Written By: Helga Pearson
On Date: 6/2/2009
Brompton Lakes, Richmond, North Yorkshire Introduction Brompton Lakes is a development of luxury self-catering holiday lodges built on the shores of two former fishing lakes in the Yorkshire Dales. With exclusive lake and river fishing opportunities, the lodges offer angling enthusiasts a high standard of stylish yet comfortable accommodation. What is Brompton Lakes? Situated just two miles from the historic market town of Richmond on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Brompton Lakes consists of ten self-catering holiday lodges set in 26 acres of privately owned land.
Surrounded by woodland and open countryside, the lodges occupy a quiet location on the banks of the River Swale. While the site itself offers a high degree of peace and tranquility with private lake and river fishing, it also has easy access to many popular fishing venues.
In fact, it provides an ideal location for everyone; and for those wanting to combine angling with other activities (or are holidaying with family members with alternative interests!) there is plenty to do – from walking, cycling and horse riding to visiting castles, historic houses, gardens and other places of interest.
The fishing
The lodges are set on the shores of two former private fishing lakes (3 acres and 1.8 acres) which are well stocked with freshwater fish such as carp, bream, roach and tench. Some of the carp weigh up to 20lbs and there is a plentiful supply of small and medium sized fish. Specially constructed fishing platforms provide anglers with a unique coarse fishing experience from the front of their lodges, but these are sufficiently far apart to allow individual space and privacy.
The fast-flowing River Swale flanks the edge of the site, providing excellent opportunities for fly and game fishing – with good numbers of brown trout and grayling.
Nearby fishing sites
Should guests wish to vary their angling experiences while on holiday then Brompton Lakes is close to a number of popular fishing sites – most only a few miles drive away.
Jubilee Lakes Fly Fishery – Darlington
This was voted no. 6 in the ‘Top 50 fisheries in the country’ (Trout Fisherman magazine) It has two lakes (2.5 acres and 1.5 acres) which regularly yield trout over 20lb.
Ellerton Park – nr Bolton on Swale
This is a freshwater, spring fed, 60-acre lake, close to the Brompton Lakes site. The lake is well stocked with carp, bream, roach, perch and pike, and the park provides a range of water sports, including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and diving.
Kiplin Hall – nr Bolton on Swale
Set in the grounds of a Jacobean Hall (dating back to the 1620s), Kiplin has a 30-acre lake, well stocked with rainbows, blues, golden and browns.
Tanfield Lodge – nr Ripon
An 11-acre lake – previously a gravel pit – well populated with rainbows and browns.
Crabtree Lake – Gilling West, nr Richmond
A 3-acre, purpose-dug trout lake in a quiet valley.
Stonebridge Trout Lakes – Little Fencote
Two purpose-built lakes with separate troutmaster status specimen lake stream and spring-fed, 7-acre specimen coarse lake.
Leighton Reservoir – Swinton Estate, nr Masham
110-acre reservoir in scenic surroundings
Bellflask – nr Ripon
10-acre gravel pit.
The Lodges at Brompton Lakes
Most lodge-style developments in the UK are little more than static caravans with various degrees of cladding. The lodges at Brompton Lakes couldn’t be further away from this concept.
Blending with the natural features of the site, the lodges are both distinctive and contemporary to look at – with their unique convex roof design – yet are as environmentally friendly as possible in their construction and functionality.
As well as having their own name, each lodge has its own look. This was achieved by acclaimed interior designer, Rosie Mennan, who has brought together a variety of colours, textures and patterns inspired by the natural world. The result is luxurious space that is also relaxed and comfortable.
The area outside the lodges is just as important as the lodges themselves and landscape designer Louise Bainbridge has been responsible for planting a large number of indigenous species of trees, shrubs and wild flowers. This has all been done with the natural environment in mind and creates year-round interest for visitors.
Environmentally friendly construction
Materials – the timber-framed lodges are constructed from European soft wood sourced from sustainable plantations.
Energy efficiency – the lodges have double-insulated walls and sedum green roofs. This not only helps them blend into their natural environment but also acts as a second insulate to retain heat in the winter while keeping the lodges pleasantly cool in the warmer months. Large glass windows and sliding doors also increase passive solar gain.
Natural springs – the site sits over a large natural aquifer which provides spring water through a bore hole under its own natural pressure.
Geo-thermal heating – the lakes themselves provide the main source for the site’s heating as part of an innovative geo-thermal heating system. This is one of the first systems to use geo-thermal heat pumps to provide both hot water and under floor heating on any UK holiday development. A nominal amount of electricity is required to operate the pump and this is sourced from a green supplier.
Living accommodation
There are two lodge styles available at Brompton Lakes.
Type A – this is the smaller of the two designs at 114m˛ but has a good sized kitchen with a generous open plan dining and living area. It also benefits from a utility room and three double bedrooms. The master bedroom has an en-suite shower room, with the other two rooms utilising the family bathroom which also has a shower.
Type B – this is slightly bigger at 125m˛ with an equally pleasant open plan living and dining area with three bedrooms. The master bedroom has an en-suite bath and separate shower whilst the family bathroom has a bath with shower above.
All lodges benefit from:
· Wooden floors
· Good-sized kitchen areas with bespoke units and composite stone work surfaces
· Flat-screen TV and audio systems
· State-of-the-art swivel log burning stoves
Richmond and the surrounding area
Brompton Lakes sits on the edge of Swaledale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, close to the tiny, picturesque village of Easby with its 12th century abbey. Just a couple of miles further down the river, is Richmond, a bustling market town best known for its impressive Norman castle, cobbled streets and stunning Georgian architecture. It is also home to Britain’s most complete Georgian playhouse and has a thriving arts centre with cinema, together with an array of individual shops and a good choice of eating places.
The town is also the gateway to some of Britain’s most beautiful countryside, making Brompton Lakes an ideal base for walking, cycling and other outdoor pursuits. Within easy travelling distance are an abundance of ancient castles, stately homes, picturesque gardens, and numerous other venues for interesting days out. The historic towns of York and Harrogate are also within easy reach.
Further Information: Jackie Mackenzie & Associates, Tel: 01748 826091
Brompton Lakes website: www.bromptonlakes.co.uk
LUXURY ANGLING HOLIDAYS IN THE YORKSHIRE DALES