The Grocers' Houses
Formerly home to a Georgian blacksmith and wheelwright as well as the village grocer, The Grocers’ Houses on Yorkshire’s Nunnington Estate combine historical character with beautiful interior design. Gather friends and family here and have the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at your fingertips, promising hours of invigorating country walks fuelled by pauses in cosy pubs. The River Rye flows past the cottages and is sure to appeal to fans of fly fishing as well as tempt relaxed strolls along its banks. With the historic houses of Castle Howard and Nunnington Hall also lying just a short distance away, it’s the perfect base from which to explore North Yorkshire.
Wrays Cottage is the larger of the two and sleeps eight guests in four bedrooms. Lawns flank the rear and side of the cottage while the raised deck commands picturesque views across the river and surrounding countryside. Enter into the snug, where you’ll find cosy seating and a historic map of the estate hanging on the powder-blue walls. A utility room lies next door, as does a handy downstairs bathroom complete with a roll-top bath.
At the heart of the cottage is the welcoming country kitchen, where bar seating gathers around a wooden countertop and a farmhouse kitchen table creates the perfect place for breakfast. The formal dining room is located next door with seating for your entire party at its large table, warmed by the log burner set in a red brick inglenook fireplace. The living room lies through the kitchen at the opposite side of the cottage and is home to another log burner and cosy sofas.
The first of the four bedrooms can be found on the ground floor beyond the dining room, featuring a king size bed and an ensuite bathroom. The remaining bedrooms are all situated upstairs on the first floor, one of which features a super king size bed which can also be configured as twins, the second a fixed super king size bed, and the final a double. Each room is decorated in its own colour palette, including warm woollen blankets and crisp bed linen. A family bathroom serves the bedrooms on this floor and includes a spacious rainforest shower.
The Old Forge is detached from Wrays Cottage but lies just next door, fringed by sweeping lawns to the rear and side of the cottage and perfect for one or two members of your group who need a little peace and quiet. In the garden, a covered table and chairs on a raised patio enjoys more of those pretty river views – the ideal spot to enjoy a slow start to the morning.
Double glass doors lead into the inviting and open-plan kitchen, living, and dining space. The kitchen is complete with an induction hob, Belfast sink, and views out to the garden and is joined by a dining table with seating for four. At the far end of the room a sofa, ottoman, and armchair are upholstered in fine wool and botanical patterned fabrics, creating a cosy space to settle in front of the log burner.
Continue through the door to the left of the fireplace and enter the bedroom, where olive-green and cream wooden panelling elevate the surviving brick forge and chimney – now converted into a glass-topped side table. Crisp white bed linen and patterned cushions top the super king size bed and an ensuite bathroom lies next door, featuring a rainforest shower, leafy artworks, and a heated towel rail.
There are countless walking trails and bridleways to be explored from The Grocers’ Houses, so you can look forward to making the most of the unspoiled beauty and thriving wildlife of North Yorkshire. There’s also plenty to keep you occupied a little further afield, from the National Trust property of Nunnington Hall which is situated just quarter of a mile away, with its stunning gardens and calendar of exhibitions, to the region’s foodie capital of Malton and the racecourse and cathedral at Ripon. Browse the calendar and book your country escape now.
Property Layout
GROUND FLOOR
Wray's Cottage and The Old Forge are two separate properties under the same ownership and located next to each which can be booked together to accommodate 10 guests.Wrays' Cottage
Rear access door leads directly into snug with sofa and armchair, Smart television and a Bluetooth radio.
Open-plan kitchen and dining area, comprising of kitchen with Belfast sink, electric oven with an induction hob, integrated slimline dishwasher and small integrated fridge. Breakfast bar area with four tall chairs and an additional small kitchen table with seating for four.
Sitting room with two large sofas, one armchair, Smart TV with streaming services, DAB radio wood burning stove and writing desk.
Formal dining room with large table with seating for 8 guests, wood burning stove and bookcase.
Bedroom four with king size bed, bedside tables, chest of drawers and hanging hooks.
Ensuite bathroom with corner shower, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Family bathroom with roll top bath and integrated handheld shower attachment, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Utility boot room with washing machine/dryer, freestanding fridge/ freezer, microwave, dishwasher, Belfast sink and hanging hooks for outdoor clothing.
The Old Forge
Large glass door entrance to the cottage with bench seating and a hanging space for coast.
Well equipped kitchen dining area with oven and an induction hob, large fridge freezer, washer/dryer, slimline dishwasher and a dining table that seats four. A microwave in housed in the large kitchen cabinet.
Cosy seating area with a log burner with logs provided, large three-seater sofa, an armchair Smart TV with both Freeview and streaming services, DAB Radio and board games.
Bedroom one with superking size double bed, side tables, hanging space, chest of drawers, chair and feature. Hypoallergenic bedding is provided.
En suite shower room – with a corner shower with both a rainhead and handheld shower option, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
FIRST FLOOR
Wray's CottageBedroom one with super king bed, small built-in wardrobe and chest of drawers.
Bedroom two with zip and link beds which can be configured as a super king double or twin beds, hanging rail and chest of drawers.
Bedroom three with double bed, hanging hooks, chest of drawers.
Family bathroom with large walk-in shower with rainfall shower head and handheld option, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
OUTSIDE
The property is detached with gardens to the side and rear with lawned areas, stone-flagged pathways and raised deck area. There are views across the river Rye and the countryside beyond from the rear, and there is a covered store with additional logs available for guests.There is parking for up to five cars on the gated gravelled driveway, with additional parking available on the street or in the grassed paddock located 50m from the cottage.
Secure bike storage is available on request.
Floorplans
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Location
Situated at the foot of the North York Moors and just a short 12-minute drive from the picturesque market town of Helmsley with its handy Co-op store, mouth-watering butchers and delicatessen, and a variety of eateries and independent shops.
The property is also close to the vibrant town of Malton, known as ‘Yorkshire’s Food Capital' due to its fantastic range of artisan food producers. You will also find a host of independent retailers offering an eclectic mix of unique gifts, homewares, clothing and antiques centred around the pretty marketplace.
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway at Pickering is a 25 minute drive away and a great way to explore the vast National Park.
FISHING ON SITE
Local fishing can be enjoyed on the River Rye at Nunnington with a permit. For more information, click here.
Amenities
- Allows babies in armsUp to 12 months.
- Allows children1 - 16 years.
- Bath
- CotA travel cot is available on request. Travel cot bedding is not supplied.
- Dog friendlyTwo dogs are welcome in Wrays Cottage and one dog in The Old Forge (Ł30 fee per dog). Dogs must not be left unattended in the property and must not be allowed on the furniture. Please ensure that dogs are clean and dry before entering the cottage and all mess removed before departure.
- EV chargingRefer to Important Information for further details.
- Enclosed garden
- Fishing on site
- HairdryerA hairdryer is provided in each bedroom.
- HeatingOil fired central heating throughout.
- Highchair
- Linen & towels providedDuvets and pillows are hypo-allergenic 'Feels like Down'
- Open fire/Woodburning stoveLogs provided for the duration of your stay.
- Outside space
- Stairgate
- Wi-FiWi-Fi is available. Mobile signal is reasonable on most networks.
All Amenities
Dog Friendly
Important Information
An EV Charger is available for guest use. Charges apply. For safety reasons, please only use the dedicated charger for car charging at this property. Discover alternative electric vehicle charging points here.
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
Accessibility
Getting availability
The Little Things We Love
Spending sunny days together outdoors, from games on the lawn to walks along the riverside, before returning to the cottages for supper.Things to See & Do
Explore our map of recommended things to see and do in our regions and discover the best ways to spend your stay with us. Select the filters below to highlight everything from restaurants to local events, so you can start building an exciting itinerary around your holiday home with the support of our in-depth local knowledge.
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Beaches
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National Parks & Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
Rewilding
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Experiences
Inspired by the wealth of brilliant activities on offer in the North of England and the South of Scotland, we offer an exciting collection of experiences for you to enjoy while holidaying with us. From snorkelling with seals around the Farne Islands to barefoot pilgrimages to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, each experience has been drawn from our in-depth local knowledge and is exclusive to C&C guests.
Find out moreServices
With numerous additions to make your stay extra special, from doorstep deliveries of regional hampers and fine wines to daily housekeeping, the arrangement of dog sitters, and the organisation of chefs for special occasions, we have all the finest contacts to help make your stay smooth and enjoyable.
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