Wrays Cottage
A Victorian stone cottage on Yorkshire’s Nunnington Estate, the historic character of this retreat is complemented by a beautifully designed interior. Formerly home to a Victorian blacksmith and wheelwright as well as the village grocer, today its wooden panelling, patterned textiles, and artworks which reflect the surrounding landscape create a luxurious spot for a dog-friendly escape. Plus, with the River Rye sure to appeal to lovers of fly fishing and the historic houses of Castle Howard and Nunnington Hall also lying within easy reach, it’s an exceptional base from which to explore the very best of the area.
Enter through the sage-green front door 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, handy for hanging coats and tidying away walking boots after a morning spent discovering the miles of local bridleways. You’ll also find the downstairs bathroom off the snug, where a roll top bath and botanical artworks create a soothing place to unwind.
At the heart of the cottage lies the welcoming country kitchen, where bar seating gathers around a wooden countertop and a farmhouse kitchen table is the perfect place for breakfast. The formal dining room is located next door, with a log burner set in a red brick inglenook fireplace and original wooden beams crossing the ceiling above. Elegantly styled with olive-green walls and bookshelves laden with antiquarian books, it creates the perfect atmosphere for a Sunday roast or a board game in the evening. The living room lies through the kitchen at the opposite side of the cottage, 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 smart family bathroom serves the bedrooms on this floor and includes a spacious rainforest shower.
Outside, lawns flank the rear and side of the cottage while the raised deck commands picturesque views across the river and surrounding countryside. There are countless walking trails and bridleways to be explored from the doorstep, so you can look forward to making the most of the unspoiled beauty and thriving wildlife of the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 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.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMODATION
For guests looking to holiday together but enjoy their own space, Wrays Cottage can be let in conjunction with The Old Forge (sleeps 2) by booking The Grocers' Houses (sleeps 10).
Property Layout
GROUND FLOOR
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.
FIRST FLOOR
Bedroom 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. Charcoal BBQ and one bag of charcoal supplied. 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 three 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
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.
- BarbecueCharcoal BBQ and one bag of charcoal supplied. Disposable BBQs are not permitted.
- Bath
- CotA travel cot is available on request. Travel cot bedding is not supplied.
- Dog friendlyTwo dogs are welcome (£30 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. Wood burning stove in the sitting room and dining room.
- 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
On The Doorstep
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On The Map
Nunnington, North York Moors, Yorkshire


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