Stepping Gate Cottage

Rural North Yorkshire stretches around Stepping Gate Cottage, a converted barn on a working farm near Scalby village. The North York Moors National Park lies on the doorstep, and the coast—Scarborough, Filey, Robin Hood's Bay and Whitby—is within reach for a day out. The property sits a third of a mile up a farm track; the hotel at the end of the drive has a bistro opposite its gates, and two pubs are in the village itself. The beach is 3 miles away.

Everything is on one level. The open-plan interior holds a living area with Freeview TV and DVD player, a dining space, a kitchen with electric cooking and microwave, and a bedroom with a double bed. The bathroom has a shower over the bath. Electricity, bed linen and towels are included; you can also use the owner's washing machine and tumble dryer. An orchard with garden furniture and barbecue sits outside, and there is parking for two cars on site.

The setting draws barn owls, buzzards and deer. No smoking is allowed. The property is for two people only, and is not available to those under 18. The farm track is rough going and weather-dependent—puddles and potholes are part of the working farm experience.