Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Long Barn different from other holiday houses?

We feel we can genuinely answer this because we’ve stayed in many large holiday houses ourselves over the years and often came away wishing they worked just a little better for groups.

One of the biggest differences at the Long Barn is the seven equal-sized en-suite bedrooms. Finding a large holiday house where nobody gets the “broom cupboard” room is surprisingly difficult, and it was something we cared about hugely when designing the barn.

What has surprised us most though is how much the setting shapes people’s experience here. If we’re honest, we originally bought Town End Farm because of the buildings and the plot, and saw the village location as an added bonus. It was only after moving here and renovating the barns that we realised how special Appleton le Moors really is. The welcoming community, the walks from the door, the friendly local pub and the dark skies all became part of everyday life for us. The first time we saw the Milky Way walking back from the pub was a real "pinch me" moment.

One of the things people frequently remark on is how quickly they settle into the pace of life here. We are nearby if needed, but most of the time guests simply enjoy slipping into village life for a few days, whether that’s bumping into us in the pub or seeing us returning with eggs from the hens.

The Long Barn works best for groups wanting to properly spend time together rather than somewhere focused purely on late-night parties. People absolutely celebrate here, but we deliberately chose not to create a party house. Even decisions such as not installing a hot tub came from wanting the barn to feel sociable, relaxing and in keeping with its surroundings.

The West Barn also tends to surprise people. Although we often call it the games room, it is really a beautiful standalone barn with oak floors and underfloor heating, a world away from some of the damp, draughty games rooms we’ve encountered elsewhere.

And finally, there are the smaller touches. We know many holiday houses no longer provide welcome hampers, but ours are still homemade because that feels true to who we are. We also suspect there would be a small uprising if we ever stopped baking the lemon drizzle cake.

Is the Long Barn suitable for large group stays?

It was designed with large groups in mind.

When we renovated the Long Barn, we put a huge amount of thought into how the spaces would work for larger groups. There is room to come together, and room to spread out too.

We’ve stayed in large holiday houses where everyone couldn’t fit comfortably in the sitting room, or meals became a relay around a table that was too small with never quite enough chairs. We wanted the Long Barn to feel different from that.

The shared spaces are generous and designed so groups can properly relax together, whether that’s gathering around the dining table, cooking in the kitchen, chatting by the fire or finding a quieter corner for a bit of downtime.

Many family groups comment on how well the layout works, with space for children to let off steam in the West Barn while others enjoy a slower pace elsewhere in the barn.

The downstairs rooms also open directly onto the south-facing courtyard garden, making it easy for people to drift in and out as the day unfolds.

Is the Long Barn suitable for multi-generational family gatherings?

It certainly is. In fact, more than half of our bookings are multi-generational family gatherings, and many groups return year after year.

One of the nicest parts of hosting is seeing children grow up in leaps and bounds between visits, from babes in arms to toddlers to teenagers. One young guest even announced within an hour of arriving:

"Can we move in here?"

The layout of the Long Barn works particularly well for families gathering together across different generations. There is room for everyone to spend time together, but also enough space to spread out when people want a quieter moment.

The dining room comfortably seats 14, the enclosed courtyard is safe for children to play in, and the West Barn gives younger guests space to let off steam while others relax at a slower pace elsewhere in the barn or garden.

All bedrooms are large enough to accommodate a travel cot, and we can provide up to three travel cots and highchairs for younger children.

The walks directly from the door also make it easy to choose routes to suit different ages and abilities, whether that’s a gentle wander around the village lanes to spot sheep, horses and alpacas, or a longer walk out into the North York Moors countryside.

Is there enough parking?

Yes. Having enough parking was important to us when we renovated the barns.

The main parking area comfortably accommodates up to eight cars off the road, and if your group needs additional space we can provide extra parking close to the farmhouse.

Can we visit before booking?

Absolutely, provided the barn is unoccupied at the time.

We understand that organising a large group stay can feel like a big responsibility, so we are always happy to show guests around when possible. Seeing the spaces in person can be particularly helpful if you're organising a family gathering, celebration or reunion.

We also keep our website and social media channels regularly updated with photos and videos, helping guests get a good feel for the Long Barn before booking.

Does anyone get the short straw bedroom?

Absolutely not. We’ve been there ourselves, arriving last and ending up with the "broom cupboard" room, so we designed the Long Barn very differently.

All seven bedrooms are genuinely spacious doubles with their own en-suite bathroom, so there’s no awkward negotiation over rooms and no queueing for showers in the morning. Many groups comment on how much more relaxed a stay feels when everyone has their own comfortable space to retreat to at the end of the day.

The bedrooms are all finished to a very similar standard, with comfortable beds, high quality cotton bed linen, fluffy towels, Bath House toiletries and luxurious towelling robes. Each room also has its own TV, hairdryer, dressing area and plenty of storage space, so you can properly unpack and settle in.

Three bedrooms can also be arranged as twin rooms, which gives groups flexibility for families and friends staying together.

Do all bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms?

Yes. Every bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom.

Four bedrooms have walk-in showers, while three have a bath with a shower over. All bathrooms include heated towel rails, mirrors and plenty of space for wash bags and toiletries.

Having an en-suite for every bedroom was one of our priorities when designing the Long Barn, as it makes group stays far more comfortable and relaxed.

Will there be enough hot water?

We certainly hope you'll never have to think about it.

One of our biggest frustrations when staying away was discovering the hot water had run out just as it was our turn for a shower. The Long Barn's biomass boiler and pressurised water system provide a constant supply of hot water, so there is no need to worry about being the last one back from a walk.

The system also maintains excellent water pressure throughout the barn, meaning all seven bathrooms can be used at the same time without compromising performance.

It's one of those things guests rarely notice until they stay somewhere that gets it wrong.

Do any beds split into singles?

Yes. Three of our super king beds can be configured as twin rooms.

We also have two good quality sofa beds in selected bedrooms which can be made up as single beds by prior arrangement.

Simply let us know your preferred room configuration before your stay and we'll have everything prepared ready for your arrival.

Are any bedrooms on the ground floor?

Yes. Two of the seven bedrooms are on the ground floor, one at each end of the Long Barn.

Bedroom 1 is our most accessible bedroom, with step-free access from the front door and a walk-in shower with grab rail.

The remaining five bedrooms are on the first floor, accessed via two separate staircases. This layout often works particularly well for multi-generational groups, allowing family members to choose a part of the barn that best suits their needs.

Is there enough space for everyone to eat together?

Yes, and it was one of the most important things to us when designing the Long Barn.

During the renovation, we actually removed a bedroom to create the vaulted dining room, and it completely transformed the feel of the space. The result is a light, spacious room with two large oak tables and chapel chairs, so everyone can gather together comfortably, whether that’s for a long lazy brunch, a family buffet or a special meal cooked by a private chef.

We love cooking ourselves, so we also wanted the kitchen to feel genuinely practical for large groups rather than simply "holiday cottage equipped". There is plenty of space to cook together, along with the sort of equipment people actually need for feeding a crowd, from large pans and roasting tins to two dishwashers and a hostess trolley to help keep food warm.

We regularly hear how much people appreciate being able to properly eat, cook and celebrate together without feeling cramped or constantly short of equipment.

Is the kitchen equipped for large groups?

We take a lot of pride in the kitchen because it's one of the areas guests mention most often in their feedback.

Having stayed in many large holiday houses ourselves, we know the frustrations. Too few mugs, tiny wine glasses, not enough serving dishes, and never quite enough equipment when you're cooking for a crowd.

We wanted the Long Barn to be different. The kitchen is equipped with large quantities of crockery, cutlery, cookware and glassware, along with practical features such as two dishwashers, a large central island and a hostess trolley to help keep food warm.

We are constantly updating and improving what we provide, and if you're wondering "Do they have...?", the answer is usually yes.

You can also find a full inventory of kitchen equipment on our website.

Can we celebrate a birthday or special occasion?

Absolutely. In fact, most groups first come to the Long Barn to celebrate a milestone birthday, anniversary or special occasion, and many then return because the barn worked so well for bringing everyone together.

Over the years we've hosted celebrations ranging from 21st to 90th birthdays. One favourite completely confused our balloon supplier when a group ordered giant "140" balloons. Not a Guinness World Record attempt, but the combined ages of three generations celebrating together at the Long Barn.

One of the things guests enjoy most is how flexible the space feels for different styles of celebration. Some groups book celebratory meals at our local pub, the Moors Inn, while others bring in a private chef, order relaxed buffets from local caterers or gather for long evenings eating together around the dining table.

We've quietly smuggled in balloons, flowers and presents for birthday surprises, hosted silent discos in the West Barn, and seen guests organise everything from murder mystery evenings to yoga sessions and live music with instruments brought from home.

The Long Barn works best for groups wanting relaxed, memorable time together rather than somewhere focused purely on late-night parties. From 2026, we'll also be offering intimate weddings for couples wanting the same atmosphere over a few days with their closest family and friends.

Can we arrange catering?

Yes. We have a list of trusted local caterers that we regularly recommend to guests.

Options range from private chefs who create restaurant-quality dining experiences in the barn, to relaxed buffets, grazing tables, celebration suppers and drop-off meals that simply need reheating.

Many groups choose a catered meal for one evening of their stay, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy time together without anyone having to cook.

You're also welcome to arrange your own caterers if you prefer. We simply ask that you let us know in advance.

Can we decorate the barn?

Of course.

Whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, reunion, retirement or family gathering, you're very welcome to decorate the Long Barn to make the occasion feel special.

We've seen everything from simple balloons and flowers to full themed celebrations. If you'd like something more elaborate, we're happy to put you in touch with local suppliers who can help with decorations, flowers and event styling.

We simply ask guests to treat the barn with care and avoid anything that could damage the paintwork, beams or historic fabric of the building.

Is the Long Barn genuinely dog friendly?

We'd struggle to imagine the Long Barn without dogs in it. For many guests, they are part of the family, and village life in Appleton is very dog-centred too.

We've stayed in places ourselves that describe themselves as "dog friendly" but seem to come with pages of rules that make dogs feel barely tolerated. Our approach is simpler and more relaxed. We welcome up to four dogs and keep the rules to a minimum: dogs should be kept on leads around the village because of the free-range sheep, not left alone in the barn, and kept off the furniture.

We provide a doggy hamper with treats, towels and poo bags, along with a wash station by the front door for muddy paws after walks on the North York Moors. There are plenty of walks directly from the door, and all of our nearest pubs welcome dogs too. At the Moors Inn, you'll often find several dogs stretched out happily around the bar.

If your group is planning something less dog-friendly, such as a special restaurant meal, we can also help arrange a local dog sitter.

How many dogs can we bring?

We welcome up to four well-behaved dogs.

Many groups bring one or two, while others arrive with a full canine contingent. Whatever the number, we simply ask owners to follow a few common-sense rules so that the barn remains enjoyable for everyone.

Are dogs allowed in the bedrooms?

Yes.

We know most dogs are used to sleeping close to their owners, so dogs are welcome in the bedrooms. We simply ask that they stay off the furniture and are not left alone in the barn.

Are there dog-friendly walks from the door?

You'll be spoilt for choice.

There are a variety of walks directly from the Long Barn, ranging from gentle village strolls to longer routes across the North York Moors. Many are ideal for dogs, and we provide maps and recommendations for some of our favourites in the barn and digital guide.

Several routes are stile-free, and we'll happily point you towards walks that offer opportunities for off-lead exercise where appropriate.

One of the nicest things about staying here is that you'll often bump into other local dog owners while exploring the lanes, woods and footpaths around the village.

Can you recommend a dog sitter?

Yes.

We have details of trusted local dog sitters who have been recommended by dog owners in the village and by previous guests.

Whether you're planning a special meal, a day trip or an activity where dogs can't easily join you, we're happy to share their details and help you make arrangements.

What is the West Barn?

The West Barn is often the space guests didn't realise they needed until they arrive.

It adjoins the Long Barn and is exclusively yours during your stay. With oak floors, underfloor heating, plenty of natural light and a mezzanine seating area overlooking the main space, it feels much more like a second living area than a traditional games room.

Over the years it has been used for everything from table tennis tournaments and movie nights to yoga retreats, silent discos, family celebrations and anniversary photo presentations. We've even had guests bring instruments and spend an evening making music together.

Many groups find that the West Barn becomes one of the most-used spaces during their stay. It allows people to spend time together while also giving everyone room to do different things

What happens if the weather is bad?

We like to tell friends and family that the sun always shines in Yorkshire... although we do occasionally get some wet weather, just like everywhere else. Having previously lived near Manchester though, we can confidently say it's a lot drier on this side of the Pennines.

We also agree with the famous walker Alfred Wainwright, who said:

"There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing."

There is something wonderfully reinvigorating about getting outside in the elements before retreating to a cosy pub with a real fire.

That said, a rainy day can also be the perfect excuse to properly slow down and enjoy the Long Barn itself. There is plenty of space for groups to spread out and relax, whether that's around the wood burner, over a board game or jigsaw from the games cupboard, or with a good book borrowed from the West Barn mini library.

For something more energetic, there's table tennis, cornhole and PS4 gaming in both the West Barn and the living room. Multi-generational groups often tell us how much they appreciate having different spaces for people to do their own thing without feeling on top of each other.

As evening draws in, it's hard to beat lighting the fire, opening a bottle of something nice and settling in for the night. And if you do fancy venturing out, our digital guide includes plenty of suggestions for rainy day trips, cafés and places to visit nearby.

What facilities are available in the West Barn?

The West Barn is designed to be a flexible space that can adapt to whatever your group wants to do.

In its usual set-up you'll find table tennis, table football, cornhole, a Sony PS4, Sonos sound system, projector with a large screen, WiFi and plenty of comfortable seating.

Upstairs, the mezzanine provides a quieter space with comfortable chairs and a small library overlooking the main barn.

There is also a cloakroom, large sink and our honesty shop in the entrance area.

The beauty of the space is its flexibility. Much of the equipment can be moved aside, allowing the barn to be used for yoga sessions, workshops, celebrations, presentations or simply as an extra place for the group to gather.

Can we hold yoga sessions?

Absolutely.

The West Barn has hosted many yoga retreats over the years and the feedback about the space is consistently positive.

The oak floor and underfloor heating make it comfortable throughout the year, while the large doors flood the space with natural light. On warmer days they can be opened to bring in fresh air and the sounds of the countryside.

The barn also offers plenty of uninterrupted wall space and room for groups to practise together comfortably.

If you'd like to arrange a session during your stay, we're happy to recommend local instructors.

Is there enough space for everyone to spread out?

Definitely.

One of the things that makes the Long Barn work so well for larger groups is that people can choose whether to spend time together or enjoy a little space of their own.

While some guests gather around the dining table, others may be chatting in the living room, reading on the West Barn mezzanine, playing table tennis or enjoying the courtyard garden.

Groups often tell us that having separate spaces helps everyone relax. Teenagers can disappear off for a game, grandparents can enjoy a quieter corner with a book, and nobody feels they have to spend every moment in the same room.

It's one of the reasons the Long Barn works so well for family gatherings, celebrations and multi-generational stays.

What's there to do without driving?

One of the pleasures of staying here is that many guests arrive at the Long Barn, park the car and barely use it again until it's time to head home.

There's a saying locally that once you drive over the cattle grid into Appleton le Moors, you enter the "Appleton Bubble", where life slows down to the pace of the wandering sheep. It really can feel like stepping into a different rhythm for a few days.

There are several circular walks directly from the door to suit different ages and abilities, from gentle village strolls to longer walks across the North York Moors. One route even takes in five pubs, two cafés and an ice cream shop along the way. Our own local pub, the Moors Inn, is just a few minutes' walk from the barn and is perfect for supper or a quiet drink. The beer garden views are worth lingering over too.

The surrounding area is especially good for walking, cycling and wildlife spotting. The North York Moors has recognised us as dark skies, cycling and wildlife friendly, whether you fancy tackling Rosedale Chimney Bank, known locally as the "Chain Breaker", or taking a slower wander through the woods around Appleton listening for woodpeckers and watching for deer and hares.

And sometimes the nicest thing to do is simply stay put. Depending on when you visit, there may be village events to enjoy too, from exhibitions and film nights at the Reading Room to jazz afternoons and pub fundraising events. Or you may simply decide that a glass of wine in the courtyard garden and an evening under the stars sounds perfect instead.

Is the Long Barn peaceful?

The slower pace of life is something many guests remember long after they leave.

Once you drive over the cattle grid into Appleton le Moors, life seems to slow down a little. Cars stay parked up. Walks replace rushing around. Conversations get longer. People spend more time outdoors. We often joke about living in the "Appleton Bubble", and you'll soon understand why.

The village setting feels wonderfully removed from the pace of everyday life. There are walks from the door, a friendly local pub a few minutes away, and plenty of places to simply sit and take in the surroundings.

During the day you'll hear birdsong drifting across the village. At night, the soundtrack changes to the occasional hoot of an owl. We are also in a designated Dark Sky Discovery area, so on clear evenings you'll see stars and constellations that are often hidden by light pollution elsewhere. On particularly special nights, you might even spot the Milky Way or the Northern Lights.

It's not silent, and we wouldn't want it to be. It's simply a gentler pace of life for a few days.

Can we walk to the pub?

Yes. The Moors Inn is just a few minutes' walk from the Long Barn, making it one of the things guests love most about staying here.

It's a genuine village pub with a warm welcome, excellent food, local ales and a good selection of wines and spirits. Whether you're stopping in for a pint after a walk, a family meal or a celebratory dinner, it's a real asset to village life.

It's also dog friendly, family friendly and refreshingly unpretentious. Unlike some country pubs, conversations don't stop when visitors walk through the door.

If the weather is kind, make sure you spend a little time in the beer garden. The views are worth it.

Are there walks from the door?

More than you could comfortably fit into a single stay.

Some of our favourite walks are printed out in the Long Barn, complete with maps and directions, and you'll find links to many more in our digital guide.

The beauty of walking from Appleton is the variety. You can head out for a gentle wander around the village lanes, explore local woods and fields, or set off on a longer day walk across the North York Moors.

Many routes take in local pubs and cafés along the way, while others offer wonderful views, wildlife spotting opportunities and a chance to experience the landscape at a slower pace.

What wildlife might we see?

One of the pleasures of staying in the North York Moors is the variety of wildlife you can encounter without travelling very far.

Around Appleton, we regularly see roe deer, hares, barn owls, pheasants, partridge and a wide variety of garden and woodland birds. Head up onto the moors and you're likely to spot curlews and grouse, while a trip to the coast brings opportunities to see seals, seabirds and, if you're lucky, dolphins.

We're enthusiastic users of the Merlin Bird App ourselves and are continually surprised by the number of species we hear and see. A recent dawn chorus walk produced a tally of 38 different birds.

If you happen to spot the elusive turtle dove during your stay, do let us know.

What local events take place?

There's always something happening in this part of North Yorkshire, although the calendar becomes especially busy during the spring and summer months.

We particularly enjoy the North Yorkshire Open Studios, local open gardens, village shows, farmers' markets and the many music festivals held across the region.

One highlight is the North York Moors Chamber Music Festival. The village gets involved each year by hosting musicians and helping behind the scenes, which creates a wonderful atmosphere.

Throughout the summer you'll also find agricultural shows, community events, exhibitions, concerts and village celebrations taking place nearby.

We always try to let guests know about events happening during their stay so they can make the most of what's on locally.

What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in is from 4.00pm and check-out is by 9.30am.

The Long Barn is a large property, and our team needs time between stays to clean, prepare and make sure everything is ready for the next group arriving.

That said, if we're able to offer an earlier check-in on the day of your arrival, we'll send you a message and let you know.

Can I charge my electric car at the Long Barn?

No, at present we don't have EV charging facilities on site.

However, there are several charging points nearby, including locations in Kirkbymoorside and Hutton-le-Hole. Full details can be found in our digital guide before your arrival.

Is the Long Barn accessible?

We want every guest to enjoy their stay and are committed to providing clear information so that guests can decide whether the Long Barn is suitable for their individual needs.

As the Long Barn and West Barn are Grade II listed buildings, accessibility improvements have to work within the constraints of the historic buildings and conservation requirements.

There are two ground-floor bedrooms. Bedroom 1 offers step-free access from the front door and has a walk-in shower with grab rail. We can also provide a shower stool and raised toilet frame with arms if required.

The Long Barn is built on a gentle slope and all the main living spaces can be accessed from outside without steps. Private parking is available immediately outside the barns.

We provide a detailed accessibility guide, floor plans, photographs and videos of the property on our website, and we're always happy to discuss any specific requirements before booking.

Do you provide travel cots and highchairs?

Yes.

We can provide up to three travel cots and three highchairs for younger guests. We also have children's crockery and cutlery available.

Just let us know what you'd like us to set up before you arrive.

Can we reach the Long Barn by public transport?

Yes, although most guests choose to arrive by car.

The nearest railway stations are Malton and Thirsk, both of which have good connections to York and the wider rail network.

If you're travelling by train, we're happy to recommend local taxi companies and advise on the best options for reaching Appleton le Moors. Because we are in a rural location, we suggest booking taxis in advance wherever possible.

There are also local bus services connecting nearby towns and villages, and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway operates seasonal services between Pickering and Whitby.

Can we arrange supermarket deliveries?

Yes, and many groups do.

All the major supermarkets deliver to the Long Barn, making it easy to stock up before or during your stay. We recommend arranging deliveries after you've arrived so that substitutions and missing items can be checked directly, but we're happy to help if timings don't quite work out.

The nearest supermarket is the Co-op in Kirkbymoorside, and we also have a list of local suppliers who offer excellent produce and, in some cases, delivery services.

Supporting local businesses is a great way to experience the area, and we're always happy to recommend our favourites.

Can we get married at the Long Barn?

Yes. From 2026, we will be licensed to host a small number of intimate weddings each year at the Long Barn, set within the North York Moors National Park.

For years, the Long Barn has been a place where people come together to celebrate. Big birthdays, family reunions, anniversaries and multi-generational gatherings have all filled the dining room with laughter, conversation and shared memories.

Weddings feel like a natural extension of that.

Rather than a traditional one-day event, the Long Barn offers the opportunity to gather your closest family and friends together for a few days, creating time to relax, celebrate and enjoy each other's company before and after the ceremony.

What makes the Long Barn suitable for intimate weddings?

We are not a traditional wedding venue, and we don't want to be.

The Long Barn offers something more personal: a beautifully restored barn in the North York Moors where up to fourteen guests can stay together under one roof and celebrate at a gentler pace.

There are long tables for shared meals, cosy corners for conversations, walks from the door and a welcoming village pub just a few minutes away. The atmosphere feels relaxed and informal, while still being special enough for one of life's biggest occasions.

Couples are often looking for less rushing, less logistics and more time with the people who matter most. That's exactly the sort of wedding the Long Barn is designed for.

Can dogs be part of the celebrations?

Absolutely.

We've always welcomed dogs at the Long Barn and weddings are no exception. If your dog is an important part of family life, they're welcome to be part of your celebrations too.

Over the years we've seen dogs involved in everything from family photos to important guest-greeting duties, and we know many couples wouldn't want to celebrate without them.

The same dog-friendly rules apply as for any stay, helping ensure everyone enjoys the occasion.

Can we decorate the West Barn?

Yes.

Ceremonies take place in the West Barn, a characterful and flexible space that can be styled to reflect your own vision for the day.

Some couples prefer a simple, understated look that allows the building's character to speak for itself, while others choose flowers, candles and decorations to create something more personal.

The space is intentionally flexible, allowing you to create a ceremony that feels true to you rather than following a standard venue template.

We simply ask that any decorations respect the historic nature of the building and can be removed without causing damage.

Can you recommend local suppliers?

Yes, and we're always happy to share our recommendations.

Over the years we've built relationships with a range of trusted local suppliers, including celebrants, photographers, florists, caterers, cake makers, musicians, hair and makeup artists, yoga instructors and event stylists.

We don't offer a formal wedding planning service, but we're happy to point couples towards people we've worked with before and who understand both the Long Barn and the style of wedding we host.

A smaller wedding also allows every detail to feel more personal, and having great local suppliers can make planning much easier.