Guests say
Chapel Cottage in Stillington is a charming and cosy holiday rental, highly praised for its cleanliness, convenient location, and the warm welcome provided by the owner. Guests frequently mention the delightful touches such as homemade cake and local gin, enhancing their stay. The property is well-situated for exploring the Yorkshire countryside and is within easy reach of York. Despite its compact size, the cottage's comfort and thoughtful amenities contribute to a pleasant and memorable experience.
Guests consistently describe the cottage as exceptionally clean, with numerous reviews highlighting its spotless condition. The high standard of cleanliness is a recurring theme, suggesting meticulous maintenance by the owner.
The cottage's location is frequently praised for being in a picturesque village with good local amenities, including welcoming pubs and a village shop. Its proximity to York and other attractions in North Yorkshire is also appreciated by guests.
Many guests find the cottage comfortable, noting the quality of the beds and linen. However, a few mention the compact size of the property and the bathroom, which may affect the comfort level for some visitors.
The cottage is well-equipped with necessary kitchen utensils and has a pleasant courtyard. Some guests note the limited indoor dining space and the small bathroom facilities, but overall, the facilities meet the needs of most visitors.
The owner's thoughtfulness is a standout feature, with many guests touched by the homemade cake and local gin provided. While these gifts greatly enhance the experience, it's important to note that such personal touches, though common, may vary with each stay.
About this property
Chapel Cottage is a charming, Grade II listed brick cottage set in the heart of the village of Stillington, North Yorkshire, ideally positioned midway between York and Helmsley. Forming an annexe to the owner’s property, this former chapel house is full of period character and makes a wonderful base for couples or small families looking to explore the Howardian Hills and the surrounding countryside. Inside, the cottage showcases a wealth of original features, including beamed ceilings, quarry-tiled floors and a striking Yorkist range in the sitting room, where an open fire creates an inviting focal point during cooler months. The kitchen and bathroom sit neatly alongside these historic details, while the narrow cottage staircase leads up to two tastefully presented, country-styled bedrooms that reflect the age and charm of the building.
Stillington itself is a thriving village with a traditional green and an excellent range of amenities, including a village shop, a bistro, an Indian restaurant and a CAMRA award-winning pub renowned for its real ales. The village also benefits from a sports and social club with a bar, pool tables and darts, as well as live football screenings, including World Cup matches. For those keen to stay active, there are outdoor tennis courts, squash and padel facilities, and a network of walking trails that can be joined directly from the cottage door. A short drive brings you to the historic city of York, celebrated for its theatres, restaurants and wide range of attractions, with York Racecourse hosting fixtures from May through to September 2026 and the Christmas markets running from 12th November to 21st December 2026.
The nearby market town of Helmsley offers independent shops and an outdoor heated swimming pool, while more adventurous guests can seek out recommended wild swimming spots in the area. Within easy reach, visitors can also explore Castle Howard with its magnificent grounds and lakes, along with the atmospheric ruins of Fountains and Rievaulx Abbeys. Chapel Cottage is a delightful retreat at any time of year, combining historic charm with an enviable village setting, and easy access to some of North Yorkshire’s most appealing destinations.
The small, pretty village of Stillington is situated between York and Helmsley and has a Post Office/shop, pubs, Indian restaurant, fish and chip shop and antiques showroom. From the village, footpaths and bridleways lead to the surrounding countryside and Howardian hill, making the area ideal for walkers. There are many places of interest within driving distance including the Georgian town of Easingwold, Thirsk, Ripon, Harrogate, York, Malton and Helmsley. Other attractions nearby are the stunning North York Moors national park, wonderful abbeys, Castle Howard, the attractions and beaches in Scarborough and Flamingo Land Theme Park. Stillington is a perfect base for exploring this part of Yorkshire.
Accommodation
Two bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x single with truckle.
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC.
Kitchen/diner.
Sitting room with open-fire
LPG central heating.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, WiFi TV, iPod Dock, WiFi , selection of books, games and DVDs.
Fuel, power and starter pack for fire included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Travel cot and highchair on request.
Roadside parking outside property.
Enclosed courtyard with furniture and barbecue.
One well-behaved dog welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop and pub 0.1 miles.
Note: Property is suitable for 2 adults and 1 child or 2 adults and 2 children.
Note: Property is an annexe to the owner’s home
Nearby points of interest
- York Museum Gardens
- Flamingo Land
- Shambles
- Rievaulx Abbey
- Yorkshire Air Museum
- Eden Camp Modern History Theme Museum
Reviews (51)
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Gina
Other than that the cottageâs facilities were good & the local pub & village residents were very friendly & welcoming, especially the local shop, we will visit again!
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Helen
Lovely cottage in lo Ely village. Would deffo recommend.
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Simon
Don't be fooled by the main picture, it's the 'annex' on the first building, not the main double-fronted cottage. The village is in the middle of nowhere which is wonderful for the peace and quiet, but does mean a drive to get to anywhere else...