An intimate hideaway just outside York

Willow Cottage is a quirky one-bedroom property set on two stories giving self-contained accommodation in a peaceful setting just outside York. There’s a bedroom that can be configured as a twin or a superking double, and a living room that can accommodate children in a pull-down double bed. It’s attached – literally – to Harmony House Bed and Breakfast, so if you want to add a cooked breakfast to your stay that can usually be arranged, subject to availability. 

Willow Cottage was a 17th century coach house and it still has the mirror where the servants could check their appearance before reporting for duty. It has now been refurbished with Willis and Gambier wooden furniture, Cole and Lewis toiletries and all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay.

The bedroom is on the first floor with an ensuite shower room. Downstairs there’s a small but well-equipped kitchen and a sitting room with a hidden bed and doors to the outside. There’s a small private terrace but this has access to the wider garden, as well as the Garden Room where breakfast is served if required. Harmony House is licensed so even if you fail at self-catering you can always cheer yourself up with a beer or a bottle of wine. 

Despite being on the outskirts of York, Willow Cottage – and Harmony House – has plenty of easy walks from the door and superdark skies: on a clear night it’s a stargazer’s paradise.

Harmony House B&B suggests:

Unlike Harmony House, Willow Cottage can accommodate dogs, though they do attract a fee of £30 per dog per stay. And though it generally sleeps two it can sleep two more if they’re happy to sleep on a pull-down double bed in the lounge.