The Wold Cottage

Rather grander than its name suggests, Katrina and Derek Gray’s Grade II listed Georgian manor house stands in large landscaped gardens within acres of farmland; the wildlife-rich woodland of the Yorkshire Wolds extends beyond. ‘An atmosphere of calm’ presides. Arrive to tea and home-made cake in the sitting room before heading up to spacious bedrooms traditionally decorated in country style. Some rooms have views of the grounds; all are stocked with thoughtful extras: garden blooms, a radio, chocolates, biscuits, waffle robes, cotton buds. ‘We always sleep well here.’ The hostess’s evening meals, perhaps accompanied by local beers, may be served by arrangement. Breakfast, with ‘a wide range’ of locally sourced produce, is taken communally. Expect home-baked bread, Yorkshire black pudding, bacon and sausages from the local butcher, tomatoes freshly picked from the on-site greenhouse. Children might enjoy playing at a mini version of The Good Life: they can feed carrots to the family pony, and meet the sheep (and spring lambs) on the farm. This is ideal walking and cycling country; the coast is nearby. More reports, please.