Meet the Escape Owners…Kipling House Barn Yorkshire
We’ve returned to our popular ‘Meet the Escape Owners’ journal series for 2024, and first this year we’d love to introduce you to Becky, owner of Kipling House Barn in Yorkshire. Find out more about the inspiration and story behind her stunning converted granary in the East Yorkshire Wolds!
Can you tell us a little about you and the name of your escape?
Hi, my name is Becky and I run Kipling House Barn with the help of my mum Sarah. I was working as a surveyor in Cambridge when my mum mentioned that she needed a manager for the barn conversion she was renovating into a large holiday let.
Fed up with my desk job, I decided to move back to the Yorkshire countryside and take on the role of manager. By Easter 2021, I had moved back to the Yorkshire Wolds and bought a puppy called Poppy! Now I manage this exclusive use escape on the family farm, and also help out in the farm office. 
Can you tell us a little more about your escape?
Kipling House Barn is a renovated old granary situated on a family farm on the top of the Yorkshire Wolds. The Yorkshire Wolds are a series of rolling hills stretching from the river Humber up to Filey in East Yorkshire. We have a glass frontage to the main kitchen/living/dining area which overlooks this breathtaking countryside.
We have 8 en-suite bedrooms and can sleep 19 in beds with space for 22 with sofa beds. We have one designated accessible bedroom with a very stylish wet-room en-suite on the ground floor. Two other bedrooms are on the ground floor. All rooms are a generous size, so it’s a perfect retreat to get the whole family together while still have space to fully relax after a busy day!
What inspired you to ensure your escape was accessible?
When we started looking at our target market, which was big family get-togethers, we imagined celebrating with our own family. I am lucky enough to still have three grandparents, two of which are 93! They are all still very fit but we knew we needed a good accessible en-suite to future proof for their reduced mobility – and surely other people’s grandparents too.
This then got us thinking about other accessibility needs, and during the design process we quickly realised that there were lots of options to make these features blend seamlessly with the rest of the Barn’s interior. We have now welcomed lots of groups with different requirements and are always looking at ways we can improve and features we can add to make the Barn welcoming for all.
What is unique about your escape?
Having 8 en-suite bedrooms allows a big group to spend quality time together while still maintain space to break away for some peaceful alone time. Oh, and definitely our breathtaking views of the Yorkshire Wolds!
Do you have a favourite local accessible café, restaurant or pub?
We have lots of great spots to eat in East Yorkshire, but two of my favourites are the friendly café ‘Fiddle Drill’ at Goodmanham, or for a special occasion the Michelin starred Pipe and Glass at South Dalton really is a treat https://www.pipeandglass.co.uk/. Both have wheelchair-accessible WCs and are ramp accessible.
Can you recommend any local accessible attractions or activities?
For the family, William’s Den near North Cave. It is a fantastic spot to burn through some of the kids’ energy! They have ramps to each play station allowing everyone to access some of each area. There are lots of WC facilities including a fully accessible WC with a ceiling track hoist and height adjustable wash basin. https://www.williamsden.co.uk/accessibility
We are also only 30 minutes from Bridlington which has some areas of beach that have wooden walkways allowing wheelchair users to enjoy the sandy beach.
Finally, just a trip out to Beverley would be a great day out for all. A section of the Westwood (a large open green space) has a tarmacked path, and the town is incredibly friendly and accommodating with lots of cafes, shops and seasonal attractions. Not to mention the town is exceptionably dog friendly!
The best part about welcoming guests to your accessible escape?
Definitely that I get to meet lots of people from all over the UK and sometimes from abroad! I also love seeing families that live miles apart come together for some quality time.
Many thanks to Becky for giving us an insight into the inspiration and story behind Kipling House Barn. If you’d love to find out more and plan a visit, just click on our link below!
https://accessibleholidayescapes.co.uk/escapes/kipling-house-barn/