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Kirkdale Cottage: a Hidden Gem, Helmsley (country cottage, sleeps 5)

Cottage with kitchen, near North York Moors National Park

Photo gallery for Kirkdale Cottage: a Hidden Gem, Helmsley (country cottage, sleeps 5)

Outdoor dining
Kirkdale with views
Outdoor dining
new kitchen (summer 2019), with washing machine, dishwasher and full size fridge freezer)
Private kitchen

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 567 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
York, North Yorkshire
  • Place, Hemsley Walled Garden
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Ampleforth Abbey
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Rievaulx Abbey
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Airport, Durham (MME-Teesside Intl.)
    ‪54 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom #1

1 King Bed

Bedroom #2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom #3

1 Single Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom #1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Kirkdale Cottage: a Hidden Gem, Helmsley (country cottage, sleeps 5)

Located within the Howardian Hills National Landscape, guests have described Kirkdale Cottage 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 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; 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, and one of a kind dog friendly pubs, cafes, restaurants and shops.

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 five), 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.

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 (sleeps 4, 3 dogs), Riccal Dale Cottage (sleeps 4, 2 dogs) and Ryedale Cottage (single storey, sleeps 4, no dogs). All properties can be booked together to provide an exclusive venue for family and friends reunions. In total our cottages sleep 17.

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 9:30 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

York

Located in York, this cottage is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at North York Moors National Park and Howardian Hills, while Helmsley Arts Centre and National Trust Nunnington Hall are cultural highlights. Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo and Yorkshire Lavender are also worth visiting. Make sure you don't miss outdoor adventures like cycling, hiking and mountain biking.
Map
York, North Yorkshire

What's nearby

  • Howardian Hills - 4 min drive - 4.3 km
  • Hemsley Walled Garden - 5 min drive - 4.0 km
  • Ampleforth Abbey - 6 min drive - 5.5 km
  • National Trust Nunnington Hall - 9 min drive - 11.5 km
  • Rievaulx Abbey - 9 min drive - 9.2 km

Getting around

  • Thirsk Station - 21 min drive
  • Durham (MME-Teesside Intl.) - 58 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Fairfax Arms - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Feathers Hotel - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪The Plough Inn - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Hearts Of Ampleforth - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The Star Inn - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Kirkdale Cottage: a Hidden Gem, Helmsley (country cottage, sleeps 5) pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Kirkdale Cottage: a Hidden Gem, Helmsley (country cottage, sleeps 5)?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Kirkdale Cottage: a Hidden Gem, Helmsley (country cottage, sleeps 5)?

Checkout is at 9:30 AM.

Where is Kirkdale Cottage: a Hidden Gem, Helmsley (country cottage, sleeps 5) located?

Situated in a rural location, this cottage is within 3 miles (5 km) of Duncombe Park, North York Moors National Park and Helmsley Arts Centre. Cleveland Way and Howardian Hills are also within 3 miles (5 km).

About the host

Hosted by Dave Wells

Host profile image
Helen grew up in nearby Thirsk and has family close by. Having lived in Leeds for many years, Helen and Dave wanted a change of scenery and they certainly got the scenic views they were looking for after a 4 year search. They fell in love with Sproxton Hall Cottages the moment they pulled into the driveway on a cold, snowy February morning and by the time they left they were full of plans.

Being surrounded by nature and dogs is what makes us happy - whatever the season there is always something different to see. Dave enjoys cycling and motorbiking through the quiet country lanes on to the North York Moors National Park and to the coast - he knows the best cafes as well as the best dog friendly year-round beaches.

Dave has been utilising his flooring and woodworking skills to modernise the four holiday cottages and we have plans for more work on the grounds in 2025. Helen enjoys sewing, particularly home furnishings and vintage clothing. Both take an active role in village life - Sproxton is a small friendly community that will give you a true Yorkshire welcome.

Our own cottage (Bransdale Cottage) is directly behind the holiday cottages and has its own garden and does not overlook the holiday cottages. This means we are on hand to answer any questions or provide hands-on assistance.

Our collection of rescue spaniels mean that we know the local walks very well - including the quieter walks and those with breathtaking views. We can point you off the beaten track or to the well-known walks such as the Cleveland Way.

Why they chose this property

We love the variety of the landscape - from the rolling hills of the Howardian Hills National Landscape to the rugged beauty of the North York Moors National Park, and onwards to the heritage coastline. Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay are particular favourites but in the peak season you're more likely to find us at the quieter year-round beaches (approx 30-35 miles away).

In the summer season there are several country fairs and agricultural shows - something that North Yorkshire does best and bring our rural heritage to life. Helmsley, Malton and surrounding villages have a growing reputation for excellent restaurants - several of Michelin quality and others with unique settings or rural charm.

In the autumn and spring, the changing colours of nature allow us to take a step back, a deep breath and feel refreshed on a country dog walk.

Christmas is a delight - Helmsley is picture-perfect with traditional lights and tree, plus Castle Howard's displays are legendary. York's Christmas market is a special treat, especially when combined with a day sightseeing the historic gems within the city walls.

What makes this property unique

Sproxton Hall Cottages are the only holiday cottages with far reaching views over both the Howardian Hills National Landscape and the North York Moors National Park - views you could stare at all day and changing over the seasons.

We are the only holiday cottages in the area to have two dog exercise paddocks and a bridleway at the end of the drive.

The tranquility of the cottages is particularly appreciated by guests who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and be immersed in a natural landscape. The peacefulness is particularly appreciated over the fireworks season in November and New Year's Eve - we haven't heard fireworks since we moved here and our two spaniels snoozed through undisturbed.

Languages:

English