HOLIDAY home owners have carried off the prize for the best National Park property with their converted barn in a national competition involving thousands of properties.

John Brooks and Lynn Bowler picked up the award for their property in Goathland in the North York Moors National Park. The Long Barn took home the gold trophy in the National Park section of the competition run by Sykes Gem Awards.

Before turning their hand to holiday letting, Lynn, formerly a property lawyer, and John who was a firefighter spent years gathering inspiration for their dream holiday home staying in cottages across the UK.

The Northern Echo:

The Long Barn was praised for its rural charm and spectacular location. John said they have been renting it out since 2017 and reaped the rewards of a surge in staycations in North Yorkshire. Sleeping eight it's ideal for groups of friends and families.

John said: "We’ve put so much into making The Long Barn a success, and constantly get great feedback from our visitors, but an award like this really does mean a lot. The trophy will definitely be given pride of place in the cottage.

"We love offering visitors a home away from home and a chance to escape the hustle and bustle, recharge their batteries and spend quality time with friends and family. Our guests really love gathering to watch passing steam trains on the Moors Railway, a spectacle enjoyed by young and old."