Group Accommodation Cottages in North Yorkshire

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Confirmed Guest - Verified booking

  This is a very pretty cottage in a pleasant village. The setting is really fantastic, with views across to Castle Howard, a nice garden and outdoor table/seating. The downstairs rooms remained very cool during an extremely hot spell of weather. No welcome hamper is provided, but there was a voucher for the farm shop at Castle Howard and also a voucher giving free admission to the house and gardens on a day during our stay -- that was a nice surprise and of real value. The decoration and furniture of most of the cottage is 'vintage', including some items formerly from Castle Howard itself; the bathrooms are more modern and very good. Our only (very) small criticism would be to echo the earlier reviewers' comments about the kitchen -- it's a nice kitchen and generally well equipped, but (for instance) it was strange that there was no dish-drainer or flat baking tray, and the dishwasher was dirty and not very effective (e.g. tea stains and lipstick were visible on washed items). This didn't spoil our experience -- it was just a tiny drawback. There is a good and popular deli just down the road which we visited many times. We'd be very happy to return to the cottage in the future!

  Read more less >

• Walter - Verified booking

  Arrived at this property and it became obvious the 'parking' was not at the property but wherever you could find on the road into the town centre.

  We then went through an alleyway with broken glass and dog mess into the 'courtyard' gate is rotten and doesn't lock,covered in weeds and cigarette butt's. On entering the property it became obvious this property hadn't been properly cleaned for some time.You couldn't see through the kitchen window.The filth in the kitchen cupboards and chairs and floors was disgusting. The boiler wasn't working and we were told to turn it off with the noise coming from it.We phoned the owner hoping she would be appalled and we were told the cleaners hadn't been yet and hopefully someone would be out to look at the boiler the next day!I sent several photos to the owner,no reply!the cleaners turned up and said they were told to come back and do more cleaning.This was not a weeks level of dirt,I doubt it had had a proper clean for months.There was new towels and bedding with hairs all over them.No light fittings working at the top of the landing.Stains all over the sofa and chair.We left as we could not have stayed there,fithy and not as described and no hot water or heating.I would advise anyone to reconsider if thinking of staying here,still waiting for our refund

  Read more less >

• Confirmed Guest - Verified booking

  The house has pluses and minuses. It is tastefully furnished and decorated; the wallpapers and fabrics are quite charming.The bathrooms are very attractive and the walk in shower is splendidly hot. However, there were very few of the promised basic cleaning materials, no drainer; the drawers and cupboards in the cramped kitchen stuck, the sitting room was gloomy, so poorly lit. We did not use it. The hedges are overgrown and the picnic table is in the parking area with bins overflowing. There is a lawned area with stunning views; the hamlet of Welburn is very pretty; there is a friendly, popular bakery and delicatessen. The housekeeper never responded to my two calls for information, though someone from the Castle Howard estate did, four days afterwards. Rural Retreats is always responsive and caring. The company listens. We have used their services for years. The region is full of wondrous discoveries: gardens, old houses, landed estates, walks, priories. Well worth a special visit and more visits. London N1 Trusted customer

  Read more less >

• Natalie - Verified booking

  We had a great couple of weeks here in Esklets Cottage.

  The house was perfect for us, a family of four - 2 adults and 2 teens. Castleton is a really good base with walks straight out of the doors, great views, a pub, tearoom, coop and fancy deli all in the village itself. The village is also on a trainline which makes for car-free possibilities too and there's lots to do within striking distance by car as well. We swam in the sea, in waterfall pools and the gorgeous Helmsley open-air pool; walked by the sea, on the moors and in lovely dales; visited castles and abbeys and the excellent Ryedale Folk Museum and ate our own bodyweights in local cheeses and cream teas. The cottage itself had everythinhg we needed including a very well equipped kitchen with a large dining table and a place to sit outside. It's clear too that the owners have made a special effort to make their guests welcome - the information folders about the house and local area were brilliant and the homemade cake, eggs, milk and biscuits left for us on arrival were very welcome. Highly recommended.

  Read more less >

• Eileen - Verified booking

  Owl barn was beautiful!

  It was well furnished and spotlessly clean. Everything we needed was provided . As we opened the door we were greeted with a vase of flowers, a scrumptious cake, tea, coffee, wine and milk in the fridge - very thoughtful. Neil and Serena were very friendly and helpful and are rightly proud of their project. We enjoyed a few evenings playing darts in the Stumble Inn which was very quirky and great fun ! Be aware that the staircase in the third bedroom with the mezzanine bathroom could be difficult to negotiate for those of advancing years! The location was very peaceful, very quiet with views across the fields. You must be aware that this property isn’t in the village- it’s at least 2miles from anywhere. It’s a good half an hour or more to drive to Whitby or any other places if interest around some extremely winding and steep lanes - but that’s how it is in this part of the world!

  Read more less >