Do we dare to dream of family reunions, celebrations with friends and a sociable summer in Yorkshire? These are some spaces close to home to share with your favourite people.

Great British Life: Gayle Hall Barns (c) Ian Hill PhotographersGayle Hall Barns (c) Ian Hill Photographers (Image: Ian Hill Photographers)

Gayles Barn, Richmond

This converted barn near Richmond and Swaledale has two adjoining properties so would be perfect for a long-awaited friends or family reunion. Your home would be in Shearing Shed or Sheep Dip with acres of space indoors and out, lashings of fresh air on the doorstep and plenty of room to roam and ramble.

The fun stuff: Outside there’s a patio garden with outdoor furniture, barbecue, shepherd’s hut, and a hot tub as well as a fire pit for marshmallows and memories.

Shop at: A wealth of good grocers and butchers nearby in Richmond and Barnard Castle and farm shops Cross Lanes Organic Farm and Mainsgill Farm Shop on the A66.

Take a trip: Richmond Castle and its riverside walk are worth a ramble as is the Richmond to Easby Abbey trail.

Sleeps: 10+4. From £410 per night.

Great British Life: Barn at Long Marston (c) Ian Hill PhotographersBarn at Long Marston (c) Ian Hill Photographers (Image: Ian Hill Photographers)

Barn at Long Marston

On the outskirts of York, not far from Wetherby and the A1, this luxurious barn has great access for travelling families but lies hidden away on a private country estate. It’s an airy, space-filled destination for all-generation family get-togethers or celebrations with friends.

The fun stuff: There’s a bar for mixing up some cocktails in the evenings and the option of a hot tub in the garden. A Sonos music system, 50-inch smart TV and a Playstation sort out the entertainment and you can pull up a stool at the bar and enjoy a drink before dinner. Floor-to-ceiling windows on either side give access to the front garden and courtyard where you can enjoy a barbecue or a drink outside.

Shop at: The Organic Pantry at Rudgate, near Tadcaster, and Sykes House Farm, near Wetherby.

Take a trip: Explore the city of York, the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. You’ll find endless walking, cycling and catching a glimpse of some of the local wildlife oppotunities..

Sleeps: 12. From £500 per night.

Great British Life: Broadgate Farm Cottages (c) Ian Hill PhotographersBroadgate Farm Cottages (c) Ian Hill Photographers (Image: Ian Hill Photographers)

Broadgate Farm Cottages, Beverley

In the heart of the Yorkshire Wolds, this cluster of converted buildings, including accessible properties, are a fine idea for a group of families in search of their own spaces (and dare we say solitude?) but with lots of sociable outdoor spaces to gather in the fresh air.

The fun stuff: A mighty 19 acres of grass for a game of multi-generation rounders, and wildlife-friendly woodland. A very special outdoor seating area with rugs, benches, a firepit and far-reaching views.

Shop: Stock up on provisions at the famous Beverley Market

Take a trip: Nearby is the pretty village Walkington, which is just a short stroll away with pubs and a coffee shop. It’s a pretty walk through Beverley Westwood or explore the Yorkshire Wolds, a broad crescent of rolling chalk hills and valleys.

Sleeps: 17 in total (five cottages). From £490 per week.

Great British Life: Dales House (c) Ian Hill PhotographersDales House (c) Ian Hill Photographers (Image: Ian Hill Photographers)

Dales House, Harrogate

Just a short hop from Harrogate, this is basically your very own super-glam boutique hotel on the edge of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, sitting in 100 acres of private estate with the views over the Washburn Valley. The large garden and luxurious hot tub catches the eye as you arrive at Dales House, and a conservatory sits at the front of the house enjoying restful views. Inside, a welcome hamper awaits you with sweet treats from iconic Yorkshire tea rooms, Bettys.

The fun stuff: A games room with pool table and bar gives you yet another place to hang out, and there’s entertainment all over the house with sounds from the Sonos music system and wifi available in every room. You can even hire a treehouse in the grounds if you’re planning a special event – catered dinner parties can be arranged – or get a barbecue started in the stunning gardens.

Shop at: Fodder in Harrogate is always a good spot to start your hunt for a feast of Yorkshire produce

Take a trip: Would you want to even leave? Maybe take time to explore the charming town of Pateley Bridge and support its friendly independent shops.

Sleeps: 12. From £3950 per week.

Great British Life: Yurtshire (c) Ian Hill PhotographersYurtshire (c) Ian Hill Photographers (Image: Ian Hill Photographers)

Yurtshire, Ripon

If you’re ready for a taste of the real outdoors, time for some glamping – you can even keep up the social distancing if needs be. On the fringes of the Yorkshire Dales, Yurtshire is a collection of six yurts, each of which comes with its own private amenities. Gather your gang and stay in rustic-chic yurts, all of which have their own internal kitchens and private bathroom facilities. Cutlery, crockery, toiletries and furniture are provided for the duration of your stay, right down to the gas for your cooker’s two ring burner. Just sit back and take in the big skies and fresh air,

The fun stuff: Each yurt is suitable for up to five guests, and comes fully furnished with a double bed, double futon and single futon. Outside each yurt you’ll find your very own barbecue, fire pit, wooden decking and even hot tub. This means Yurtshire is a great place to take in the long evening light of Yorkshire. Spend hours either grilling some local meat, drinking a glass of wine as the sun sets, or sitting around the firepit with your nearest and dearest, shooting the breeze back together again.

Shop at: Minskip Farm Shop near Ripon, is relatively close – depending on your direction of travel.

Take a trip: Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal are near neighbours and there are plenty of easy walks on the doorstep.

Sleeps: Six yurts available – each sleep five. From £108 per night.

Great British Life: Highside Farm (c) Ian Hill PhotographersHighside Farm (c) Ian Hill Photographers (Image: Ian Hill Photographers)

Highside Farm, Richmond

Grand views of the Dales with your morning coffee are order of the day with this delicious period property. It’s a grand place with a sleek, ultra-modern interior, with floors of timber and stone. From the open-plan ground floor with its communal living spaces, a striking spiral staircase rises up to the first and second floors.

The fun stuff: A sitting room on the ground floor contains a grand piano and is the perfect spot for post-supper drinks at the end of a long day. In the summer months the terrace is where guests tend to spend most of their time firing up the grill to prepare some high quality local meat.

Shop at: Campbells in Leyburn is a treat for foodies with the best local food producers and an impressive wine bar/shop

Take a trip: Reeth and Hawes are lovely, long established market towns bustling with activity and charm. A cyclist’s paradise, with the famous Swale Trail easily accessible.

Sleeps: 22. From £800 per night.