A HOLIDAY home in the Yorkshire Dales has scooped a national award for its stunning countryside views.

Three Peaks Barn at Chapel-le-Dale, near Ingleton, was recognised as the best in the country in the awards run by rental firm Sykes Holiday Cottages.

Owner Ian Handley has lived and worked at Gunnerfleet Farm, all his life and, in 2012, decided to renovate the barn with wife Diane.

Its idyllic location offers views of the Three Peaks and Ribblehead Viaduct, and in just nine months the barn was converted, with the help of a local builder. The Handleys say it has been solidly booked with guests since it came up for rent six years ago.

The six-bedroom, oak-beamed property is ideal for extended families and groups of friends, and has a private hot tub.

The Sykes Gem Awards for holiday cottage accommodation are in their second year, and the Best for Views category attracted more than 200 entrants.

As well as the views, judges were impressed by the style and facilities on offer at Three Peaks Barn, as well as its occupancy rate and guest feedback on cleanliness, comfort, location and value for money.

The couple have since bought and renovated two more properties, including a seven-bedroom farmhouse in Sedbergh with indoor pool and sauna, which picked up the Best for Large Groups prize. The couple next barn project is set to open in spring 2019.

“We’re over the moon to pick up not one but two gold Sykes Gem Awards as there’s definitely some tough competition out there,” said Mrs Handley. “We love that we get to share Three Peaks Barn with visitors from around the world as it’s been in the family for decades.”