31 Bridge Street

This beautiful, newly refurbished 18th century cottage sits in the heart of the lovely North Yorkshire market town of Helmsley. Close to a variety of local amenities and things to do, the house comfortably sleeps six people and provides the ideal option for a relaxing, self-catering break. This gorgeous three bedroom cottage is the perfect spot to enjoy the bustling, charming, small town of Helmsley itself and also take in the surrounding rolling countryside of Ryedale, North Yorkshire Moors and beyond. Our home, with its welcoming feel, sits within the local community and is a place that our family love to escape to, whatever time of year. Much larger than it initially looks, this three bedroom cottage offers ample living space for six people but it is equally comfortable if you’re a couple as you can easily close off rooms and just use what you need to. At the front of the house, on the ground floor, there is a lovely sitting room with a large log burner, sofas and a tucked away TV. What ever the season this is a cosy room with its low ceilings, comfortable seating and nice lighting. That said, on cold days with the log burner roaring it really is a gorgeous space in which to unwind and relax. In addition, on the ground floor you have a downstairs loo but more importantly a beautiful, light and airy country kitchen with a dining table and a fabulous AGA Masterchef for those who like to cook; microwave, large fridge freezer and all cooking utensils. And at the rear of the house, beyond the kitchen is the conservatory. This room is again a spacious, light room with lots of seating, a log burner, so you can enjoy it on cooler days, and a TV. It works well as a second living space and, with the bifold doors at the end, opens up to be a great garden room. The long rear garden is private, enclosed and all yours. Upstairs, on the first floor, again you have low, beamed ceilings throughout. At the front there is a twin bedroom with views into the green fields of Duncombe Park, next to this is a nice double room bedroom and thirdly a bathroom with loo, bath and separate shower. And then up into the eaves of the house, there is a more private, larger bedroom with its own door at the bottom of the stairs, an adjoining bathroom with loo, sink and shower, a kingsize bed and views into the rear garden. To summarise what’s available to you in the house: Two log burners including fuel Two (brand new) showers Electricity throughout Full gas central heating Bed linen and towels included Two large flatscreen TVs DAB / FM radio Microwave Washing machine Dishwasher Large fridge/freezer Wi-Fi One travel cot One high chair Gun cabinet (lockable) Enclosed lawned garden with terrace and furniture Offroad parking at rear Welcome pack to help get you settled As Bridge Street is our home too, we ask a few things of you as guests. Firstly, and regrettably, we don't allow pets inside the property because of allergies and secondly, we ask you not to smoke anywhere in the house. Last thing: we’ve stylishly and responsibly newly refurbished Bridge Street. A lot of thought has gone into upcycling or carefully sourcing previously loved items so not everything matches but we feel this adds to the charm. Enjoy our house and the amazing Yorkshire countryside - we’ve given you tons of things to do in your guest info pack to help you get the most out of your stay. Guests will have access to the whole house and garden. I (Olivia) will be available to speak to you and discuss the house at any time before or during your stay. However, Ness Raw, who manages the cottage, is more locally based and is therefore the best point of contact for any immediate queries or concerns you might have, no matter how big or small. Her contact details will be in the Guest Information Pack. Situated on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors, nestled in James Herriot country, Helmsley is a picturesque, bustling Yorkshire market town. Surrounded by stunning countryside, and set within a busy working farming community, this is a perfect spot for long and short walks, delicious food, sightseeing or just generally relaxed. Helmsley itself has a lot on offer. Within walking distance of the house there are nice pubs, good restaurants, deli’s and even a beautiful ruined castle to wander around, so much so that you don’t really need to leave. Some favourites of ours include Summat's Brewin, a small microbrewery & pub which provides delicious local craft beer and then around the town square there are The Feathers, The Black Swan or The Feversham Arms. Then just outside Helmsley, there are also the Hare at Scawton and in Harome the Star Inn and The Pheasant. Manions is a gorgeous, small cafe that serves homemade gourmet food and great coffee. Also, the stunning five acre walled gardens (open from April to October) and its beautiful vine house cafe are truly unique. Then there is The Cafe on the Square, ideal for delicious cakes, light food and views over the market square and, not to forget, Ryeburn’s ice cream parlour offering award winning homemade ice cream. And just 10 minutes walk away from the house, is the Helmsley lido which is open daily between 11:45 and 19:00, from mid-June to early September. Ideally, to see the surrounding area you'd have a car. Helmsley is far from isolated, but it's also not in the thick of things, either. Trains: the nearest station is Thirsk, 25 mins away or 50 mins away is York, both on the east coast mainline. Driving: its 40 mins to the A1(M), 50 mins to York or 50 mins to Whitby and Scarborough, on the coast. Taxis: There are a number of local taxi firms and plenty of taxis from York. Close to Helmsley there are some renowned fine-dining restaurants including The Black Swan in Olstead or The Star Inn in Harome. Both offer superb Micheline Star dining in gorgeous settings. In Helmsley there are superb delicatessens and good produce shops. In this lovely location, amongst the rolling countryside, Helmsley has an art centre with a live-event and film programmes, the Helmsley Walled Gardens is five acres of closed gardens set beside the backdrop of the Normal castle ruins. There is Duncombe Park, a country estate and home to the National Centre of Birds of Prey. Around Helmsley there is a lot of walking to do including the Cleveland Way, on top of Sutton Bank and other country pursuits like horse riding and mountain biking. In Pickering,13 miles away, you can take the North York Moors steam train to the fishing port of Whitby with its cliff top abbey and old winding streets. Or visit the stunning abbey ruins at Rievaulx, or Byland, and then slightly beyond Fountains Abbey, in Ripon. The stately home of Castle Howard is 30 minutes away with beautiful house and grounds to visit, an amazing adventure playground for children and an excellent food shop. En route to Castle Howard the National Trust has Nunnington Hall which is worth taking in and Hovingham Bakery offers a good pit stop during the drive. The city of York is less than an hour away and is definitely worth visiting. York Minster is an utterly breath taking example of 13th century architecture and the medieval city itself has an abundance of shops, museums and restaurants.