Nestled below Scarborough Castle in the heart of the Old Town lies this charming 1712 cottage steeped in history and fantasy, a captivating blend of historical allure and modern comforts, peacefully located near key attractions and amenities. Once the holiday residence of the Bishop of York, The Anchor is also celebrated in a series of nine books, written by a former resident, as the home of the fictional character Agnes, a 300 year old very practical and friendly white witch, and her one eyed one eared cat, Marmaduke who time-travel through the ancient old town walls in the cellar, with stories of piracy and smuggling unfolding around them. Read all about their adventures on the bookshelves!
The property has been completely renovated in 2023, retaining original features such as the exposed beams, wooden ship style walls and support beams reclaimed from old ships. Step inside to a warm, nostalgic sanctuary. The ground floor features a living room with a decorative fireplace adorned with nautical touches. The adjoining dining room leads to a modern shaker-style kitchen finished to a high specification with integrated units, beckoning you to create delicious meals using fresh, local ingredients. The first floor houses a bathroom and two bedrooms; a spacious twin room and a kingsize room offering stunning bay views. The second floor hosts another twin room with sea views and an en-suite shower room, accessible via the bedroom or the games room, complete with a games table, board games, and a massage chair with glimpses of the castle walls. Each room promises a restful sleep with luxury mattresses and pillows. Wake up to the soothing sound of seagulls, heralding another day of seaside bliss. The enclosed courtyard at the back offers outdoor seating creating a private patio for relaxation. The Anchor is more than a destination; it’s a special experience, perfect for romantic getaways, family retreats, or solo adventures. This coastal haven promises a unique escape.
From The Anchor, a 4-minute stroll down the hill leads to the South Bay beach. Within easy walking distance are restaurants, wine bars, pubs and shops, as well as the castle and North Bay beyond. The route along the cliff top is part of the Cleveland Way walk ending in Filey. Scarborough boasts two very famous theatres: The Stephen Joseph Theatre, which is home to most of Alan Ayckbourn’s premiéres, and the open-air theatre, one of the largest open-air theatres in Europe.
The Anchor is a great base to visit the East Coast, with Robin Hood’s Bay and Whitby to the north, and Filey and Flamborough Head to the south. The RSPB bird sanctuary at Bempton Cliffs is a short drive away where in nesting season you can watch the puffins perched on the cliffs. York, an hour’s drive or a direct train ride from Scarborough, is a must-visit medieval city with its rich history, museums, and beautiful minster. Conveniently, the nearby Scarborough Market Hall is just a 5-minute walk away.

Wynbec Cottage has been restored in 2021 and furnished to an excellent standard with good quality fixtures and fittings. Guests will find that Wynbec Cottage is the perfect for a super staycation for friends and family or a special occasion.

Light and spacious, the lounge with relaxing corner sofa and Smart TV, leads into the stylish kitchen/dining area where the design is contemporary, with spacious grey Shaker-style kitchen with granite worktops, large central island with bar stools and all the necessary appliances for modern day living. The space is light and airy and inviting, with large bi-fold doors bringing the outside in. A large table accommodates the group comfortably, and a wall mounted TV provides your entertainment.

Upstairs, guests are well accommodated with good quality beds, mattresses and crisp bed linen. The kingsize master bedroom has an en-suite shower room with super double power shower; the double bedroom and family room share the family bathroom with high quality fixtures and fittings.

The village of Quebec has a welcoming community, with a lovely tearoom opposite serving everything from a hearty breakfast to afternoon tea, and an assortment of pubs within a mile all serving good hearty meals. Nearby, the village of Lanchester has a good selection of restaurants, pubs and shops, whilst the villages of Langley Park and Esh Winning have well stocked stores, butcher and bakery.

This is a great spot for walkers and cyclists with many established public footpaths from the village leading into the scenic countryside of County Durham. Close by, is the historic City of Durham, awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status, where you can visit the cathedral and castle or enjoy beautiful riverside walks, take a boat out on the river or a leisurely riverboat cruise. The Lumiere Festival takes place every couple of years in November and brings the city to life with live art, music and light shows in the open air theatre that the city becomes.

Visit the fabulous Kynren outdoor spectacle in nearby Bishop Auckland (but do book in advance). A little further afield but still within an easy 30-minute drive, guests will be able to take a day trip out to the popular Beamish Living Museum, see the famous Angel of the North statue in Gateshead, enjoy a day’s shopping at the Metro Centre and explore the vibrant city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The heritage coast is within an hour’s drive, making Quebec a perfect location.

As you enter the recently renovated Harbour Retreat, you find yourself in the downstairs hallway. The fully equipped kitchen is straight ahead and the open bright and airy living/dining area is to your right. The living/dining area leads out onto the pleasant enclosed rear garden via a sliding door, with decked area, hot tub and BBQ as well as part lawn with shrubs; a great area to sit out and enjoy the last of the sun after a long day at the beach! Upstairs is the family walk-in shower room and two bedrooms. One of the bedrooms benefits from a kingsize bed, the second bedroom is a double room but also has a pull out single bed, handy for if friends come to stay. The third bedroom contains bunk beds and is a great children’s room.
The property is situated just around the corner from Paignton Harbour where there are plenty of restaurants and bars to visit. There is also a beautiful small cove named ’fairy cove’ just a minutes walk towards the harbour and large park, and coastal walks at your very doorstep. Whether its spending a day locally or venturing slightly out to see what the beautiful English Riviera has to offer, Harbour retreat is a great place to start! Beach 5-minute walk.

Walking distance or a few minutes in the car and you’ll find the delightful fishing village of Aberdaron, with lovely cafés, pubs and local shops, it’s a perfect location for year round breaks. The nearest cafe is a 5 minute walk away. There are many unspoilt beaches to be found in the region, where seals and dolphins can sometimes be spotted a must visit just down the road under a mile distance is Whistling Sands known locally as Porthor.
Lively Abersoch is a short drive away. You are also within easy reach of Porthmadog home to the Welsh Highland Railway, Criccieth and Harlech are also only a short drive away where you’ll find the historic Castles of the area. No matter your interests from golfing, fishing, and adventure sports to nature and history, the magical Llyn Peninsula has everything to offer. Maximum guests 6 adults plus 1 child.

A well-positioned three-bedroom bungalow resting in Benllech, Anglesey. Hot tub. Sea views. Close to beach. Red Wharf Bay 2.1 miles; Bangor 11.3; Rhosneigr 18.9 miles.

Escape to the enchanting Ceredigion coastline and discover the epitome of seaside living at Great Tree House. This stunning bungalow, nestled within its own private grounds, promises an idyllic retreat with breathtaking sea views. Just a leisurely mile away lies the picturesque seaside village of Llangrannog, adorned with charming pubs, inviting cafés, and a sandy beach that beckons you to unwind. Great Tree House is not just a holiday home; it’s a haven of comfort, meticulously designed by professionals to offer you the ultimate West Wales experience.
Spread across one level, this beautiful property boasts two outdoor decking areas accessed via the bi-fold doors in the living room that provide the perfect vantage points for taking in the panoramic sea views. Imagine sipping your morning coffee or enjoying a barbecue dinner with the sun-kissed horizon as your backdrop. The extensive grounds are fully enclosed, making Great Tree House a peaceful haven for both children and your four-legged family members, should you choose to bring them along. Inside, you’ll find that no detail has been overlooked.
Great Tree House is beautifully furnished, exuding warmth and charm at every turn. It offers all the creature comforts you desire, ensuring your stay is as enjoyable as it is memorable. Whether you’re curled up by the fireplace with a good book or gathered around the dining table for a sumptuous meal, this holiday home envelops you in a cosy ambiance.
For those looking to explore beyond the confines of this coastal retreat, Llangrannog is just a short drive away. Here, you can indulge in the vibrant village life, sample local delights at the charming pub, stock up on essentials at the village shop, or bask in the sun on the sandy shores. The central car park makes accessing the village and beach effortless. But the wonders of Ceredigion don’t stop there. Venture further afield, and you’ll discover an array of day trip opportunities to vibrant towns like Cardigan, New Quay, and Aberaeron. Explore their unique attractions, enjoy fresh seafood, and soak up the rich local culture. Whether you’re seeking relaxation by the sea, exciting adventures, or simply a tranquil escape, this impeccably designed holiday property offers it all. Don’t miss the chance to experience coastal living at its finest.

A seafront cottage with breath-taking views near Shieldaig in Wester Ross in north east Scotland. Close to a beach. Enclosed garden. Remote. Shieldaig 0.3 miles; Torridon 7.8 miles; Strathcarron 18.9 miles;.

Tigh-nam-Muc is a stone-built cottage which forms part of an 18th-century farm steading. It represents ’the best of both worlds’, set in the countryside yet within very easy access of Edinburgh by bus or by car. The traditional exterior of the cottage is complemented by a comfortable, spacious and bright contemporary interior converted by architect Michael Gray. The cottage has four bedrooms, one with en-suite facilities. The open-plan kitchen, dining and living space provides bright, comfortable accommodation with an open fire and wood burner. There is a TV studio on an upper level from which there are tremendous long views to the Pentlands and the Lammermuir Hills. In addition to the en-suite bathroom, there is another family bathroom with additional laundry space. There is also a boot room for coats and boots at the rear entrance. The private garden which includes a barbecue and garden furniture provides a place for young children to play.

The county of Midlothian is home to countless castles, forts, country houses and gardens ready to be explored. The cottage is located in the countryside but is within 15 minutes’ drive of Edinburgh and its castle, historic centre and multitude of activities, restaurants and shopping. Rosslyn Chapel (featured in the Da Vinci Code) and Roslin Glen are within 1½ miles of the property. For those interested in outdoors and sporting activities, the Pentland Hills within the Country Park are within an easy walk of the cottage and Edinburgh’s reservoirs are available nearby for fishing. A few minutes’ drive away is Hillend ski slope (until recently the longest dry ski slope in Europe) where there are two main slopes for snowboarding, skiing and blading. There are also a dozen golf courses around Edinburgh including the new children and beginners course at Swanston Golf course. The world’s largest indoor climbing arena is 20 minutes’ drive away at Ratho, and fabulous East Lothian beaches and a number of swimming pools are all within easy reach.The Scottish Borders, Fife coastal villages or the delights of Stirling and Perthshire are all easily accessible and make for great day trips. Total guests up to 6 adults and 2 children. Beach 8 miles.

High Auchenlarie Cottage is a traditional Galloway cottage set amidst stunning scenery with far reaching panoramic views out over Wigtown Bay. Whilst maintaining its traditional exterior, High Auchenlarie Cottage has been modernised throughout, and lovingly and tastefully furnished and decorated. The two living areas are beautiful and both maximise the panoramic views. The sun room is the perfect spot for reading whilst the living room boasts a wood burner, perfect for those chillier evenings. The modern kitchen is extremely well equipped where you will find the highest level of appliances, kitchen and dining ware. All the bedrooms take in that stunning panoramic view, two on the ground floor and two on the first floor, all tastefully decorated and boasting luxury linen. An ensuite shower room and a shower room on the first floor. There are also and ensuite bathroom and a shower room on the first floor makes High Auchenlarie Cottage the perfect location for a family or group of friends to enjoying the wonders of this beautiful corner of Dumfries and Galloway.
Six miles from the cottage is the small village of Gatehouse of Fleet where there are a couple of convenience stores and excellent cafés and restaurants. This corner of Dumfries and Galloway truly is magical with many sandy beaches and rocky coves along the coast, while inland there are many countryside walks to enjoy. Nearby the Galloway Forest Park, known for its starlit dark skies, has excellent cycle paths. There is so much to see and do with castles, prehistoric sites and specialist gardens, thanks to Galloways’ mild climate.
Activities for children include the Cocoabean Chocolate Factory with its chocolate workshops and indoor and outdoor play areas as well as Farm Parks, and don’t miss a visit to the Dark Space Planetarium in Kirkcudbright, an attractive harbour town where you can also watch the fishing boats returning with their catch. A must while staying at High Auchenlarie Cottage and just a couple of miles away along the quiet country lane is Laggan, a brand new dining experience, Gather, which has a modern café dining culture featuring international flavours and dishes. The views whilst dining are sensational!

South Pusehill Cottage is a very well-presented holiday property with character features such as exposed beams and bespoke furniture and design. Although slightly rural with far reaching countryside views, the cottage is perfectly located for all the attractions and stunning scenery that North Devon has to offer, and is around 1½ miles away from the nearest beach at Westward Ho!, which is popular with surfers as well as sunbathers.
Westward Ho! offers an array of seaside amenities including some fascinating curiosity shops and a good range of restaurants and cafés, many of which are regularly visited by locals for their quality fayre. The beaches are a main attraction of this area for many, and the South West Coast Path also runs through the area. This is a must for keen runners and walkers! Swimming, surfing, canoeing, entertainment for all the family and fishing are all close by too. If golf is your thing, then you should visit the Royal North Devon Club which is nearby, it was founded in 1864 and is the oldest golf course in England!
The popular Tarka Trail can be accessed locally too, providing the unique opportunity to follow a disused railway line by foot or by cycle allowing you to enjoy some of Devon’s finest countryside and scenery while discovering the towns of Barnstaple and Bideford, where you can wander during the weekly pannier markets, with a host of local produce, quality cafés and crafts on offer. On your Tarka Trail journey be sure to visit the Fremington Quay Café for a tasty bite to eat and then the estuary-side village of Instow – where sunsets are a local treasure! And one place not to forget to visit is the world-famous village of Clovelly with its steep pedestrianised cobbled main street, traditional architecture, donkeys and views over the Bristol Channel. Be sure not to forget to visit Exmoor National Park with its magical night skies in Europe’s first ’Dark Sky Reserve’ and for a day with a difference take a trip across to Lundy Island, home to England’s first statutory Marine Nature Reserve due to its unique flora and fauna.