Bell Cottage

Tucked away in the delightful village of Bishopthorpe, 3 miles south of the walled city of York, this stunning property is an ideal base for friends and families looking to explore the beautiful and historic local area. Originally two cottages, this house dates back to the 1770s but the current owners have sympathetically and lovingly restored it to create a contemporary home that guests will find it easy to relax in. The village of Bishopthorpe boasts three pubs all within a few hundred metres of the property in addition to a selection of independent shops. The owners have also provided bikes for adults and children, so that you can get out and make the most of the local cycle network, including a route that takes you into York. If walking is more your style, the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is within 20 miles and it borders the North York Moors National Park, so there are plenty of walking routes and trails to explore. York itself has lots on offer as outlined below, but if you fancy venturing further afield, Yorkshire has plenty of bustling, market towns with tearooms, pubs and independent shops to indulge yourselves in, such as Pocklington (18 miles), Easingwold (18 miles) and Malton (24 miles).

Cool greys and whites have been used throughout the property to create a contemporary elegance, but traditional features such as the parquet flooring and brick fireplace are a nod to the property’s heritage. In the hall as you enter, there is plenty of space and storage for your muddy boots and wet coats.

Moving through to the open-plan lounge/kitchen/dining area, you will appreciate the feeling of light and space that has been created with skylights, patio doors and light walls. The lounge has a wood burner for those colder evenings; the kitchen is well-equipped; and the dining area looks out over the sunny courtyard. Open-plan living enables guests to spend quality time together, whether you’re cooking, eating or relaxing, but should you want to escape the hustle and bustle, there is a peaceful snug area with another wood burner across the hall.

As you head up the stairs to the first floor you can’t help but admire the arched feature window at the top. Once on the first floor, you will find the three bedrooms, two king-size bedrooms, one with en-suite shower room and WC, and one with an en-suite bathroom with shower over roll top bath and WC. The last bedroom is a twin, with access to the main bathroom with bath, separate shower and WC. Please note all bedrooms have Smart TVs.

To the front of the property, there is a large courtyard area with parking for three cars and bike storage. To the rear, there is a Mediterranean-style courtyard with white walls, a BBQ/pizza oven and the odd splash of colour from the well-chosen plants, including herbs for you to cook with.

Dogs are charged at £20 each per full or part week.

• 3 bedrooms - 2 king-size and 1 twin
• 1 bathroom, 1 en-suite bathroom and 1 en-suite shower room
• Electric oven and induction hob, fridge/freezer, microwave and dishwasher
• Utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer
• 4 adult bikes and 3 children’s bikes provided
• 2 wood burners (logs included)
• Electric and central heating included
• Off-road parking for 2 cars
• Wi-Fi included
• 2 dogs welcome
• Welcome pack on arrival
• Shop and pub within walking distance
• Smart TVs in lounge, snug and bedrooms
• Pizza oven/BBQ available

Only 3 miles away is the jewel in North Yorkshire's crown: York. We think it is one of the best short break destinations in England and is a favourite amongst even the most seasoned of travellers. This ancient walled city has been the North's spiritual capital for 2,000 years, but that's not to say it is stuck in the past; York's affluent population and its influx of tourist pounds have helped to create a cultural and commercial oasis. History seeps out of every cobbled street, but the crooked old buildings house a fantastic range of contemporary designer shops, cafes, restaurants and bars.

Everywhere in York is easily reachable by foot as this small but perfectly formed city houses most of its main attractions within the city walls. Middle Ages' town planning means it can take quite some time to get your bearings but finding your way around the labyrinth of warped streets is part of the fun. Make sure you take in York Minster, The Shambles, the Railway Museum and Bettys tea room whilst you're there.

If you are looking for outside space in which to relax, you have the choice of a number of parks and gardens, including Dean's Park next to the Minster, the Yorkshire Museum Gardens and next to the River Ouse, and slightly further afield, Rowntree Park with its children's playground, tennis courts and bowling green.

And what's more, it really is a year-round location. Summer days can be spent lounging in one of the gorgeous parks and in the autumn, York comes alive with shop windows sparkling in the dusky light. Its central location also makes a great base from which to explore the rest of glorious Yorkshire, with the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and Yorkshire Coastline all within easy reach for beautiful walks and adventurous days out.

If walking or cycling is your thing, there are lots of beautiful paths and routes in the area. If you fancy serious hiking, the North York Moors landscape offers some of the best trails in the country. If you don’t mind the drive, take a trip up to the top of the high moorlands around Blakey Ridge (47 miles) and breathe in that clear Yorkshire air.

Other attractions nearby include the York Maze: Europe’s biggest maize maze (9 miles), historic Castle Howard (21 miles) and Burnby Hall Gardens (18 miles).