The Helmsley Retreat

11/06/2026

🛠️ Behind the scenes at Helmsley Retreat…

One of those jobs we’d wanted to do ever since buying the cottage was repointing the patio.

Over time there was very little grout left between the stones, which meant rain slowly washed more away and the area never looked as tidy or finished as we wanted it to.

Over the last couple of weeks we finally got it done and we’re so pleased with the result - it instantly made the whole space feel cleaner, neater and much more finished ✨

BUT… as often happens in life (and property ownership!) fixing one thing revealed another…

Without the gaps, rainwater suddenly had nowhere to drain and started sitting on the patio. So after chatting with a couple of builder friends and thinking it through, we came up with another solution - cutting a drainage channel and filling it with gravel to help the water escape.

Thankfully it worked a treat 🙌 and if anything… we think it actually looks even better than before.

Always improving, always learning, and always trying to make Helmsley Retreat that little bit better for our guests 💜

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09/06/2026

Absolutely lovely review from Beverly.

We're so grateful. It means a lot especially as Beverly has been previously and she can actually see like Before and After / new bathroom and a few other bits updated.

Thank you 💜

25/05/2026

Lovely place to visit when in Helmsley 😍💜

22/05/2026

That is a nice walk 💜

21/05/2026

🔆🔆🔆

19/05/2026

Unexpected availability for the last weekend in May 🌿

If you fancy a relaxing countryside break with hot tub, sauna, walks, great food, and beautiful Helmsley just minutes away, we’d love to welcome you to Helmsley Retreat.

Perfect for a last-minute escape to the North York Moors

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17/05/2026

We’re incredibly proud to share that The Helmsley Retreat has been selected to join the brand new James Collection by cottages.com ✨

The collection has been created to showcase a carefully chosen selection of holiday homes recognised for their quality, guest experience, design, and consistently excellent reviews.

Out of 41 properties across the Yorkshire Moors area, we are especially proud to be the only property in Helmsley selected for the collection 💜

Since taking over The Helmsley Retreat, we’ve worked so hard to create a relaxing and memorable place to stay - from the hot tub and sauna, to the little touches like welcome hampers, bathrobes, slippers and continuously improving the cottage based on our experience, constant learning and of course Guests feedback.

A huge thank you to all of our wonderful guests for your amazing reviews and support. It truly means the world to us and helped make this possible.

We’re excited for what’s ahead and look forward to welcoming many more guests to beautiful Helmsley.

Tom & Agnes

16/05/2026

13/05/2026

Absolutely thrilled with this review.

It's our 6th Airbnb review!

Thank you so much Carol for staying with us and for this lovely review. It means a lot. 💜