Alastair Sawday's Special Escapes: Self-catering in the UK

Cropton Forest Lodge Cottages

Cropton Forest Lodge Cottages, Stape, Pickering, Yorkshire, England

Forget any previous notion you might have of remoteness - this is is well off piste. All you hear is the wind in the trees and the comforting puff of the North Yorks Moors train, chugging from Pickering to Goathland. Huge imagination and care have been poured into this restoration. The cottages are a shop front for Ben's carpentry skills and Sue's designer eye, but nothing is prim. In Meadow's Edge Cottage, find quirky bric a brac, super fabrics, fresh flowers, plants, books and copious candles. Bedrooms are carpeted, beds are huge and well-dressed, there are views across the meadow to farmland and forest, and furniture is a zany mix of modern and antique. Tongue and groove bathrooms give a nod to the rustic but all is spanking new and deeply functional. Loll in front of the toasty wood-burner with a good glass of wine and a book, while somebody less selfish rustles up sustenance in a well-designed, beech-worktop kitchen. Wander outside and listen to the silence, and watch the darkness for twinkling stars - no light pollution here. Ben and Sue are on hand in the farmhouse opposite for basics if you run out: there's no local shop so bring plenty of food! Come for the great outdoors and the fantastic wildlife, and ask about walking and cycling breaks, which can be arranged for you.

Willow's End Cottage (sleeps 5) and Brock Cottage (sleeps 4) are also available.

Special Notices

Posted: Friday, January 1, 2010

This information has been provided by the owner or management of Cropton Forest Lodge Cottages and is not verified or endorsed by ASP.

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Details

Cropton Forest Lodge Cottages

Contact: Sue & Ben Blackburn

• Tel: +44 (0)1751 471540
• Fax: +44 (0)1751 471565
• Sleeps: 2-5 per cottage (13 in total).
• Rooms: Meadow's Edge Cottage (sleeps 4): 2 twins/doubles with shower rooms.Willow's End Cottage (sleeps 5): 2 twins/doubles (with showers), 1 single, 1 bath/shower room.Brock Cottage (sleeps 4): 1 double with shower room, 1 twin/double with shower room.
• Price: £300 – £675. Short breaks at 70% of weekly rate. 10% disc on 1 bed occ
• Closed: Rarely.

Checklist

• Dishwasher
• Electricity included
• Washing machine
• Microwave oven
• Central heating
• Mobile reception
• Television
• BBQ
• Beach within 3 miles
• Cooked meals available
• Restaurant nearby
• Short breaks possible
• Extra bed/cot available
• Shop within 3 miles

Points of interest

• Walking and cycling from the door, forget the car! Cropton Forest and the nearby Levisham Moor are `open access` areas. Take the steam train to Goathland, better known as Aidensfield in the popular series `Heartbeat`, just 2 stops away.
• Sightseeing - the moors and coast easily accessible, maps and recommendations available!
• Great food, including the acclaimed Star at Harome, The Fox and Hounds at Sinnington and several pubs serving great food within 25 mins drive.
• Visit historical houses and places- including Castle Howard, Nunnington Hall, Hovingham House, Duncombe Park, Riveaulx Abbey, York all within 45 mins drive.
• Find peace and tranquility with abundant wildlife, including red and roe deer, badgers, hares. owls, and buzzards to name but a few..
• Whitby, Robin`s Hood Bay and Staithes, all stunning coastal villages with long beaches ideal for blowing away those cobwebs..

This information is provided by owners and is not endorsed by ASP. If you have questions about it, please contact the owners.