex weaving hillside village.

The Bronte Way is a nine mile walk from Haworth to Wyvoller, passing the hill.

Top Withens, reputed to be 'Wuthering Heights' of Bronte fame, is a short invigorating walk across the moors.

Ponden Reservoir is beautifully in all season, and in summer is used for wind surfing and sailing, while the field at the front of the house slopes down to a little stream and wooded area, which is great fun for children and available fir campers.

Bookings

Reservations can be made by telephone and then confirmed in writing, accompanied by a deposit. (£5 per person per night). Bookings will be acknowledged. Cheques should be made payable to B. Taylor. Children are welcome and a cot and high chair available. Pets can be brought by arrangement. (We have a dog and a cat).

Evening meals are available by prior arrangement and are served at 7.00 p.m. We have no license but guests are welcome to 'bring their own'. Guests are expected to arrive after 4.00 p.m. (unless alternative arrangements have been made).

Sorry we have no facilities to access credit cards. Either cheque or cash is accepted.

Directions to Ponden House.

The House is situated just off the Haworth--Colne Road, three miles from Haworth. After passing through Stanbury Village, the road continues down past The Old Silent Inn. Access is either;· Via Ponden Mill: Turn into Ponden Mill and drive past the mill. Follow the walled track over a humpback bridge and up a hill. The road levels out with the reservoir on your right. We are at the top of a short steep hill just out of sight until you arrive. The distance from the main road at Ponden Mill to Ponden House is half a mile. At the entrance there is a cattle grid and a gate at the side for pedestrians.

· Via Ponden Reservoir: Do not turn into Ponden Mill butcontinue up the hill. When it levels out there is a chapel and arow of cottages on the left. Immediately after the cottages there are two signs on your left 'Ponden House' and 'Ponden Reservoir'. Turn left off the main road and cross the embankmentof the reservoir. The far end is now a blind corner. Pull carefully out at the T-junction and turn right. Follow the road round the side of the reservoir. We are at the top of a short, steephill on the left. At the entrance there is a cattle grid and a gate at the side for pedestrians.