The Old Vicarage

House information

Built in the 1880s for the Vicar, in the ironworking boom times in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors, the Vicarage has been lovingly restored to its former glory, retaining many of its original features (original sash windows, fireplaces, original doors and tall ceilings that create a wonderful feeling of space). The original house has been enhanced with the addition of a stunning orangery to make the most of the wonderful views from the elevated position at the edge of the village. The house is set in 2 acres of grounds on the edge of the pretty village, with stunning views from every window of the moors and green slopes of the Rosedale valley. There are 8 bedrooms: 2 king-size ensuites, 2 super king-size ensuites, 2 flexi ensuite rooms (can be set up as super king or twin bedded rooms) and two twins that share the family bathroom. There is ample parking with space for over 8 cars available and an electric vehicle charge point (fixed fee applies).

‘The Old Vicarage’ is a perfect destination to escape, relax and spend quality time with friends and family in a stunning location with plenty of space to spread out and take in the views. The house has 8 bedrooms, 6 with ensuites, a large family bathroom and a downstairs toilet. There is a large dining room (which comfortably seats all 16 guests), a lovely lounge, comfy snug with play-station, stunning orangery plus an indoor table tennis table in the converted garage. Outside there are 2 acres of enclosed gardens and grounds to explore, including a stunning decking area to dine outside and watch the world go by with uninterrupted views of Rosedale. A large gas BBQ for outdoor dining completes the outdoor living space.  

Guests will have exclusive access to the whole house and 2 acres of grounds the house is set in – a luxury retreat in an idyllic setting with beautiful views from every window. During your stay we can be contacted anytime by both phone and email to answer queries. There is wifi available in the house, plus Netflix is available on all the TVs in the house. Please note there is no mobile reception in the village but a phone is available in the house.

About the location

The house is situated on the edge of the beautiful Yorkshire village of Rosedale Abbey. With a local café, small village shop and tea room a short stroll from the house. “Graze on the Green” is worth a visit, providing freshly baked goods and a delicious breakfast and lunch menu. Towards the outskirts of the village, there are two pubs, both within walking distance. The “White Horse Farm Inn” offers stunning views over the village and beyond while also serving some very good pub grub!

The village is in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors and the scenery is breathtaking, a perfect setting to relax and catch up with family and friends away from it all.

Things to do

For activities and recommendations, we have a comprehensive guest book that highlights walks, local activities and restaurants worth a visit! There are many local walks right on the doorstep, including the Old Railway walk which starts at Chimney Bank and offers a stunning selection of views of the village and the whole valley. While Chimney Bank is a very steep hill there is parking at the top if you prefer a flatter walk!

Cycling enthusiasts will recognise the infamous Chimney Bank from the Tour de Yorkshire as it boasts the steepest public road in the UK at 1 in 3. The views from the top are epic, whether you walk, cycle or drive to the top once you get your breath back you will take in the best views in Yorkshire!

The village also has a 9-hole golf course which climbs the valley giving views over the village and Rosedale and golfers of all standards are welcome. For the more serious golfer, Kirkbymoorside (8 miles) offers a great challenge and matching views of the Moors. Further afield there are great golf courses in York, Whitby, Ganton and Scarborough to name a few.

Rosedale Abbey is rather isolated with a bus service that runs twice on Mondays only, making driving yourself the best option for transport.

The pretty market town of Pickering is 9 miles away and is home to both a Norman Castle and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (as seen on The Yorkshire Steam Railway) which operates steam trains to the Goathland and Whitby, both of which are worth a visit. Goathland is famous for being the home of Heartbeat, while the station was Hogsmeade station in the Harry Potter movies with sheep roaming the village. Whitby is the home of Dracula, Whitby Abbey and hosts many festivals throughout the year including the world-famous Goth Weekends.

Kirkbymoorside, Thornton le Dale and Helmsley are short drives away each picturesque North Yorkshire villages with interesting shops and cafes to while away the day enjoying the wonderful food North Yorkshire is famous for. There are several Michelin Star restaurants within an hour of The Old Vicarage – The Star Inn in Harome, The Black Swan in Oldstead, and Roots in York. Tommy Banks’ newest restaurant Abbey Inn opened in 2023 is likely to follow his other restaurants to Michelin status and is set in beautiful Byland Abbey, beside the ruins of the old Abbey.