The Dovecote

Harrogate's shops, cafés and Georgian architecture lie just ten minutes' drive away, while the Yorkshire Dales are within reach for walking and exploring. The Dovecote itself occupies four acres of landscaped grounds on the Birstwith Hall Estate, between the villages of Hampsthwaite and Birstwith. It is a converted barn with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, sleeping four, set back from the main house with its own parking and garden space.

The ground floor is open plan: kitchen, dining area and sitting room flow together, with windows looking across the gardens. You get a proper cooker and dishwasher, so cooking for the group is straightforward. A separate shower room on this level means the bathroom upstairs—with a bath and shower—is for the bedrooms. One bedroom has a kingsize bed, the other two singles. The place comes with bed linen, towels and electricity included. One well-behaved dog stays free.

The grounds have an ornamental orchard, formal garden with a Victorian greenhouse, and a small stream and pond; there is undercover seating in the garden. A laundry room with washing machine is available, and there is bike storage. The property is non-smoking throughout. It suits families or groups wanting rural peace with easy access to Harrogate's attractions or countryside walks.