You know you’ve hit the jackpot on your dog friendly accommodation when you’re staying in a luxury barn conversion nestled in the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire, and that’s exactly how we felt while staying at Lockwood Barn in the middle of July this year. We were invited along for a restful weekend to experience all it had to offer and we weren’t disappointed. Situated only 9 miles from the popular market town of Helmsley, you’ll find Lockwood Barn tucked away in the hamlet of Salton. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, Salton is the perfect place to soak up some much needed peace and quiet – away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The barn was converted into a home around 15 years ago and boasts an impressive, ground floor, open-plan layout, and Beth, the owner of Moors to Coast Cottages, has executed a recent renovation of the barn with exceptional flair. Follow this remarkable journey on the @moorstocoast Instagram page.
When entering through the stunning stable door—one of my favorite features—you immediately immerse yourself in the warm and welcoming atmosphere. And you quickly absorb the traditional country charm that meets modern design.
The kitchen is fully equipped with an array of utensils, a washing machine, and a dishwasher (tablets provided), and we were thrilled to discover an air fryer, undeniably an essential item in today’s kitchen.
The lounge provides a welcoming retreat to unwind in the evening after a day of exploring the beauty of North Yorkshire. The log burner is perfect for the colder months; although our weekend visit was pleasantly warm, I could easily envision how inviting it would be as we enjoyed some snacks while watching a film.
The beautifully designed dining area, a stunning addition to the original barn, boasts large floor to ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light, creating the sensation of dining in the garden. The fresh flowers on the table are just one of the many thoughtful touches that Beth adds to ensure your stay feels personal and inviting. I enjoyed my cup of tea and crumpets in the cosy chair while relaxing to the soothing sound of rain falling that Saturday morning. Additionally, you’ll find a comfortable dog bed and a basket filled with throws for your dog so no need to bring your own. The entire ground floor is elegantly finished in wood, providing dog owners the convenience of easy cleaning – I personally like to leave very little trace of my dogs in the properties we stay in.
Tucked at the back of the ground floor, you’ll discover a spacious first bedroom that radiates warmth, decorated in elegant pink hues and designed for ultimate comfort, complete with an ensuite featuring both a bath and a shower. Adjacent to the ensuite, there’s an additional toilet and a practical cupboard stocked with essential cleaning supplies, including a mop, bucket, and vacuum cleaner.
Take yourself upstairs and you find yourself on a charming mezzanine where the comfortable sofa just invites you to sit there and enjoy the moment. The soft furnishings make it an ideal spot for relaxation. You’ll find a great book to read or a game to play in the cabinet, offering countless hours of entertainment.
Just off the mezzanine, you’ll find the second bedroom, where subtle green tones create an inviting atmosphere. This room is just as spacious and welcoming as the first. It features an ensuite with a walk-in shower, providing added convenience. Both bedrooms can easily accommodate your preferences, whether you choose super-king beds or twin beds to suit your needs. Both bedrooms feature hanging space for your clothes along with dressing tables with mirrors.
Outside doesn’t disappoint either, and a big bonus for us travelling with our dogs was the enclosed garden, which provided a safe space for Finn and Bobby to play. The french doors in the dining area open out onto the large garden, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living, complete with garden furniture and luckily on our first night we enjoyed eating our tea in the sunshine.
Lockwood Barn’s host, Beth, has expertly created a dog-friendly accommodation that guests will eagerly want to return to. With thoughtful welcome gifts like homemade cakes, chocolate, wine, and delightful dog treats, alongside the charming upcycled furniture showcased throughout the property, it’s evident that an abundance of love and care has gone into creating this inviting holiday haven.
Places to visit during your stay
- Helmsley – Just a short 9 mile drive away and boasts an array of dog-friendly pubs and cafes. We recommend a walk from Helmsley to the Rievaulx Abbey or taking a wander around the peaceful Helmsley Walled Garden.
- Lockwood Barn is also close to Malton – known as Yorkshire’s ‘Food Capital’ where you’ll find many independent shops, artisanal delis, and fantastic restaurant.
- Attractions such as Castle Howard, Nunnington Hall and Flamingo Land are all within easy reach and dog friendly.
- Less than an hours drive, you’ll reach the North Yorkshire coast where there’s a choice of coastal towns and dog friendly beaches to visit.
If you think Lockwood Barn would be the perfect base for your next dog friendly holiday then pop over to @moorstocoast on Instagram and message Beth for availability and details, she’d love to hear from you.
Spaniels By The Sea 
Leave a comment