A joy to behold: built in 1750, a farmhouse for centuries, and home to the Land Army in World War II, Yew Tree Cottage (listed stone, end-of-terrace) stands on the broad main street of pretty Westow – right by a cosy, good pub! Owners Paul and Natasha bought Yew Tree in 2007, renovated all the old bits and made it shine again. It’s a delight to walk into, the quasi open-plan ground floor, with its oak floors and beams, its open fire in the dining room, wood stove in the sitting room, and modern stylish décor. It’s homely with luxurious touches: chic leather sofas, heated bathroom floor, feather pillows. There’s a welcome hamper in a Shaker-style kitchen (range cooker, double butler’s sink, American fridge), the dining room has a chunky oak table and the bedrooms are delicious, the main double with a smart TV. If it rains you have DVDs and good old-fashioned board games, too. If it shines, there are Howsham Hall’s woods to wander, Castle Howard to discover, magnificent Kirkham Priory down the road. And a sweet walled garden that catches the sun.
