Historic Houses
A selection of some of the fantastic Historic Houses within easy day trip distance of any of our cottages. This list is by no means exhaustive.
Castle Howard
10 miles from Pickering off the A64. The grandest house in the North of England, this spectacular 18th century palace was built by Vanbrugh in 1699. Known world wide as the location for Brideshead Revisited, famous for its collections of antique furniture, statuary, painting and porcelain Castle Howard is surrounded by 1000 acres of parkland with lakes, fountains, woodland gardens, rose gardens and the Temple of the Four Winds.
Duncombe Park
The only stately home within the North York Moors ©©al Park, 60 years a school, now restored to a magnificent family home by Lord and Lady Feversham. The original 18th century house was remodelled after a serious fire in the late 18 hundreds. Grand interiors and fine family pictures. Unique 35-acre, landscaped garden with terraces, lawns, superb trees, temples and fine views. A 400-acre park with way marked country walks. Exhibitions and events. Parkland centre, licensed tearoom, playground, nature reserve and orienteering.
Nunnington Hall
Large 17th century manor-house situated on banks of River Rye. With hall, bedrooms, nursery, maid’s room (haunted), Carlisle collection of miniature rooms.
Once home to the doctor of Henry VIII, Edward VI and Elizabeth I.
Unusual collection of miniature rooms with tiny furnishings and musical instruments.
Totally organic walled-garden, retaining a lovely 17th-century character. Fantastic changing programme of art and photographic exhibitions.
Burton Agnes
Standing between the church and the great 17th century house, now known as Burton Agnes Hall, stands the Norman manor house. It was built by Roger de Stutville in 1170 – 80 and, although now largely encased in brick work of the 18th century, there is original stonework in the north and west walls. Fantastic gardens, garden centre.
Harewood House
Harewood House, home to the Queen’s cousin, the Earl of Harewood, a wonderful day out for all the family. The House, with its outstanding art collections, splendid State Rooms and fascinating ‘Below Stairs’ exhibition, is set in spectacular grounds, which include formal gardens and gentle woodland walks. Harewood offers the opportunity to marvel at the collections in the House, explore the Gardens and Bird Garden, take a boat trip across the lake, while youngsters can enjoy the challenge and excitement of the Adventure Playground!
Beningbrough Hall & Gardens
This imposing Georgian mansion was built in 1716 contains one of the most impressive baroque interiors in England. Exceptional wood carving, an unusual central corridor running the full length of the house and over 100 portraits on loan from the National Portrait Gallery can be seen. There is also a fully equipped Victorian laundry, delightful walled garden and interesting sculptures in wood.
Hovingham Hall
Hovingham Hall is an outstanding example of Palladian architecture, designed c1760 by Thomas Worsley its owner, eventually replacing an earlier house on the site. The unique feature is that the house is entered through an enormous riding school where Thomas Worsley trained his horses, now used for concerts and other events. On the far (western) side, the windows of the hall look out onto the famous private cricket ground, where most of the greatest Yorkshire cricketers have played.
