Guests say
The Old Reading Room is a spacious, characterful cottage in a tranquil countryside setting, praised for its beautiful timber work, cosy atmosphere, and excellent location for exploring North Yorkshire. Guests love the open-plan living area, comfortable bedrooms, and peaceful surroundings with wildlife. While many found the property well-equipped and welcoming, some noted that maintenance and cleanliness could be improved. Overall, the property offers a charming and memorable stay, with its unique features and rural charm standing out.
Cleanliness received mixed feedback. Several guests found the property clean and comfortable, but a notable number mentioned issues such as dust, cobwebs, and the need for a deep clean, especially for soft furnishings and the kitchen. While not universally poor, cleanliness is an area with room for improvement.
The location is highly praised for its peaceful countryside setting, beautiful views, and proximity to local attractions, villages, and walking routes. Guests appreciated the tranquillity and easy access to North Yorkshire Moors and nearby towns.
Guests consistently described the cottage as cosy, spacious, and comfortable, with quality furnishings, a wood-burning stove, and restful bedrooms. A few minor issues with beds and towels were mentioned, but overall comfort was a strong positive.
Facilities are generally well-received, with guests enjoying the well-equipped kitchen, AGA, and spacious living areas. However, recurring maintenance issues such as a dripping tap, shower controls, broken light bulbs, and outdoor upkeep were frequently noted, indicating the need for some repairs and updates.
Many guests appreciated thoughtful touches such as prompt communication, helpful instructions, and occasional welcome gifts like crisps and biscuits. However, as these gifts are not guaranteed for every stay, future guests should not expect them as standard.
About this property
Former reading room transformed into a stunning home with beautiful beams and exposed stone work. Located just on the edge of the NYM.. 2 steps to entrance.
Ground Floor:
Open plan living space.
Living area: Freeview TV, DVD Player, Multi-Fuel Burner
Dining area.
Kitchen area: Electric Aga, Microwave, Fridge/Freezer, Dishwasher
Utility Room: Washing Machine
Bedroom 1: Kingsize (5ft) Bed
Ensuite: Slipper Bath With Shower Over, Toilet
Bedroom 2: Zip And Link Super Kingsize Bed (2 x Singles On Request)
Bedroom 3: Single (3ft) Bed
Bathroom: Roll Top Bath, Cubicle Shower, Toilet
First Floor:
Study: Galleried,.
Oil central heating (underfloor in bathrooms), electricity, bed linen, towels, Wi-Fi and fuel for multi-fuel burner included. Travel cot and highchair. . Enclosed lawned garden with courtyard, patio, summerhouse, patio and garden furniture. Private parking. No smoking.. Dating from the early 1900s, and formerly a reading room, this detached holiday property has been sympathetically restored with beautiful beams, exposed stonework, stone and oak floors, glass hallway and sumptuous furnishings and fabrics. Thimbleby village is on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, with a wealth of interesting walks and mountain bike trails through spectacular moorland. Visit York, Helmsley, Castle Howard and Fountains Abbey. Cod Beck Reservoir nearby. Shops and pubs 1 mile.
Please note: There are open, steep, spiral or narrow stairs at the property.
There are open, steep, spiral or narrow stairs at the property.
Nearby points of interest
- Rievaulx Abbey
Reviews (33)
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Ornlf
Beautiful property in a hamlet, but close to pubs in next village and easy access to A19. Lovely open plan living space, and sleeping area in separate part of the L- shaped living accommodation. Beds really comfortable and tastefully decorated bedrooms. The shower in the main bathroom is far too hot, I couldn’t use it (but was able to use the bath with shower attachment in ensuite). The kitchen area provided everything we needed, but I did struggle with the aga (although we didn’t cook much as ate out in nice local pubs). Really lovely sitting out area overlooking fields to sit out and have a glass of wine or morning coffee.
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Confirmed Guest
We had a lovely comfortable stay at this home filled with character. Home had all we needed and more with country views, log burner and open plan living made the whole space sociable. Quiet surroundings slept well.Aga instructions were helpful as we had never used one ! 2 fridges - quality appliances. Rabbits out in the garden was novel. Could walk to the next village where there were a couple of pubs and a village shop.Host was available if needed.
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Cathie Baker
Loved this place! Cozy and well equipped. Host was prompt with replies and very friendly. Lots of wildlife in the yard including the resident peacock! We were able to see so many sights without having to travel for hours so the location was ideal. The seco d fridge was very helpful as well. The only tiny thing I would say is that the towels need to be replaced.