Notes from the host
Kirkdale Cottage
Located within the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, guests have described us as a 'hidden gem'. The cottage is a converted 18th century stone farm building, retaining original timbered ceilings and stone walls. Set in open countryside with stunning views, the cottage blends new modern comforts with historic features. The cottage has a large welcoming lounge with log burner and window seat, a new well equipped kitchen with dining area. Upstairs there are three bedrooms (sleeping five), and a bathroom. Kirkdale Cottage is popular with families and couples wanting to relax in a rural cottage setting, and is particularly of interest to dog owners who welcome the enclosed dog exercise paddock and country walks from the doorstep. Up to 3 dogs welcome to stay (downstairs only); we have an outside dog shower and provide towels. The cottage has use of a table and seating area outside in the garden, and guests are welcome to use the picnic benches on the large lawn. We are in a tranquil location in a rural agricultural community, but with the benefit of easy access to a range of tourist destinations and sporting activities. The cottage is easily accessible to the Yorkshire Moors, Dales, Coast and York. With countryside walks on the doorstep, the cottage is less than 2 miles from the small picturesque market town of Helmsley - with its castle, walled gardens, spa hotel facilities, heated outdoor swimming pool in summer (closed 2020), numerous pubs, cafes and restaurants.
Featuring exposed stone walls, wooden beams and other original features, the cottage offers a historic and relaxing setting for your holiday. The kitchen includes a dishwasher, washing machine, microwave oven, toaster, kettle, fridge freezer, iron, hob & oven. The cottage is centrally heated; the bathroom has a shower cubicle (no bath); we offer free parking for guests. Downstairs the cottage has a living room with exposed Yorkshire stone walls and original features from its earlier use as a farm building. The living room has a log burner, TV, two sofas (seating six), window seat, side and coffee tables. The living room opens into the dining area (a table and six chairs) and kitchen. The three bedrooms comprise: bedroom 1 has a king size bed (which can also be arranged as two single beds); bedroom 2 has a double bed; and bedroom 3 has one single bed. All bedrooms have wardrobe and other storage. The bathroom has a toilet, hand basin and shower cubicle. Kirkdale Cottage is one of four holiday cottages at Sproxton Hall Cottages. All benefit from the shared use of our landscaped grounds which include a courtyard garden with outdoor furniture, a large lawned area with picnic benches and an enclosed dog exercise paddock. The cottages have on-site parking for up to 2 cars per cottage. We provide bed linen, towels, tea towels as well as essentials to get you started including tea, coffee, sugar, toilet rolls, washing up liquid, and soap. There is a small supermarket less than 2 miles away.
The cottage is popular with walkers, cyclists and families wanting to explore North Yorkshire - we are within easy reach of the North Yorkshire coast (Whitby, Scarborough, Robin Hoods Bay), Pickering, York, Castle Howard. We are a stones throw from Ampleforth Abbey, The White Horse at Kilburn and the stunning views of Sutton Bank. York is less than 25 miles away and has been voted Britain's most popular city due to its castle, walls, museums, shops and Minster; it is particularly popular with our guests whatever the weather. The picturesque steam railway from Pickering crosses Goathland/Heartbeat country to the coast at Whitby; Flamingo Land (near Malton) offers a different kind of day out - with its zoo and theme park. There are plenty of nature walks into the quiet countryside from our doorstep, as well as further afield. There is a wide choice of traditional pubs in surrounding villages (details of menus and discounts for guests are available) and Helmsley hosts a number of cafes, restaurants (Indian, Italian), and pubs, including a micro-brewery. Many of Helmsley's amenities welcome dogs. Local taxi service available if needed.
We are open all year and guests love to enjoy the changing seasons, making use of the log burner in the colder months. We are popular with dog owners in November and New Year due to our quiet location (the lack of fireworks). If Kirkdale Cottage is not available please take a look at our other cottages (sproxtonhallcottages.co.uk): Bilsdale Cottage (newly renovated, sleeps 4, dog friendly), Riccal Dale Cottage (newly renovated, sleeps 4, dog friendly) and Ryedale Cottage (single storey, sleeps 4 and also modernised with new furniture, no dogs). All properties can be booked together to provide an exclusive venue for family and friends reunions. In total our cottages sleep 17.
