With a farm shop on the doorstep, a pub 1.5 miles away and market town Pickering just a little further, this pet-friendly pod – part of a collection of private estate properties – is perfectly located. The nearby North York Moors and coastline promise plenty of fresh-air fun for all the family, while an on-site play area gives the youngsters extra space to let off steam and meet new pals.
Unpack then park the car and forget about it for a few days – this curvaceous country escape offers a complete break from the everyday. Prepare to be impressed as you step inside: the wood-panelled living space has a Smart TV positioned perfectly for viewing from its inviting sofa, while the compact kitchen area beyond houses all the must-haves of home and a folding dining table keeps the floorspace clear. As sleep-time approaches, the king-size bed is tucked into one corner and, to the rear of the pod, custom-made bunk beds cater for younger party members – Hypnos mattresses should ensure the sweetest of dreams. To complete the high-end convenience, a full-length wardrobe provides space for clothes, and there’s a sleek wet room plus recessed shelves with lighting, USB ports and plug sockets. Take a seat on your private deck and fire up the BBQ to dine alfresco.
A public footpath leads into Pickering, where you can shop for self-catering supplies, visit a medieval castle and take a ride on the North York Moors Railway – at Grosmont station you can connect to the Esk Valley Line for onwards travel to Whitby (21 miles). Edwardian resort Filey (21 miles) and lively Scarborough (17 miles) make a fine choice for a coastal road trip, while Castle Howard (17 miles), is one of Britain’s finest stately homes with huge grounds to explore. Closer to home, picturesque Thornton Dale (1.5 miles) has an excellent array of traditional shops, inns and eateries, and Dalby Forest (5 miles) has over 8,500 acres of moorland trails to explore.