In times gone by, it was farmyard animals that called this building home. However, in the years since, the hosts — one of whom used to be a joiner — have converted the space into a gorgeous rural escape. The high ceilings remain, but little else is recognisable. The stark white walls and wooden floors accentuate the bountiful amounts of natural light streaming in through the glass doors and there's a log burner for after the sun's gone down. Until that point, however, there are a couple of outdoor spaces in the wraparound garden, which feature alfresco seating and a charcoal barbecue. If this gives you a bit of inspiration to spend a little time outside the house, you're in a superb location to enjoy nature. The Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty can be reached in just over twenty minutes in the car, while the North York Moors National Park take around forty. The city of York sits twenty minutes' drive in the opposite direction, as well.

Home truths:
*There's free parking available on the premises, as well as an electric vehicle charging point
*The home is spread across one level
*A travel cot can be provided if required
*Both of the super king-size beds can be arranged as twin singles if preferred
*There are five other cottages on the same site