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The Old Chapel and Spa

Ruswarp, near Whitby, Yorkshire
Sleeps 8
Bedrooms 4
Bathrooms 2
Change Sat
No Dogs
5 star
Parking on site / nearby
Towels included
Quirky
Luxury
Games / Play facilities
Internet access
Open fire / wood burner
Enclosed garden / patio
Downstairs bedroom
Shop nearby
Pub nearby
Beach within easy reach
Spa facilities
Country houses
14 more

At a glance

  • Originally a chapel, the property marries contemporary design with traditional structure
  • The indoor spa is a treat with its sauna, Jacuzzi, underfloor heating, and two massage tables
  • The huge arched windows drench the fantastic open-plan living area in natural, uplifting light

Property code: OC-WA300

Located in the charming village of Ruswarp in North Yorkshire, this delightful former chapel has ample space for a family or group of friends. With a private garden and indoor spa, this home is the perfect place to relax in comfort. The small village of Ruswarp is a quaint village dotted with small shops, tearooms, and grocery stores. Children will love riding the miniature steam train here and boating on the River Esk. There’s also an award-winning butcher and bakery, so be sure to stock up on high-quality meat, cheeses, and bread. Ruswarp also possesses some excellent hiking trails and one that shouldn’t be missed is the 1.5-mile walk between Ruswarp and Whitby. For a day at the beach, make the 2-mile drive to Whitby Beach. After a swim, ride the lift up the cliff and enjoy spectacular views of the North Sea.

A great deal of time and attention has been poured into making this a comfortable home, and those with a taste for contemporary design will like the modern furnishings, ambient lighting, and striking mirrors on the walls. On the ground floor, you’ll find a handy boot and shoe room that leads through to a cool, sleek kitchen kitted out with modern appliances and a granite-topped breakfast bar. From here, a spiral staircase sweeps up the open-plan living area. Chapel windows, a working organ, and swathes of natural light create a tranquil ambience while leather sofas, bookcases, and feature clocks create a sense of elegant splendour. There’s a wood burner here too, to keep things toasty on cooler nights. Overlooking the lounge is an eight-seater dining table leading off to a snug room where children can kick back with a film on the Smart TV. A neat bedroom featuring a king-size bed is also on this floor. The spiral staircase continues up to a reading room and pristine family bathroom featuring a free-standing bath and shower while, on the top floor, you’ll find the remaining three bedrooms. All are light and airy and feature a mix of twin and super-king beds. The master suite also has its own bathroom with a shower. The real bonus lies on the ground floor where an arched door leads through to a spa room. Here you can spend time relaxing in the Jacuzzi or unwinding in the sauna. Afterwards, cool off in the rainfall shower or loll on a lounger.

While there is much to enjoy inside, the garden is also a peaceful spot. Enjoy a cool drink on the manicured lawn or dine al fresco at the covered table.

  • 4 bedrooms – 1 emperor bed, 1 super-king-size (zip-and-link, can be made into twins on request), 1 king and 1 twin (zip-and-link, can be made into a super-king on request)
  • 2 bathrooms - 1 en-suite bathroom with shower and WC, 1 family bathroom with bath and shower and WC, 1 separate WC
  • Access to this property is by car down Water Lane. Water Lane is an unadopted lane which also serves as a natural spring run off and can often be under water, the depth varying throughout the seasons. Guest should be aware that the approach is uneven in places and lane can be quite swollen after periods of heavy rain. Guests may want to bear this in mind, particularly if they have small/low vehicles.
  • Electric oven and hob, American-style fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave, coffee machine
  • Washing machine, tumble dryer in utility
  • Welcome pack, and complimentary bathrobes and slippers
  • Wood burner
  • TV with FreeSat and Netflix, surround sound bar, wireless headphones
  • Mobile phone signal is variable
  • Enclosed lawned garden
  • Private parking for 4 cars
  • Storage for bikes
  • Spa featuring Jacuzzi, sauna and rainfall shower
  • Shop and pub 300 metres, beach 2 miles
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • Sorry, no dogs allowed

James Ward

This property is personally managed by James.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 15 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 stars4.8
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.5 starsOverall equipment 4.5 starsOverall equipment 4.5 starsOverall equipment 4.5 starsOverall equipment 4.5 stars4.5
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 stars4.9
Overall location
Overall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 stars4.7

Reviewed by Cath 22nd May 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Beautifully appointed house. Great for a group of able bodied adults. Not suitable for young children or those with access difficulties due to spiral staircase.

Reviewed by Joseph 10th March 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

This "cottage" really fits the description of luxury. Everything was clean and the accommodation was suitable for all age groups. The location is stunning with easy access to Whitby and the surrounding villages. Watery Lane lives up to its name but this just adds to the charm. We look forward to being able to visit again. Thanks to the owners for cRead morereating this wonderful place. Hide

Reviewed by Louise 1st February 2026

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Great space perfect for relaxing away from it all. Easy to find and get comfortable with great and easy walks to Whitby. Amazing spa area which made every day that bit more chilled. Good internet access for the days we were working. Everything we needed to a decent break.

Reviewed by Deborah 5th January 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Great property comfy and plenty of space , the only issue was the angle and width of the entrance gate which made it terribly difficult to drive into the parking area , also the drive was very steep . The running stream was about 8 inches plus in places .you would need to be an experienced driver in snowy conditions. Its such a pity the owner doesRead more not widen the gates entrance , the property would then be fully booked . Hide

Reviewed by Claire 26th October 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The Old Chapel was a truly luxurious property, we really couldn't believe that we had found such a gem. Great location for exploring the local area, including delightful walks into Whitby. Fabulous local pub and butchery, which sells so much more.

Reviewed by Nicholas 12th September 2025

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

An attractive, quirky property, which was comfortable and well-equipped. It's based in a lovely, quiet village setting. Access to surrounding areas is good, and there is a small railway station a short walk down the road. Vehicle access to the property is via a narrow, rough, unsurfaced lane and the entrance to the property itself is tight. We manaRead moreged to squeeze our vehicle through the relatively narrow gates, with great care. Inside, the property has a spiral staircase serving all floors - bear this in mind if anyone in your party has mobility issues, or small children. There are some charming historical aspects about the property, which we enjoyed. Spa good, too. There is a good butcher's at the end of the lane, which always seems busy. We can certainly recommend them. Weather was very good and we enjoyed our stay. Hide

Reviewed by Janet 24th August 2025

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Reviewed by Jennie 11th August 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Well equipped, comfy a beautiful house recommend

Reviewed by Graham 29th July 2025

Guest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 stars

A return visit of ours to this beautiful chapel restoration. Unfortunately the holiday was spoilt by first the jaccuzi bath issues. This was exacerbated by the engineer who came to inspect the bath leaving the Spa floor flooded. Holiday cottages were great in helping out where they could but they could not solve the bigger issues I could only rRead moreecommend this cottage if the owner performs the necessary maintenance. Hide

Reviewed by Diarmuid 28th April 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The Old Chapel is a stunning property in a beautiful location. All of the bedrooms are fantastic especially the master bedroom with en-suite. There were 7 of us staying and the property had everything we needed. Parking was the only issue for bigger cars, so if there is somewhere nearby thats safe to park overnight, that would be helpful. The walk Read moreinto Whitby was easy from the Chapel and there was plenty of places to eat or drink, but if you want to stay local we had a great evening at The Bridge Inn. We would all highly recommend staying at The Old Chapel, you wont be disappointed. Hide

Reviewed by Claire 30th March 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Absolutely stunning Cannot fault the old chapel The pics dont do it justice Its just perfect See you again soon

Reviewed by Deborah 20th November 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Absolutely beautiful house. Thought of everything you would need. Very spacious, enough room not to be on top of one another.

Reviewed by Andrea 30th September 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Amazing place. Beds super comfy. The additions of Prosecco, biscuits, coffee pods were an added bonus. Wonderful stay would recommend

Reviewed by Christine 11th August 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

A stunning property, so clean and well equipped. The cleaner deserves 6*. Beautiful white towels, linen and very comfortable beds. The spa area is a plus and was lovely to relax in at the end of the day. The entrance to the chapel is up a very steep slope and through a narrow gateway and one of our vehicles could not get through it. The propertRead morey is quirky with a beautiful working organ - if you are musical take some music with you! Ruswarp is close to Whitby and it is a really nice walk of about a mile from the side of the property. Hide

Reviewed by Eileen 29th July 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Plenty of room both inside and outside. We had 3 children (13, 8 & 6) and they loved running round the very secure grounds.

13 more
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Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
Gorgeous Cottages is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.