Do you know when different paths collide and through a
stroke of serendipity, you get to do two things you love at once? That’s what
happened recently when we were invited to stay at the beautiful Noelle’s Cottages in Pickering. As if spending time in Pickering at a beautiful country
cottage wasn’t enough, it just so happened that we also got to catch up with
some lovely friends of ours.
Pickering isn't a million miles from where we live but you
can just feel the difference within 15 minutes of leaving our village. The
undulating countryside of North Yorkshire is breath taking and the roads start
to wind, twist and climb high. The tree line gets more dense and the fluffy
white sheep multiply.
We arrived at Noelle’s Cottages with a mind to dumping the
stuff and getting out to explore but we were greeted by a property that
wouldn’t look out of place on Grand Designs. The Barn was all mezzanine floors,
vaulted ceilings, wooden beams and underfloor heating.
We set to work on taking
in every nook and cranny, from our large bedroom suite in the eaves, with the
most enormous bed. To the private wing at the other end of
the house that can be closed off from the large open plan space, complete with its own cosy log burner. The bottle of red wine left in the
kitchen was a nice welcoming touch.
We were told it was one of three very different properties
set within a couple of acres of stunning gardens. Curiosity got the better of
us, as usual, and off we went to find The Applestore and The Coach House.
The former being the archetypal country stone cottage. Boasting a gorgeous bathroom on stilts, it had picture windows looking into the
tree canopy. Unlike our very contemporary lodgings, it was more traditional
country casual decoration, with rustic wood everywhere and cosy plaid blankets
strewn over armchairs. It felt like just the place to while away several hours
with a good book and a cosy fire.
The Coach House oozed country charm as well and being more private than the rest had a dining
room with French doors that opened onto a private garden. I couldn’t help but think
it would be a lovely spot to gather the family for a Sunday roast on a cold
day. It would be perfect at Christmas, as the full clan could hire all three cottages and take
turns hosting. Absolute bliss!
After our nosiness had been satisfied (who doesn’t love snooping
around properties?), we made our way back to The Barn to freshen
up before dinner.
When we found out we'd be heading over to Pickering, we arranged to
meet up with some good friends for a natter and a bite to eat. They recommended
we visit the Fox and Rabbit at Lockton, which sits in an idyllic spot on the
edge of the moors. Honestly there are views for miles from the front of this
pub and I could just imagine sitting outside on a warm day. But it was bloody
freezing and windy, so instead we made our way inside to find a cosy watering hole.
The menu was small but adequate and
catered well for the children in our party. We heard that the sandwiches and
pies were the dogs whatsits, so between us I think we ordered one in every
flavour. It was so nice catching up and the conversation (and beer) flowed
easily until the babies declared it was time to leave.
We decided to head back into the centre of Pickering to pick
up some provisions and for a drink somewhere local. The Christmas lights were
still sparkling away above the quaint little shops, even though it was well
into the new year. Even the chemist was beautiful with immaculate window
displays.
After a wander through the compact but stunning town, we
popped inside the Bay Horse to warm the cockles. Noelle’s Cottages are on the
outskirts of town so rather than face the walk, I was DES and played taxi for the day. I knew I would get my just desserts once we were
safely back at The Barn and I was right. Once the baby was in bed, we lit the
fire and opened that bottle of wine that had been so kindly left out for us by
the owners.
The conversation continued into the evening and as the last
of the flames danced hypnotically, this very tired mama decided to turn in and
dive into that enormous squashy bed.
The next morning we woke early to a beautiful little baby face, all peaches and cream cheeks and wide eyed wonder, and opened the remote
controlled Velux blinds, which flooded the large open plan barn with light. Soon the coffee
was brewing and we freshened up in the luxurious wet room. Sadly I didn’t get
chance to take a dip in the huge tub but the littlest Inspiration did.
My baby girl has good tastes.
All three of Noelle’s Cottages were a country
dream and who knows, we may return one day to stay in one of the others. I know
lots of people do.
Before anyone had chance to get hangry, we called upon our
friends to suggest a meeting place for brunch and so we met at the lovely restaurant at the Steam and Moorland garden centre. All I needed to hear was that there are tiny
steam trains whistling around metres of track above your head whilst you eat and I
was sold. It was a whimsical brunch dream.
Oh and the breakfast
was good too. I went for a full Herbivore breakfast and the Carnivore hoovered up his
full English. Ever the sausage snob, it was high praise indeed that he wolfed
the lot down.
Feeling significantly rounder than when we arrived and our
heads full of imaginary tiny people, riding tiny trains, along tiny train
tracks, to tiny but amazing destinations, we stepped out into the frosty air and onto the icy path.
The group of good friends, with their littlies in
tow, hugged and nodded about what a fabulous weekend it had been. A weekend
where two great passions had fortuitously collided. Travel and friendship. And
really, what more does anyone need?
Have you stayed in beautiful North Yorkshire? Where are your favourite homes from home?
If you wish to stay at one of these beautiful properties you can book via AirBNB.
The Applestore
*We were gifted our stay in return for an honest review of the facilities but all opinions are objective and our own.
Have you stayed in beautiful North Yorkshire? Where are your favourite homes from home?
If you wish to stay at one of these beautiful properties you can book via AirBNB.
The Applestore
*We were gifted our stay in return for an honest review of the facilities but all opinions are objective and our own.
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