1 / 24Fern Retreat
Church Houses, North Yorkshire
A five star barn conversion for four in a quiet Farndale hamlet in the North York Moors, with two en suite bedrooms, a wood burner, a south facing enclosed garden and two medium sized dogs welcome.
From the south facing garden at Fern Retreat the views run out across the North York Moors National Park, and a pair of dogs, medium sized at most, well behaved and quiet, are welcome to enjoy them with you. It is a five star barn conversion in a quiet hamlet in Farndale, sympathetically restored, and a dog friendly retreat for two couples or a family of four.
Exposed beams, stone floors and quirky windows recall its farming past, while neutral tones, warm wood and high vaulted ceilings make it light, airy and spacious. Living, cooking and dining flow together in one open plan room, a great space for socialising, with a wood burner in the corner of the lounge and underfloor heating keeping the rest of the cottage comfortable, and as the owners kindly ask that the dogs keep off the furniture, the space by the fire is where they will curl up.
Both bedrooms have en suites: a king, and a super king that splits into singles on request. One en suite offers a bath for a long soak after the moors, the other a walk-in shower. The owners kindly request that dogs stay out of the bedrooms. The owners also ask that dogs are not left unattended indoors unless they are content in a cage, which guests bring themselves, and unlikely to bark. Outside, the enclosed garden leads directly from the property, with lawn, a gravel patio and furniture for watching the moors with the dogs at your feet.
Farndale is known for its daffodil walk each spring, and there are 600 square miles of heather covered countryside to explore with the dogs. Helmsley, a foodies' haven, is 14 miles away and Pickering is 16 miles.
We research every description carefully and believe it to be accurate, but details can change. Please confirm anything important, especially dog rules, with the booking agent or property owner before you book.
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)
- Dogs Left Alone
- Not allowed
- 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
Been here? Check these facts for us
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?
Walk1.2 mi awayBlakey Ridge and the Lion Inn Circular
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A breezy moor-top circuit from one of Britain's highest inns, with easy off-lead walking once you clear the sheep pasture.
Walk1.4 mi awayFarndale Daffodil Walk and River Dove Circuit
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A dog friendly spring daffodil walk along the River Dove, famed in April but quieter and just as pretty the rest of the year.
Walk3.2 mi awayBransdale Circular Walk from Cockayne
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A remote moorland and valley loop at the wild northern head of Bransdale, with sheep to lead for and no crowds.
Walk3.5 mi awayRosedale Abbey and the Rosedale Railway Trail
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An atmospheric moor-edge loop from a pretty Rosedale village up to the ruined ironstone kilns and along the old mineral railway.
Walk7.4 mi awayCropton Forest Circular Walk
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A sheltered Forestry England loop through conifer plantation and birch woodland on the southern edge of the North York Moors.
Walk9.2 mi awayRievaulx Abbey to Helmsley Loop
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A rewarding circuit linking the atmospheric ruins of Rievaulx Abbey with the market town of Helmsley; livestock in the farmland sections require leads.