THERE is something about being surrounded by nature that can make you feel like a toddler says ELLA BUCHAN.

After a gulp of unpolluted air, the urge to bounce on heather, walk on walls and skip along country lanes becomes stronger.

Not that you have to camp in the trees and get muddy knees - unless you really want to.

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At Natural Retreats, gorgeous modern apartments nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, you get the best of both worlds.

Driving into the site, down and round the rugged pathways, felt like entering another, much more peaceful world.

When we arrived the sun was setting over the hills, dappling the trees and wildlife ponds with golden light.
A pair of red deer trotted across the path.

All 18 residences are dotted thoughtfully about the site, some hidden behind trees or at the top of paths.

Ours, No.15, was tucked in its own alcove of ancient forest, overlooking the rest of the site.

The glass and timber structures wouldn't look out of place on Grand Designs.

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Inside the apartments are cosy and modern, each with three double bedrooms, flat-screen telly, DVD and CD players, wood-burning stove and plush sofas - and a fully-equipped kitchen.

And everyone arrives to find a gorgeous hamper waiting for them in the kitchen, packed with fresh bread, cereal, jam, chutney and a bottle of wine, all from Ken Warne Grocers in nearby Richmond.

Subtle touches - low-energy lighting, super-efficient central heating, insulation and recycling facilities - make this a "green" residence.

The water comes from the site's natural spring and the Temple Spa toiletries are made from natural ingredients.

Outside, the timber comes from sustainable woodlands and the roof is carpeted with evergreen plants.

The indoor merges seamlessly with the outdoor. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors lead on to wooden decking, so you can enjoy the views from the sofa, dinner table or patio.

Behind the beds are picture windows, so we awoke with the outside world peeping in and inviting us out to play.
The site itself has wildlife ponds and a woodland trail.

Or you can venture further out into the Yorkshire countryside. Each residence has maps and suggested walks.

The stroll into Richmond is less than two miles along the "Coast to Coast" route.

Head down to the River Swale for the last part of the walk for gorgeous views of Richmond Castle.

This pretty market town is all cobbles and charm, with farm shops to stock up in, pubs and restaurants.

The King's Head Hotel overlooks the main square, and behind its grand façade is an equally impressive restaurant serving haunch of venison and baked sea bass.

Of course, on a Sunday, there's a great selection of roasts with all the trimmings.

After a few glasses of red, a Sunday roast and a lazy taxi ride back to the Natural Retreats site, we bunkered down for the night playing the board games hidden inside the coffee table.

After all, you're never too old for life's simple pleasures.

FACT FILE
NATURAL Retreats - Yorkshire Dales offers two nights in an eco-chic residence sleeping up to six from just £30 per person per night, including linen, towels, Temple Spa toiletries, logs for your wood burner, luxury welcome hamper and a dedicated concierge service. To book call 0161 242 2970 or visit naturalretreats.com.

Ella drove from London to the Yorkshire Dales in the smart for two cdi - the new diesel model boasting the lowest CO2 emissions of any production car at only 86g/km. It can travel 670 miles on one tank of fuel - the equivalent of a round trip to the Dales from London. See smart.com for more information.