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Sproxton Hall Cottages - A hidden gem near Helmsley, for 17 guests in beautiful countryside

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Outdoor dining
Exterior
Outdoor dining
Aerial view
Outdoor dining

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
9 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 17

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
York, North Yorkshire
  • Hemsley Walled Garden
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Ampleforth Abbey
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Rievaulx Abbey
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Harrogate (HRT-RAF Linton-on-Ouse)
    ‪50 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

9 bedrooms (sleeps 17)

Bedroom #1

1 King Bed

Bedroom #2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom #3

1 Single Bed

Bedroom #4

1 Double Bed

Bedroom #5

2 Single Beds

Bedroom #6

1 Double Bed

Bedroom #7

2 Single Beds

Bedroom #8

1 Double Bed

Bedroom #9

2 Single Beds

4 bathrooms

Bathroom #1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom #2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom #3

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom #4

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Sproxton Hall Cottages - A hidden gem near Helmsley, for 17 guests in beautiful countryside

The cottages are popular with large family groups and for reunions with friends. There is plenty of space to get together and socialise, with the added benefit of having private accommodation in smaller groups. Guests love sitting in the courtyard garden or having a BBQ whilst younger members of the group play games on the large lawned area - all overlooking beautiful countryside. Our grounds are enclosed and if booking all four cottages, there will be no other guests on site.

This listing is for all four cottages to sleep up to 17 guests, plus babies/infants aged up to 2 in cots. Each cottage is available to book individually (or in combination) - see our separate listings for Ryedale Cottage (sleeps 4), Riccal Dale Cottage (sleeps 4), Bilsdale Cottage (sleeps 4) and Kirkdale Cottage (sleeps 5). The calendar on this listing only shows dates when all 4 cottages are available; we have more availability for booking 1 to 3 cottages - please contact us with your requirements or check individual cottage listings. Three of the cottages are dog friendly, all are non-smoking, and one cottage provides easier access (single storey).

Featuring exposed stone walls, wooden beams and other original features, the cottages offer a unique, cosy and relaxing setting for your holiday.

There are plenty of country walks from our doorstep, as well as further afield, plus use of our enclosed dog exercise paddock. 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. Sproxton Hall Cottages offer far reaching views across the Howardian Hills National Landscape and are located on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. We are 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 numerous pubs, cafes and restaurants.

The cottages are an ideal base for day trips for all ages: historic castles, abbeys, museums and country estates; cycling and walking routes for all abilities; theme parks; and sightseeing. We are within easy reach of the North Yorkshire coast (Whitby, Scarborough, Robin Hoods Bay), Pickering, York, and 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/Harry Potter country to the coast at Whitby. Popular attractions for children include Helmsley and Pickering Castles, Go Ape at Dalby Forest, Flamingo Land and Lightwater Valley theme parks, and the chocolate and Viking experiences in York.

There is a wide choice of traditional pubs in surrounding villages and Helmsley hosts a number of cafes, restaurants, and pubs, including a micro-brewery and many are dog friendly.

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. We provide a dog shower, throws & towels, plus bowls.

Due to our quiet rural location we welcome family groups and relaxed reunions but do not allow parties, including stag and hen parties. We live on site - our cottage is behind the holiday cottages and not overlooking them, with our own garden but with shared access of the drive and courtyard.

Property manager

Dave Wells

Languages

English
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Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
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

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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. Helmsley Arts Centre and National Trust Nunnington Hall are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Ampleforth College Golf Club and Easingwold Golf Club. Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo and Yorkshire Lavender are also worth visiting. Explore all the area has to offer with horse riding, hiking and mountain biking.
Map
York, North Yorkshire

What's nearby

  • Duncombe Park - 3 min drive - 2.9 km
  • Hemsley Walled Garden - 4 min drive - 3.6 km
  • Ampleforth Abbey - 8 min drive - 7.0 km
  • Rievaulx Abbey - 8 min drive - 7.7 km
  • Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo - 24 min drive - 27.0 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪The Star Inn - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Kirks Coffee House & Kitchen - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Helmsley Brewing Co - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Cafe Williams - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Fairfax Arms - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Sproxton Hall Cottages - A hidden gem near Helmsley, for 17 guests in beautiful countryside pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Sproxton Hall Cottages - A hidden gem near Helmsley, for 17 guests in beautiful countryside?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Sproxton Hall Cottages - A hidden gem near Helmsley, for 17 guests in beautiful countryside?

Checkout is at 9:30 AM.

Where is Sproxton Hall Cottages - A hidden gem near Helmsley, for 17 guests in beautiful countryside 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. Howardian Hills and Cleveland Way are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 3 out of 3 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 3 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 3 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 3 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 3 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Marybeth M., Wilton CT

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sproxton Cottages

We loved the cottages. They were clean, comfortable and well-provisioned. The owners could not have been more accommodating to our group.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kate B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing location, beautiful houses and perfect for large numbers of friends getting together!!

Everything was easy and stress free. :)
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Milly D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

MUST STAY! The most wonderful cottages, hosts and area

Wow! These cottages are BEAUTIFUL. Helen and Dave were the most wonderful hosts and couldn’t have been more helpful both in the run up to and during our stay. The cottages are beautiful, clean and cosy and have just what you need for a week/ weekend away. The set up is fantastic too - each house has its own living space, bathroom and kitchen but there’s enough space to congregarte in one living room if needed. In summer the outside would be perfect! In terms of things to do in the are - there’s plenty from walks to the quaint village centre with pubs and shops. We went to the White Swan, Ampleforth and La Trattoria, Helmsley for dinner and Barkers Cafe - which I’d highly recommend. We also booked Anne Little for a Zumba class in Harome village hall too - great laugh for something a bit different! Really highly recommend Sproxton cottages and would definitely return ourselves!! Thanks to Dave and Helen
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022

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.

Our cottages are also unique locally as being suitable for family and friends reunions - sleeping up to 17 guests across the 4 cottages.

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. Bilsdale is unique out of the four holiday cottages in that it has a new enclosed private garden - designed with dogs in mind.

Languages:

English