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

The Sheep Pen 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 beautifully curated stone cottage set within the peaceful grounds of Old Byland Hall, The Sheep Pen is a romantic, one-bedroom countryside retreat where bold interiors, thoughtful design and sweeping rural views come together in perfect harmony.

There’s an immediate sense of calm as you arrive at The Sheep Pen. Set within the grounds of Old Byland Hall, this charming stone cottage feels quietly tucked away from the world, yet entirely considered in every detail. Inside, rich navy panelling, layered textures and carefully chosen furnishings create a space that feels both cosy and characterful.

The heart of the cottage is its country-chic kitchen and living space – a place designed for slow mornings and relaxed evenings by the fire. Sink into plush armchairs beneath the glow of soft lamplight, flick through coffee table books, or simply unwind after a day exploring the surrounding countryside. The kitchen blends traditional touches, such as the Belfast sink, with modern convenience, and is fully equipped with an oven and hob, dishwasher, fridge, kettle and toaster, making it as practical as it is beautiful.

Natural light pours through the windows, drawing your eye out towards the rolling countryside beyond. 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.

Adding to the charm, free-range chickens roam freely across the grounds, while pheasants and partridges are often spotted nearby. Over the wall from the cottages, sheep graze in the neighbouring fields during the spring and summer months.

This is a place where everything has been thoughtfully designed, yet nothing feels overdone. Stylish, cosy and full of character, The Sheep Pen offers the ultimate restorative escape in one of North Yorkshire’s most tranquil corners.

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Old Byland Hall Collection

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

PROPERTY DETAILS

Living Space

The cottage opens into a welcoming entrance room with deep navy panelling, coat hooks and a practical boot room area – ideal for muddy boots after countryside walks – alongside a small desk for quiet moments of work or reflection. Beyond, the open-plan kitchen and living space is warm and inviting, with plush armchairs, colourful cushions and soft ambient lighting arranged around a log-burning fire and TV, creating a cosy and intimate atmosphere. The newly fitted kitchen is both stylish and functional, fully equipped with an oven, hob, dishwasher, fridge, kettle and toaster, making it perfectly suited to relaxed, self-catered stays.

Bedroom

A generous and beautifully styled bedroom offers a restful place to retreat. At its centre is a comfortable king-size bed, dressed in lovely, soft linens. Calming tones, layered textures and carefully considered details create a comfortable boutique feel, while the thoughtful layout enhances the sense of space.

En-Suite Bathroom

The en-suite bathroom, accessed directly from the bedroom, is bold and striking in design. Finished in a rich, vibrant blue, it features a walk-in rain shower, along with a toilet and basin, all set within a beautifully styled space that feels both contemporary and characterful. Soft lighting and considered finishes create an uplifting yet calming environment – perfect for refreshing at the start of the day or unwinding 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

The Sheep Pen 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 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 and 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, with pheasants and partridges often seen nearby

  • Sheep graze in neighbouring fields during spring and summer

  • Beautifully designed interiors with high-quality furnishings throughout

Dogs

Dogs are welcome to join you at The Sheep Pen, 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. The wild and spectacular Yorkshire coast is within easy reach and offers a scenic drive across the Moors. 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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