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).