1 / 24Fern Retreat
Church Houses, North Yorkshire
A restored cottage for four at Church Houses in Farndale, both bedrooms en suite, with a wood burner, underfloor heating and a south facing enclosed garden, two dogs welcome.
Two dogs come in over a stone floor with the underfloor heating already on and stop about a yard inside the door, because the whole ground floor is warm and nothing further is required of them. Fern Retreat stands at Church Houses near the head of Farndale, dog friendly for four, with a south facing enclosed garden that opens directly out of the cottage.
The restoration left the good things in: exposed beams, stone underfoot, odd small windows cut through thick walls, and above them vaulted ceilings that make a small cottage feel like a large one. A wood burner sits in the corner of the lounge and a dog will be in front of it within the hour. Both bedrooms are kings with bathrooms of their own, one holding a bath and the other a walk in shower, and both are reached by stairs.
Two couples travelling together with a dog each will do better here than anywhere else in the dale. Nobody shares a bathroom, nobody negotiates a bedroom, and the garden faces south with a lawn and a gravel patio on it and open moor beyond the fence. Church Houses is small enough that the arrival of a car is an event, which after a working week is the entire point.
Over the ridge behind the cottage Bransdale runs north, one of the emptiest valleys in the National Park, with a track through it and almost no houses. Cropton Forest keeps miles of level ride for a dog that likes trees. Duncombe Park and Nunnington Hall open their grounds south towards Helmsley. The moor itself starts at the top of the lane and does not stop.
Book your stay
from £679 for 7 nights
Fern Retreat takes 2 dogs and is booked through holidaycottages.co.uk.
Book with holidaycottages.co.ukPrices are a guide only, checked 27 August 2026, and change with dates and availability. We may earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
At a Glance
- Dogs Welcome
- 2 dogs
- Enclosed Garden
- Yes
- South facing enclosed garden, leading directly from the property with lawn and gravel patio (BBQ use is permitted but not provided)
- Sleeps
- 4 guests
- Rooms
- 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
- Price
- from £679 / 7 nights
- Grading
- 5 star
- Arrival
- in from 16:00, out by 10:00
- Facilities
- Open fire, Parking, Wifi
Fern Retreat from £679 for 7 nights
Book with holidaycottages.co.ukFrequently Asked Questions
Is Fern Retreat dog friendly?
Yes, Fern Retreat welcomes up to two dogs. The cottage has a stone ground floor with underfloor heating, a wood burner in the lounge, and a south-facing enclosed garden that opens directly from the cottage — so dogs are well catered for from the moment they arrive.
Are dogs allowed at Fern Retreat year round?
The listing doesn't specify seasonal restrictions on dogs, and the cottage is set up with year-round dog comfort in mind — underfloor heating on the ground floor and a wood burner for colder months. It's worth confirming directly with the owner if you're planning a visit at a particular time of year.
What should I know before visiting Fern Retreat with my dog?
The cottage sleeps four across two en-suite bedrooms, both reached by stairs, so it's worth bearing that in mind if your dog needs ground-floor access. The enclosed south-facing garden is a great spot for dogs to stretch out safely, and the moor begins at the top of the lane, with Bransdale and Cropton Forest offering plenty of walking country close by.
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Fern Retreat from £679 for 7 nights
Book with holidaycottages.co.ukWhat’s Nearby?
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