The pretty hamlet of Church Houses is located in Farndale, right in the middle of the North York Moors National Park, and is home to a rather fabulous cluster of cottages.
What was once a selection of working farm buildings have been transformed into some seriously stylish cottages that have kept lots of their original character.
Pet and family-friendly
Each property is pet-friendly allowing two dogs and has an enclosed garden for dogs to enjoy safely. Dogs and their humans will also love the choice of walks in the North York Moors (although you may have to watch out for some friendly sheep). You’ll find fridges, freezers, washers and dryers plus a range of baby equipment inside the cottages so they are a great option for families with small children.
When the weather is colder, the underfloor heating under the original flagstone floors and a wood-burning fire keeps everything nice and cosy. In the warmer months, you can sit outside and enjoy some of the best views around with either a cup of tea, glass of wine or pint of beer – whatever you prefer.
Choose your cottage
The cottages are all available to book on their own but I think booking either some or all of them together gives a flexible way of accommodating larger groups. Extended families can gather together while still having their own space – you can even get up to 20 people within the full set of cottages!
Coach House Retreat – sleeps two
This is a romantic cottage for two that come with lots of space to enjoy your break with generous sized rooms throughout. I particularly love the bathroom that has a roll top bath and walk-in shower. I mean who wants to choose? Find out more.
These luxurious two-bedroom properties are right next door to each other and both have lovely south-facing gardens, large living areas and two en-suite bedrooms, both with king-size beds.
The layout for each cottage varies slightly: East Steading is on one level while West Steading has a fantastic upstairs bedroom, so take a look and pick your favourite!
The former stable block is all on one level and both bedrooms as well as the living room have doors that lead directly outside. Throw them open and wander into the garden!
This will originally have been the farmhouse and is a great property for families with two king-size and one twin room. Lots of original features in the bathroom and kitchen give a real glimpse into the past but with 21st century luxury.
Just up the hill is the fabulous Skylark – a magnificent celebration property that sleeps up to 12 people.
A pub over the road
The local pub (The Feversham Arms) is an old-school country inn that serves the locally produced Black Sheep ales, brewed in nearby Masham. It was built in 1836 to serve the Feversham Estate and home cooked food is served each lunchtime and evening plus all day on a Sunday.
It’s dog-friendly and has a lovely beer garden for the warmer months plus a wood-burning fire for when the weather is colder.
Original farm buildings with lots of character
I love the fact so much of the original character has been retained – Church Houses is a conservation area so the buildings have exposed brickwork throughout and original details such as the original cast iron stove in kitchen of West View and the original stable doors at Stable Cottage.
You’ll also find pitched roofs, extra high ceilings, stone walls and original wood used throughout all the properties.
The fabulous North York Moors National Park
The beautiful North York Moors Dale of Farndale is probably best known for being the Daffodil Dale and there is a very scenic 3-mile walk that is especially lovely when the daffodils are out in full force between mid-March and mid-April.
The 16th century Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge is just 2miles away and with an elevated position of over 1,300 feet above the North York Moors National Park you are guaranteed some pretty amazing views. Other nearby places to visit include Rosedale Abbey, Helmsley, Kirkbymoorside and Hutton-le-Hole.
Rosedale Village Green
You may be right in the middle of the North York Moors but you can still keep in touch with the outside world and even catch up on some work if you really want to with the free Wi-Fi.
If you do want to watch TV (though I can’t think why with the stunning scenery on your doorstep) there is a Freesat TV in each living room and bedroom.
All these wonderful cottages are available to book now through Gorgeous Cottages.