Lark

• A single-storey barn conversion in the North Yorkshire countryside

• Walk to Fountains Abbey, where you'll have out-of-hours access to the grounds to watch the sun set over the abbey ruins

• It's only a short drive to Harrogate, full of boutique shops, famous tea rooms and independent restaurants

Lark is part of a group of 18th-century farm buildings in the open countryside of the Nidderdale National Landscape. The former cow shed has been sensitively restored to retain its original features, making a comfortable holiday cottage with vaulted ceilings, exposed beams and a cosy woodburner in the open-plan living space.

The cottage is just a mile away from Fountains Abbey, a World Heritage Site. You'll have free entry here and to other National Trust places during your stay – there's even a special key for the West Gate entrance for out-of-hours access to the grounds. Explore the largest abbey ruins in the country, which are almost 900 years old and make a unique backdrop for a picnic. There are miles of trails around the abbey, through the deer park and alongside the ornamental lakes and temples of Studley Royal garden, one of the best surviving examples of a Georgian water garden in England.

It's a perfect base for a walking holiday, with much of the Yorkshire Dales National Park within an hour's drive of the cottage. Reach the giant rock formations and panoramic views at Brimham Rocks in a 15-minute drive, or take the 7.5 mile Monk's walk trail from Fountains Abbey's West Gate.

The spa town of Harrogate is only nine miles away. It’s full of places to eat and drink, and you can book a relaxing treatment at the historic Turkish Baths. York city and its minster, ancient city walls and medieval shopping streets are also within driving distance.

Lark is one of five holiday cottages at How Hill. There's also Swallow (sleeps six), Lapwing (sleeps six), Curlew (sleeps six) and Wren (sleeps two). Multiple cottages can be booked together for a group stay.