“Just for a couple of months”, he said. “Just until I get some new hosts,” he said.
Fast forward, eleven years and Henry and I, Penny, are going nowhere! In 2015, we came to Yorkshire to help out, but God’s Own Country truly got under our skin and here we are in 2026 with our own home in Leyburn and a fabulous array of regular visitors, friends and returning groups.
Tom, Henry’s younger brother, who owned the house asked if we could look after it for a while . . . a short while, but we fell in love with the house, the guests, the town, the locals and the Dales.
We have seen it change, develop and, we believe, improve over the years into what it is today – a large, impressive, warm, welcoming home where groups can stay to enjoy valuable time together to celebrate special occasions or to explore and discover this magnificent area.
When we first arrived, the Lodge was a Bed & Breakfast Guest House with a quiet peaceful atmosphere at breakfast, wholesome food and comfy cosy feel to this well loved old Victorian property. The garage was used for storage and the two other flats were staff quarters.
This group of musicians would stay regularly. (This is the house before the refurbishment.)
2020 caused us to make changes, as it did to so many businesses. Families wanted to spend time together more than ever and the Lodge switched to offer group accommodation. It was a joy – the house was filled with excited chat, laughter and activity. With multi-generational group including children, dogs, babies and grandparents, Eastfield Lodge returned to its roots. It had been built as a family home in 1863, and with 12 people living in it then, there would certainly have been a buzz of activity.
In 2022/2023, the house was given a new lease of life with a major refurbishment and the conversion of all three apartments within the Coach House. It was a big project, but the result was superb, and while the house remains an iconic and historic building, the interior now meets all the style and comfort guests could want.
The major refurbishment – 2023 – Before and After!
In 2026, I still get as much pleasure from guiding walks in the Dales for guests as I did in 2015. I know the area well now and have loved finding out everything I can about the history, wildlife, tales and magic of Yorkshire, a proud and traditional area with a phenomenal community spirit. It’s a great privilege to share it.
Henry and I have just returned from a ‘Busman’s Holiday’ walking the length of Puglia in Italy. It was beautiful, but it’s always great to be home!
OK, this isn’t Puglia, it’s the Dolomites – where we met!