Sunset Barn

Dogfriendly Magazine Review

Read our comprehensive review of this listing printed in our bi-monthly magazine.

Sunset Barn is converted from an early 19th Century farm building and retains many of the interior features with bare brick walls, stone floor, quirky windows and double-sided fireplace with woodburning stove.  The open plan layout is clever, bright and spacious and the sense of space is enhanced by spectacular folding patio windows in both halves of the accommodation. The generous king sized bedroom has a free-standing bath by the window which is a very striking and welcome feature after a day walking the moors.  The front door leads first to a boot room which is great for storing outdoor things and for drying wet dogs etc.

DESCRIBE THE SURROUNDINGS:  Sunset Barn is on the owners' farm at the edge of the village of Normanby.  There are footpaths around the village and the owners will suggest walking routes and fields where dogs can be safely exercised.  The village has an excellent pub selling well kept local beers and good pub food.  Their special nights (pie night Tuesday, fish night Friday and Sunday dinners) are especially good value

DESCRIBE NEARBY ATTRACTIONS  Rievaulx Abbey, Helmsley Castle, the National Bird of Prey Centre and Castle Howard, (home to ITV’s ‘Victoria’). The dog-friendly North Yorkshire Steam Railway is based at Pickering and Normanby is just a few minutes drive from the North Yorkshire moors with miles of walking paths and bridleways.  The historic city of York is only a 40-minute drive away and a little further afield is the North Yorkshire coast and seaside towns of Whitby Robin Hood's Bay and Scarborough. 

PRICE

£405 for 7 nights (dogs are free)

EXTRAS

The cottage sleeps 2 and takes 2 dogs. 

DOG-FRIENDLY PROVISIONS

Loads of dog treats on arrival, dog bowls and towels.

YOUR HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE

Driving towards the North York Moors from the North you rise suddenly up Sutton Bank - a road so steep that you go from rolling countryside to rugged moorland in half a mile or so.  We stopped at the Sutton Bank National Park Centre visitor centre (www.northyorkmoors.org.uk)  and took the dogs for a wander in search of a white horse.  We had a pleasant walk to stretch our legs on a very well made and signposted path.  The way goes right past the Yorkshire Gliding Club which was busy with gliders taking off and landing.  In a while we reached the site of the white horse which was carved into the hillside in Victorian times.  We decided the glider pilots must get the best view!  We returned along the path and drove on to Helmsley for a few provisions (including essentials like bubble bath) and then to Normanby and Sunset Barn.   It was easy to find but nicely tucked away and we were made to feel very welcome by our host before enjoying a quiet evening and a couple of glasses of wine in front of the log burner and a dip in the free standing bath with our new bubbles.