I have recently had a lovely weekend with friends staying in the Strawbale Cottage near Howden. This is a holiday cottage that is both spacious and cosy, with the wood burner providing heat throughout the cottage, as well as plenty of hot water. Although it is on a farm, with the Strawbale Cabin nearby, it is on its own secluded plot of land, with views of fields and trees from the windows.

There are plenty of walks accessible from the cottage itself, including the town of Howden. There are also many places of interest within easy reach by train or car, such as York, the Wolds, and nature reserves on the coast near Goole, as well as specialist shops selling local produce or artwork.

The strawbale walls are lovely and thick, giving deep window recesses. The spectacular clay tiled roof gives sloping ceilings in the upstairs bedrooms and bathroom, which is not a problem as the rooms themselves are spacious. There is plenty of space downstairs with the large lounge and kitchen-diner, with a separate study-bedroom off from the lounge. Also off to one side is a large shower-room, together with an area for boots and coats. It's just so well thought out for an enjoyable stay in the Yorkshire countryside.