Cottage 4

Cottage 4 sits on a working farm a few miles outside York, with a private hot tub set into the patio—the kind of thing you sink into after walking back from exploring the city or the surrounding countryside. Everything is on one level. The open-plan living and dining space has sofas and a television; the kitchen is equipped for cooking proper meals rather than making do. Two bedrooms hold a double and a single bed each, and there is a walk-in shower room. Wi-Fi, heating, bed linen and towels come as standard.

The setup suits groups and families wanting a base together without the formality of a hotel. York itself is close enough for an afternoon visiting the Minster, the Castle Museum or the Viking Centre, or browsing the shops and tea rooms in the city centre. Beyond that lie the North York Moors, stately homes at Castle Howard and Beningbrough, and market towns like Malton and Helmsley. You have parking for four cars on site. The property is no-smoking; one well-behaved pet is welcome.