Sycamore Cottage

Families and larger groups will find Sycamore Cottage works well for a week away. The layout is unusual—bedrooms downstairs, living space up—which means the main rooms overlook the surrounding countryside rather than looking inward. There are five bedrooms spread across the ground floor: three doubles with their own bathrooms, and two rooms with twin singles, plus a shared bathroom with bath and shower. Upstairs, an open-plan living and dining area has a television, DVD and Blu-ray players, and an iPod dock for entertainment on quieter evenings.

The kitchen is equipped for cooking proper meals rather than heating up takeaways, with an electric range, dishwasher, fridge-freezer and microwave. Wifi and heating are included in the rate. The cottage sits in its own enclosed garden with terrace seating, barbecue and a hot tub available for additional cost. Outside the immediate grounds, children will find a play area with swings and slide for younger ones, who need supervising. The wider site includes four acres of woodland with a stream (unfenced) and a fenced pond 500 yards away. A travel cot, highchair and stairgate can be provided on request. Non-smokers only.

Sycamore Cottage is a terraced barn conversion set within Thirley Cotes Farm, a Grade II listed complex of holiday properties in the North York Moors National Park. Private parking for three cars is provided; the site also has shared electric car charging points.