The Cowshed at Old Byland Hall | Luxury Cottage | Beautiful Escapes
North York Moors National Park

The Cowshed at Old Byland Hall

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Introductory Offer – save 10% on stays for May to October 2026 – bookings must be made by 30th June 2026*

A striking stone cottage full of colour, character and country charm, The Cowshed is a joyful one-bedroom countryside escape where bold design meets laid-back, rural living.

Set within the peaceful grounds of Old Byland Hall, The Cowshed is an uplifting yet deeply restful retreat. From the moment you step inside, there’s a sense that this is somewhere a little different – a cottage that celebrates colour, creativity and comfort, all thoughtfully brought together.

You’re welcomed into a generous entrance space, complete with coat hooks and a seating area – the perfect spot to kick off your wellies after a day of exploring. From here, the cottage unfolds naturally, with each room revealing its own distinct personality.

Designed for easy, joyful living, the cosy lounge invites you to unwind with a plush velvet sofa, armchairs and soft textures gathered around a warming log fire. It’s a space made for slow evenings – whether that’s a film on the TV, a glass of wine in hand, a board game, or simply switching off after a day in the countryside.

Just beyond, the farmhouse-style kitchen and dining space feels both homely and striking. A large dining table takes centre stage, ideal for long, leisurely breakfasts or relaxed suppers. The kitchen is fully equipped for a comfortable stay, featuring an oven and hob, dishwasher and fridge, alongside thoughtful touches such as the blue-painted dresser, well-stocked with an array of plates, bowls, serving dishes and teacups.

Throughout the cottage, bold colour choices set The Cowshed apart. From rich blue tones in the kitchen to the vibrant yellow bedroom, there’s a sense of playfulness that feels warm, inviting and effortlessly stylish. Framed prints, woven baskets, coffee table books and carefully chosen details create a relaxed, lived-in feel.

Outside, the private gravelled garden offers far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside. A bistro table and two chairs provide the perfect spot for morning coffee or an evening glass of wine while taking in the peaceful setting. The wider grounds invite you to slow down even further. Guests have shared access to the Old Byland Hall Potager – a beautifully kept glasshouse garden with multiple benches, as well as tables and chairs, designed for lingering. Through the gate and down the hill, a shared private tennis court offers a gentle change of pace before returning to the stillness.

Adding to the charm of the setting, free-range chickens roam freely across the grounds, and pheasants and partridges are often seen around the property. Beyond the cottage walls, sheep graze in the neighbouring fields during the spring and summer months, enhancing the authentic countryside experience.

Stylish, characterful and full of warmth, The Cowshed is a place to switch off, settle in and enjoy the simple pleasures of rural living.

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Old Byland Hall Collection

Two beautiful holiday cottages set within the peaceful grounds of Old Byland Hall.

PROPERTY DETAILS

Location

The Cowshed sits within the picturesque village of Old Byland, nestled on the edge of the North York Moors. With its honeyed stone cottages, open views and quiet lanes, Old Byland feels wonderfully untouched – the kind of place where time slows and nature leads.

Just moments away lie the atmospheric ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, while the grand estate of Duncombe Park offers sweeping parkland and elegant gardens to explore. A short drive brings you to the charming market town of Helmsley, known for its independent shops, cosy cafés and welcoming pubs. The surrounding countryside provides endless opportunities for walking, wandering and discovering hidden corners of this beautiful region.

Living Space

The cottage opens into a spacious entrance room with coat hanging and a relaxed seating area, ideal for arriving back after a day outdoors. Beyond, the lounge is warm and inviting, featuring a plush velvet sofa, comfortable armchairs, a log-burning fire and a cabinet with TV. The farmhouse-style kitchen and dining area sits at the heart of the home, complete with a large dining table for sociable meals and a fully equipped kitchen including oven, hob, dishwasher, fridge, kettle and toaster.

Bedroom

A truly standout space, the bedroom is painted in a bold and uplifting yellow, with decorative panelling adding depth and texture. At its centre sits a comfortable king-size bed, dressed in soft linens, creating a restful place to unwind. Carefully chosen furnishings and thoughtful styling bring warmth and character to the room, making it an ideal retreat at the end of a day spent exploring the surrounding countryside.

En-Suite Bathroom

The bathroom is a bright and beautifully finished space, where striking tiling and panelling combine to create a refined yet inviting feel. It features a walk-in rain shower, along with a toilet and basin, all thoughtfully arranged for both comfort and practicality. Soft, ambient lighting enhances the sense of calm, making it a refreshing space to start the day or unwind in the evening.

Garden and tennis court

Step outside and you’ll find a private gravelled garden – a simple, serene space with a bistro table and two chairs, perfectly positioned for morning coffee or a glass of wine at sunset while overlooking the fields.

The wider grounds invite you to slow down even further. Guests have shared access to the Old Byland Hall Potager – a lovingly kept kitchen garden and glasshouse space with multiple benches, as well as tables and chairs both inside the glasshouse and outdoors, offering plenty of space to sit back and take in the natural surroundings. Through the gate and down the hill, a shared private tennis court offers a gentle contrast – a chance for a little activity before returning to the stillness.

Exploring

From historic abbeys to rolling moorland walks, this corner of North Yorkshire is rich in natural beauty and heritage. Wander to nearby Rievaulx Abbey, explore the grounds of Duncombe Park, or spend an afternoon in Helmsley browsing independent shops and enjoying local food. The surrounding countryside offers endless walking routes straight from the doorstep.

Just a few miles away lie the atmospheric ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, while the grand estate of Duncombe Park offers sweeping parkland and elegant gardens to explore. A short drive brings you to the charming market town of Helmsley, known for its independent shops, cosy cafes and welcoming pubs. The surrounding countryside provides endless opportunities for walking, wandering and discovering hidden corners of this beautiful region.

  • Helmsley 5 miles
  • Thirsk 10 miles
  • City of York 30 miles
  • Castle Howard 1 miles
  • North York Moors National Park Centre at Danby 28 miles
  • Whitby 39 miles
  • Yorkshire Dales National Park Centre 40 miles miles
  • Ampleforth Abbey 10 miles
  • Sutton Bank National Park Centre and cycle hire 3 miles
  • Newburgh Priory & Wedding Venue 11 miles

Places to eat

  • Michelin Star
    • The Abbey Inn – 9 miles
    • The Black Swan at Oldstead – 20 miles
    • The Star at Harome – 8 miles
    • Roots York – 30 miles
  • Fauconberg Arms – 10 mile
  • Durham Ox, Crayke – 16 miles
  • The Pheasant, Harome -8 miles
  • Fairfax Arms, Gilling – 10 miles
  • Feversham Arms & Verbena Spa – Helmsley 5 miles
  • Mannions Cafe, excellent brunch – Helmsley 5 miles
  • Helmsley Walled Garden Vine Café – 5 miles
Good to Know
  • Private gravelled garden with countryside views, bistro table and two chairs

  • Fully equipped kitchen with oven, hob, dishwasher, fridge kettle and toaster

  • Shared access to Old Byland Hall Potager (glasshouse garden with benches, tables and chairs, and fire pits)

  • Shared private tennis court (with neighbouring cottage)

  • Log fire in the living space

  • Free-range chickens roam the grounds, along with pheasants and partridges

  • Sheep graze in neighbouring fields during spring and summer

  • Bold, design-led interiors with colourful, characterful styling throughout

Dogs

Dogs are welcome to join you at The Cowshed, making it an ideal base for countryside walks and outdoor adventures.

  • Dogs must be kept under control at all times, there may be guests/another dog staying in the neighbouring cottage and livestock may be in nearby fields.
  • Dogs must be cleaned off before entering the cottage.
  • Dogs are not allowed on the furniture.
  • Dogs are not allowed in bedrooms.
  • Dogs must not be left alone in the property unless crated
  • Maximum of 1 dog.
  • Dogs under one year of age are not allowed.
  • Dog toileting must take place away from the cottage and any mess cleaned up.
  • There may be a charge if additional cleaning is required.

ROOM DETAILS

King size bed

Walk-in rain shower

Toilet & basin

THE LOCAL AREA

There are many historical attractions nearby including the majestic Castle Howard, the ecclesiastical ruins of Byland Abbey, Rievaulx Abbey and a castle in the attractive market town of Helmsley. Directly form the cottage you can explore an abundance of walks and trails, the Howardian Hills and also the neighbouring North York Moors National Park both offer excellent walking routes for seasoned ramblers and those looking for a more sedate meander alike. It’s also a perfect place for a cycling holiday with miles upon miles of perfect climbs and descents awaiting your discovery with jaw-dropping views to make the climbs worth the burn!

Exploring

  • Helmsley 5 miles
  • Thirsk 10 miles
  • City of York 30 miles
  • Castle Howard 1 miles
  • North York Moors National Park Centre at Danby 28 miles
  • Whitby 39 miles
  • Yorkshire Dales National Park Centre 40 miles miles
  • Ampleforth Abbey 10 miles
  • Sutton Bank National Park Centre and cycle hire 3 miles
  • Newburgh Priory & Wedding Venue 11 miles

Airports/Railway

  • York mainline station 30 miles, London Kings Cross in 2 hours
  • Leeds Bradford Airport 44 miles
  • Manchester Airport 110 miles

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