meet the escape owners…canny grouse barn yorkshire
In our latest ‘Meet the Escape Owners’ journal post we’re delighted to introduce you to Andrea and Paul, owners of Canny Grouse Barn on the border between Yorkshire and Cumbria.
Can you tell us a little about you and the name of your escape?
Hello! We’re Andrea and Paul — a husband and wife team lucky enough to call the village of Nateby our home. Together, we run Canny Grouse Barn, a recently converted stone barn nestled on our working sheep farm, right on the picturesque border between Yorkshire and Cumbria.
Our holiday cottage, Canny Grouse Barn, takes its name from the character of the surrounding landscape and the heritage of the building itself. The moorland adjacent to the barn provides a home to the distinctive red grouse that can be spotted darting across the skies or rustling through the undergrowth.
We chose the word Canny—a term that means something likeable or pleasant—because it perfectly captures both the cosy character of the cottage and the delightful experience we hope our guests will enjoy during their stay.
Can you tell us a little more about your escape?
The barn itself has been sensitively converted from a traditional stone building, using local limestone and oak to preserve its rustic charm while adding warmth and modern comfort.
We designed the property with everyone in mind—whether planning a family getaway, a break with friends, a romantic escape, or a need for accessible accommodation—hopefully guests find a space that feels both welcoming and indulgent.
Sleeping up to six guests, the cottage boasts two stunning beamed en-suite bedrooms upstairs, while the spacious ground-floor master bedroom, complete with its own adjacent accessible shower room, ensures comfort and ease for all.
What inspired you to ensure your escape was accessible?
Having family and friends with a range of accessibility needs made us realise how difficult it can be to find accommodation that works for everyone.
With a little extra thought and inclusive design, we knew it was possible to create a space where all our guests could enjoy a truly luxurious stay. Simple features like level door thresholds and wider doorways make life easier for everyone—whether you’re carrying shopping, pushing a pram, or using a wheelchair—ensuring comfort and convenience whatever your age or ability.
What is unique about your escape?
- What makes our holiday home truly unique is the way accessibility and luxury go hand in hand. Every feature designed to help has been carefully chosen to feel welcoming and stylish- not clinical, so guests can relax in comfort. For our visitors with limited mobility, we’re also proud to host a Terrain Hopper, an all-terrain electric vehicle provided through the charity Access the Dales. This remarkable machine allows guests to head straight from the doorstep onto the moorland and enjoy the rugged beauty of this northern landscape.
- Canny Grouse Barn enjoys a fantastic location, making it the perfect base for exploring the North of England. Tucked away in the unspoilt Eden Valley, it’s just a five-minute drive from the charming market town of Kirkby Stephen, with its welcoming shops, cafés, and bars. Guests can also reach the breathtaking landscapes of the Lake District in under an hour, while stepping straight into the Yorkshire Dales National Park from the doorstep.
Do you have a favourite local accessible café, restaurant or pub?
The Black Bull Inn – within easy walking distance of the Barn, the Black Bull Inn offers an inviting atmosphere and high quality, home-cooked pub fare.
Pennine Park Caravan Park and the Engine Shed – a little further afield, yet still accessible on foot or via a short five-minute drive, this venue provides a range of takeaway and eat-in options from April-October and is an excellent spot for a casual meal or snack.
Can you recommend any local accessible attractions or activities?
There are many accessible walks in the area, and we have a copy of North Yorkshire Accessible Walks for All by our friend Debbie North in the holiday property. But our favourite is the Kirkby Stephen Viaduct Walk which is easily accessible from Canny Grouse Barn and is a 5km sheltered walk along a former railway line.
The Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path is an excellent accessible route in the Lake District, suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and cyclists due to its smooth, level tarmac surface and very low gradients.
The Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes shows the incredible story of the Dales and the people who have lived, worked and played here. Bowes Museum is a beautiful period building at Barnard Castle which hosts art exhibitions events and has a café and gardens to explore.
The best part about welcoming guests to your accessible escape?
Meeting people from all over the UK and the world and helping them enjoy and explore this beautiful part of the country.
For more details on Canny Grouse Barn click on our link below
https://accessibleholidayescapes.co.uk/escapes/canny-grouse-barn/