Sunshine Cottage Helmsley

This beautifully presented detached cottage, just a short walk from the centre of Helmsley, is a superb base for groups who want to balance peaceful relaxation with walking, cycling, and days out across the North York Moors. Set in Upper Ryedale on the southern edge of the national park, Helmsley is a handsome market town with a large cobbled square, inviting pubs, independent shops, and a weekly market that’s bound to encourage you to pick up some Yorkshire treats.

Historians and birdwatchers will love visiting Helmsley Castle and the National Birds of Prey Centre, both within a mile of the property, while history enthusiasts will adore scouting out Rievaulx Abbey (3 miles), Byland Abbey (7 miles), and Castle Howard (13 miles). The heather-scattered Cleveland Way begins in the town, while cyclists can explore the surrounding moors and Howardian Hills.

Step inside this immaculate modern property to be greeted with elegant, luxurious interiors. Store your boots and coats in the entrance before using the downstairs utility room with a washing machine to wash your muddy walking gear.

Make your way into the cosy snug, where plush couches and a Smart TV provide a break from the everyday. The huge open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner is the highlight of this gorgeous home.

Glass doors and skylights allow natural light to flood into this stunning room, where you may bask on the sofa in front of the TV or gaze out at the garden. Beyond the lounge, the modern kitchen is perfectly equipped for self-catering, including a wine cooler, coffee machine, and breakfast bar, and a nearby table accommodates six.

And on chilly evenings, use the Smart speaker to play some relaxing tunes while you toast your toes with underfloor heating. The bedrooms are on the first floor.