It all started with a slightly mad idea
In 2012 we made a decision that felt slightly mad at the time.
After many years in corporate careers, we stepped away from the life we knew to create something of our own.
We weren’t looking for a typical holiday let. We were looking for a place where people could come together. Somewhere that would encourage families and friends to spend time together, make memories and enjoy everything we love about this corner of North Yorkshire.
That search eventually led us to Town End Farm.
The place we weren’t supposed to buy
When we first saw Town End Farm, it wasn’t what we thought we were looking for.
It was Grade II listed, in a conservation area and needed a huge amount of work. In fact, we’d previously said we wanted to avoid exactly that sort of project. But as we drove across the cattle grid and into the village, something felt different.
Fourteen years later, we’re very glad we ignored our own advice.
Creating a place for people to come together
The Long Barn didn’t happen by accident.
We spent a lot of time thinking about what makes a group stay enjoyable and what causes frustration. One thing became obvious very quickly.
Nobody likes drawing the short straw.
So we designed seven en-suite bedrooms that all feel equally comfortable. No box room. No awkward room above the kitchen. No queue for the bathroom.
Just seven bedrooms where everyone can settle in and feel at home.
The same thinking runs throughout the Long Barn.
Large dining spaces. Comfortable sofas. Plenty of hot water. Sharp kitchen knives. Enough glasses, pans and serving dishes for a full house.
Many of the detail’s guests comment on were included because we’ve stayed in group accommodation ourselves and know how much they matter.
The holiday where the cars don’t move
Over the years we’ve noticed a pattern.
Many groups arrive with ambitious plans. There are walks to do, villages to visit and days out carefully mapped on phones before they’ve even unpacked.
Then the weekend takes on a life of its own.
The cars stay parked. People walk to the pub. Coffee turns into a long chat in the courtyard. Someone decides to light the barbecue. Another bottle is opened over dinner. Children find their own adventures while everyone else catches up around the table.
And somehow, before you know it, it’s time to go home.
We even wrote a blog about it because it happens so often.
The stays that people remember most are not always the busiest ones. They’re often the ones where everyone simply had time to be together.
Why we still pinch ourselves
The North York Moors wasn’t somewhere we knew particularly well before moving here.
Now it’s home.
We still feel incredibly fortunate to live in a village where walks start from the front door, neighbours know each other and the pub is only a few minutes away. We love living within this wonderful community who also welcome our guests.
Over the years we’ve discovered favourite walks, hidden corners of the moors, independent cafés, beaches, villages and places we’d never have found as occasional visitors.
One of the things we enjoy most is helping guests discover them too.
Helping you make the most of your stay
Although the Long Barn is self-catering, we know that organising a group holiday can feel daunting.
Over the years we’ve helped guests organise milestone birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, family gatherings, yoga retreats, hen weekends and, more recently, intimate weddings.
We’re always happy to share local knowledge, recommend suppliers and help make plans come together.
Looking back, we’d do it all again
What began as a leap into the unknown has become something we’re incredibly proud of.
We’ve welcomed guests from across the UK and beyond, seen friendships celebrated, birthdays marked, families reunited and memories created.
Thank you to everyone who has chosen to spend time here.
We hope to welcome you too.