Welcome to The Swallow's Nest, our little piece of paradise set within the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. A perfectly charming romantic barn on a 20-acre small holding, this is a wonderful countryside escape for couples or single travellers seeking the calming balm of nature.
Just four miles from the market town of Thirsk, this lovely retreat offers open plan living with underfloor heating, a cosy vaulted bedroom, bathroom with feature roll top bath and even a shepherd's hut in the adjacent paddock.
Perfectly situated to take long walks on the moors, explore market towns and villages and even venture into York, this is a wonderful setting for a holiday or honeymoon. James Herriot, Britain's best-loved vet, lived in the village and called the view from the ridge just above The Swallow's Nest 'England's finest view' - we don't think it could get a better accolade than that!
Living and eating
The open-plan, double-height living area is just lovely, imbuing this large space a sense of serenity with its vaulted ceiling and gorgeous, exposed stone wall that adds warmth and character and more than a touch of Scandi chic. In this room you'll find underfloor heating throughout, offering effortless cosiness, whilst two comfy sofas offer plenty of room to sprawl out and relax. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of light, whilst blinds can be closed as night closes in, creating a cosy space to curl up together in.
The modern kitchen is just a delight, complete with electric oven and induction hob, dishwasher, fridge and all the other essentials needed to whip up meals for you and your loved one. There's a handy central island which doubles up as a breakfast bar for tête-à-tête mealtimes.
Sleeping
The delightful bedroom is high in the eaves with marvellous views over The Vale of York. Complete with a super comfy double bed swathed in super-soft bedding, luxurious linens and throws and cushions, this is a delightful space to retreat to at the end of a busy day exploring North Yorkshire. We just love the exposed stone wall and beamed, vaulted ceiling.
Bathing
The beautiful, calming bathroom comes complete with a free-standing roll top bath for two and a separate, large walk-in shower with rainfall head. There's a heated rail to ensure towels are kept warm and fluffy.
Outdoor space
Outside you'll uncover a lovely, terraced area to the front of The Swallow's Nest complete with table and chairs for meals alfresco and for gazing out over the countryside. Nestled in the lush paddock there's a charming shepherd's hut to discover, complete with a wood burner - a wonderful spot to watch the sun set in the evening and spot the stars as they appear in the inky night sky. Being set within an "International Dark Sky Reserve", the star studded skies at The Swallow's Nest are a stargazer's paradise.
Parking
There's private, off-road parking available.
Babies
This is one of our adults only retreats.
Dogs
This is one of our pet-free properties.
In the Area
Set just within the astonishingly beautiful North Yorkshire Moors National Park that extend to over 550 square miles, there is a host of things to see and do in the area. Keen walkers need only don their boots and head out of the door for spectacular walks, including the magnificent Lake Gormire which is only half a mile away. There are a myriad of walks and mountain bike tracks on your doorstep. Bikes can be stored if you're bringing your own, or the National Park's Visitor centre is just four miles from The Swallow's Nest with ample car parking and a selection of bikes available to hire, including e-bikes.
For those seeking a more relaxed way to while away the hours, The Carpenters Arms gastropub in Felixkirk is just over a two mile walk away and was voted Yorkshire's best pub in 2021. Foodies are spoilt for choice, with a host of excellent eateries nearbly. The Owl at Hawnby is a great spot for a drink, with stunning countryside surroundings. The renowned Michelin starred restaurant owned by Tommy Banks, The Black Swan at Oldstead, is only 7 miles away and the recently reopened Star at Harome also boasts a Michelin star. For fine dining, Grantley Hall near Ripon is well worth visiting, with a Michelin star and an exceptional menu.
Thirsk is worth a visit; this pretty market town was home to James Herriot and today you can visit where he lived and worked at The World of James Herriot. Other places of interest include 11c Rievaulx Abbey and Terraces, Byland Abbey once one of the greatest monasteries in England, Fountain's Abbey which along with Studley Royal, National Trusts second most popular attraction the country, and Castle Howard, an ornate 18th century home with stunning gardens made famous for being "Brideshead" in the TV series, Georgian Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens, and of course the cities of York, Ripon and Harrogate are must visits, should you wish to explore further afield. The lovely Georgian market town of Easingwold is 8 miles away and beautiful Helmsley with its Friday market is a 10-mile drive. Nearby Northallerton has a busy market on Wednesdays and Saturdays and arguably the best "Bettys" in the county. For a day trip to the seaside, Scarborough and Whitby are just over an hour away. For a day trip to the seaside, Scarborough and Whitby are just over an hour away. over an hour away.
