Crag House Farm

The two beautifully-renovated barns at Crag House Farm offer character-filled accommodation in a stunning setting in the North York Moors. They are not only fantastic bases from which to discover the National Park but lovely places to spend time in too. Staying here, days out walking on heather moorland and exploring the Yorkshire coast can be balanced with relaxation at one of two very comfortable country boltholes, each of which offers self catering with style, substance and sustainability. You needn’t take our word for it either. Their conversion from farm buildings to guest accommodation won a National Park Design Award and holidays here are officially gold-rated by Visit England.

Inside, each cottage has space for six to stay in three bedrooms. One is dog-friendly and one is dog-free. Both are suitable for families and Beacon View’s downstairs master bedroom is accessible too. It feels like everyone has been catered for here: even couples who want to stay here on their own are given a helping hand with a discount. And children are made to feel extra special thanks to a few thoughtful touches like owner Liz’s toy library, where kids can select suitable things for their stay.

These 18th-century barns also offer thoroughly up-to-date, 21st-century living, with underfloor heating, wifi, Smart TVs and Bluetooth speakers. But they have kept much of their historic charm too. You’ll see it in the slate-tiled roof of Beacon View and the sandstone pillar of Dale View. Both also have spacious double-height living rooms, flagstone floors and plenty of exposed beams which reference their past. Their sensitive conversion and centuries-old Yorkshire sandstone walls sit perfectly amid their environment on the moors.

It’s a lovely setting which you can make the most of thanks to separate private gardens and covered patios. Make sure you set aside some time to spend here at home, but be warned that you might find it hard with so much to do nearby. There are walks in every direction and good cycling too. Danby, two miles away, is home to the National Park Centre that’s worth a visit and a station on the Esk Valley Railway – a great way to travel to seaside Whitby. That’s not to mention another favourite route via the steam trains of The North York Moors Railway, or numerous other places worth a visit – Saltburn by Sea, Robin Hood Bay, Dalby Forest, Castle Howard, Falling Foss waterfall… the list goes on and on.